Electric drive unit with a multi-speed transmission and method for transmission operation

A method for operation of a transmission system in an electric drive unit, comprising:

• transitioning between a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio via selective engagement and disengagement of a first friction clutch and a second friction clutch;
• wherein the transmission system includes:
• an input shaft rotationally coupled to each of a first electric machine and a second electric machine;
• the first friction clutch arranged coaxial to a first countershaft;
• and
• the second friction clutch arranged coaxial to a second countershaft and spaced away from the first countershaft;
• and
• transferring mechanical power from one of the first and second friction clutches to an output shaft that is spaced away from the second countershaft;
• wherein the transmission system further includes:
• a first gear that is directly fixedly coupled to the input shaft such that it rotates therewith;
• and
• a second gear that is directly fixedly coupled to the first countershaft such that it rotates therewith and directly coupled to a clutch drum of the first friction clutch;
• wherein the first gear solely meshes with the second gear;
• and
• wherein the first countershaft is positioned vertically above the second countershaft in relation a vertical axis that is parallel to a gravitational axis.