The present book explains and implements functional integration using the example of an electric drive in mobile working machines. Until now, functional integration has not been applied in mobile working machines. The drive types of mechanics, hydraulics, and electricity have been compared and evaluated according to various assessment criteria.

The state of the art regarding electric drives in agricultural machinery has been thoroughly researched and described from their first use in the 19th century to the present day.

With established and calculated complexity costs, the complexity of an electric drive train can be estimated in comparison to the conventional mechanical drive train during the concept phase. The functionally integrated electric drive was compared in the test bench and laboratory with the state of the art and with data collected in the field. The advantages of functional integration of electric drives include better power density and power-to-weight ratio. However, the higher design effort and the currently high material costs for electric drives are seen as disadvantages.