Automotive supplier ZF has introduced the latest iteration of its electric axle drives, known as AxTrax 2, designed specifically for commercial vehicles. With production scheduled for 2024, these new drives are set to revolutionize the distribution and transportation industry, catering to vehicles ranging from distribution vans to 44-tonne trucks and trailers.
The AxTrax 2 comes in two variants: the standard AxTrax 2 offers a continuous power output of 210 kW, while the AxTrax 2 dual, equipped with two integrated electric drives, delivers an impressive 380 kW of continuous power, making it ideal for heavy-duty trucks. By replacing conventional components such as the engine, transmission, power take-off (PTO) shaft, and axle, ZF’s AxTrax 2 system electrifies commercial vehicles, significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
Notably, the AxTrax 2 can be utilized not only within the electric vehicles themselves but also on semi-trailers, effectively transforming them into eTrailers. In this configuration, the AxTrax 2 has the ability to recover electrical energy during braking, storing it temporarily in a battery. This stored energy can then be utilized by the electric axle to support the truck’s propulsion, reducing fuel or energy consumption and enhancing the overall efficiency of the truck-trailer combination. ZF emphasizes that this energy recuperation also contributes to improved safety.
One of the key advantages of the AxTrax 2 is its compact design, as all essential driveline components are integrated directly into the axle. This eliminates the need for additional installation space within the vehicle, allowing manufacturers to allocate the extra room to enlarge cargo or passenger compartments or accommodate additional batteries. This design flexibility is crucial for future vehicle concepts. Furthermore, the new drives seamlessly synchronize with essential vehicle functions, including braking, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and automated driving systems, enhancing both safety and efficiency. The AxTrax 2 can also exchange system information with digital and telematics systems through the CAN bus.
ZF’s comprehensive commercial vehicle product range now includes the second-generation central drives (CeTrax 2), the second-generation axle drives (AxTrax 2), and various individual components for electric vehicles (EVs). Just over a year ago, ZF introduced the CeTrax 2, and it has since been successfully integrated into commercial vehicles, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing customers with a modular electric drive kit that suits a wide range of vehicle types, from last-mile delivery vans to heavy-duty trucks.
Winfried Gründler, head of the Powertrain Systems product line in ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, highlights the significance of ZF’s offerings, stating, “With our modular electric drive kit, ZF can provide customers with everything they need to electrify their commercial vehicles from last-mile delivery vehicles up to 44-ton trucks. Further extending ZF’s unrivaled ‘one-stop-shop’ for commercial vehicle electrification, ZF’s broad product portfolio, combined with extensive Group-wide expertise, enables the delivery of cost-efficient products that are designed to keep the total cost of ownership low.”
While ZF’s advancements in the commercial vehicle sector are impressive, the company has also made notable strides in the passenger car market. Recently, they showcased an 800-volt drive and an in-house developed central thermal management system for electric vehicles in a concept car based on the Porsche Taycan, further solidifying ZF’s commitment to innovative electric mobility solutions.
