Inter-axle differential and method for operation of said inter-axle differential

A vehicle system, comprising:

• an electric motor coupled to a clutch assembly in a locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential, wherein the inter-axle differential is coupled to a first axle and a second axle, wherein the clutch assembly selectively disengages the locking mechanism, and wherein in a disengaged configuration the locking mechanism permits speed differentiation between the first and second axles;
• and
• an electromagnetic motor brake coupled to the electric motor and configured to selectively apply a brake torque to the electric motor, wherein the electric motor is configured to actuate the clutch assembly;
• wherein the clutch assembly includes a ball ramp actuator configured to selectively engage and disengage a plurality of friction plates;
• and
• wherein a portion of the plurality of friction plates are rotationally coupled to a clutch configured to engage and disengage a gear on an input shaft.