Allison Transmission announces new nine-speed auto

Allison Transmission has used the IAA Commercial Vehicle show to announce that it will offer its new medium-duty, fully automatic nine-speed transmission globally.

The company also said it has developed an electric hybrid system with purely electric extended range.

"Right now is an exciting time to be part of Allison and our industry as a whole," said David Graziosi, president and CEO of Allison Transmission.

"There is more rapid change in our industry and more Allison initiatives underway today than at any point during the last decade."

Allison said that with its deep first gear ratio and spread of ratios throughout the range, the Allison nine-speed transmission provides significant fuel savings as the gear train allows the torque converter to lock up early in first gear.

Additionally, the nine-speed includes an optional integrated engine stop-start system that provides immediate transmission engagement and vehicle hold while the engine is restarted.

The company said the nine-speed transmission is ideal for distribution trucks, rental and lease trucks, and school buses.

The Allison nine-speed has been designed to utilise the same vehicle manufacturer's interfaces as its six-speed predecessor, providing ease of integration into vehicles currently released with the Allison 2000 Series.

Allison also announced the expansion of its electrification portfolio that includes an electric hybrid system with a purely electric extended range of up to 15 kilometres. Ideal for transit bus and motor coach applications, the system features zero-emissions with engine off, including on approaching, during and leaving passenger stops.

Additional features include a higher energy Li-ion battery for extended engine off range, a smaller and lighter dual inverter with water ethylene glycol cooling for more efficient operation, and Increased Power Accessory II to improve fuel economy by using the hybrid system to power accessory components like air conditioning, air compressors and power steering.

"This hybrid with extended electric range builds on one of the most dependable and efficient hybrid-propulsion systems," said Graziosi. "With over 8,000 buses around the world using our system since 2003, Allison was a pioneer in electrification and remains a trusted brand."

The system is electric-only capable, but no electric charging infrastructure is required. Battery charging is accomplished via regenerative braking and engine operation.

The regenerative braking capability can extend the brake change interval by up to 350 per cent. The two-mode split parallel architecture improves fuel economy up to 25 per cent.