ZF’s Reveals Next Generation e

May 3, 2023

Image: ZF

ZF took the opportunity to premiere its all-new AxTrax 2 electric axle platform at this year's ACT Expo. The integrated and modular e-powertrain system will be available for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles, with series production planned for 2025 in the U.S. and late 2024 in Europe.

"Customers are under tremendous pressure to implement zero emission technology, and our e-mobility kit allows them to electrify existing platforms, and develop purpose-built platforms, delivering superior total cost of ownership," said Julien Plenchette, senior vice president, Americas, Commercial Vehicle Solutions, ZF Group. "AxTrax 2 is a technology we are incredibly proud of and have been looking forward to offering to the North American market for quite some time. It is an exciting day to bring a portfolio of solutions to customers that supports the business case for electrified commercial vehicles."

AxTrax 2 is an axle-based, fully integrated system, featuring a compact design to help maximize the available space for batteries and enhance manufacturer's design flexibility for future vehicle concepts. It can be fully synchronized with key vehicle functions, including braking, ADAS, and automated driving systems, to improve vehicle safety and efficiency. Advanced digital and telematics systems can also be accessed by a CAN bus to communicate and share e-axle system information.

The new AxTrax 2 platform will be offered in two variants: AxTrax 2 with one e-drive and AxTrax 2 dual with two integrated e-drives, which will specifically cover Class 5-7 commercial vehicles with a single e-axle in a 4×2 or 6×2 or even up to class 8 with two e-axles in 6×4 configuration. Both models of AxTrax 2 are designed to replace the engine, transmission, drive shaft, differential and conventional axle to electrify commercial vehicles.

"ZF has more than 100 years of experience in the global commercial vehicle industry and 30 years in electric driveline technology. These products and designs reap the benefits of our extensive experience in vehicle electrification as well as high volume manufacture of electrification products," said Christian Feldhaus, director of Commercial Vehicle Driveline Systems, Americas, ZF Group.