A compact drive unit is predominantly intended for traction vehicles, especially for rail vehicles. This invention allows significant reduction of volume and weight of drive units. The drive unit comprises high-speed electrical motor (1) with passive cooling, which is supplied by power electronics converter (2), whose rotor is supported by bearings (3) along with pinion gear (4) of the input spur/helical gear (5). The output shaft (6) of the gear (5) is a part of the next following gear (7). Output shaft of this gear (7) can be connected either directly or by using the coupling (12) to the axle (8) of the traction vehicle, or to the wheel (9). Alternatively, in case the higher transmission ratio is required, it can be connected to another gears (10), where the output shaft of the gears (10) is connected to the wheel (9), or to the axle (8) of the traction vehicle directly or by using the coupling (12). The drive unit can be equipped with brake (13).