Electric drive axle with heat shield

An electrified vehicle, comprising:

• an electric drive unit configured to generate and transfer drive torque to a driveline;
• a skid plate coupled to a bottom of the electrified drive unit;
• an internal combustion engine disposed above the electrified drive unit;
• an exhaust system coupled to the internal combustion engine and disposed proximate the electrified drive unit;
• and
• an integrated heat shield and oil deflector disposed between the electric drive unit and at least a portion of the exhaust system, the integrated heat shield and oil deflector comprising:
• a lower end configured to couple to the skid plate;
• an opposite upper end disposed below the engine;
• a main body extending between the upper end and the lower end;
• and
• an oil deflector formed in the main body and configured to be disposed beneath the engine, the oil deflector configured to catch oil falling from the engine and direct the oil away from the electric drive unit and the skid plate,
• wherein the integrated heat shield and oil deflector is disposed between the electric drive unit and the exhaust system to facilitate preventing heat generated by the exhaust system from affecting sensitive electrical components of the electric drive unit.