Bolt-in e-axle for trucks

An electric axle that can be retrofitted to medium and heavy-duty trucks has been unveiled by Allison Transmission at the Advanced Clean Technology expo in California.

The AXE Series axle uses an electric powertrain integrated inside a standard commercial truck frame axle. The system can use one or two motors and includes a two-speed gearbox, oil coolers, pumps and electronics.

Allison Transmission president David Graziosi says the AXE Series is leading the transformation of the commercial vehicles to electric powertrain solutions.

"The AXE Series is the first e-axle in the heavy-duty truck industry to provide this level of power density, size and simplicity," he said.

"We take tremendous pride that our solution is one of the most efficient and powerful systems ever to be developed for commercial trucks."

The system integrates one or two high-speed electric motors and a multi-speed transmission, eliminating the need for additional driveshafts and support structures. A dual-motor axle has a continuous power of 536hp (400kW) and peak output power of 738hp (550kW).

A tandem-axle configuration is also available for these vehicles. The system can handle 100 per cent torque in regenerative braking. The complete integration of the AXE Series delivers increased efficiency and best-in-class continuous power through superior internal cooling.

Allison says the AXE Series e-axle is a bolt-in solution for trucks ranging from garbage haulers to school buses and delivery vehicles.