Dana Introduces Spicer Electrified e-Transmissions for Medium-Duty EVs

Dana is expanding its Spicer Electrified e-Powertrain offerings to include a family of e-transmissions for a variety of medium-duty electric-vehicle applications.

Accommodating a gross vehicle weight rating up to 59,500 pounds, the Zero-6 e-Transmission series will be available in two models, the eS4700t and the eS7900t, offering 4,700 and 7,900 Nm of output torque, respectively.

The new e-Transmission accommodates a diverse range of medium-duty applications, such as straight trucks, walk-in vans, refuse trucks, utility trucks, platform trucks, and more.

The technology will launch on a global electric vehicle platform in early 2024.     

“Dana commercial vehicle propulsion technologies can now be found on over 37,000 vehicles and have generated over 2.8 billion customer miles,” said Ryan Laskey, senior vice president, Dana Commercial Vehicle Drive and Motion Systems, during an ACT Expo press conference in Anaheim, California. “We understand that every application is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for commercial vehicles.”

Spicer Electrified Zero-6 e-Transmissions

Spicer Electrified Zero-6 e-Transmissions optimize operating range and vehicle performance for applications ideally suited to a central drive e-Propulsion system with a conventional axle and driveshaft layout.

By taking advantage of its in-house capability for motors, inverters, gearing, clutches, thermal management, and software solutions, Dana said this is a true integrated system.  The new e-transmissions, according to a news release, have “been engineered to provide the highest level of efficiency and performance with maximum startability, gradeability, and road speed.”

Key features include:

• Dana high-efficiency motor and integrated inverter system, with silicon carbide technology and MOSFET (power modules, providing peak performance and simplified installation in the vehicle through the elimination of high-voltage phase cables.
• An electromechanical actuation system, with patented Dana Graziano clutch design, to maximize shift smoothness and efficiency.
• An optimized three-speed system with Ravigneaux gearing designed to seamlessly integrate Dana motor technology, offering maximum power density and productivity without compromise across a wide range of vehicles.
• Dana OpenECU platform, leveraged across all Dana e-Propulsion technologies, to deliver next-generation control software, functional safety readiness up to ASIL C, and compliance with the latest vehicle cybersecurity engineering standards.

The Zero-6 currently holds six patents for advanced design, including a unique shifting method and arrangement, exclusive lubrication methods, and a design for manufacturability.

“Dana’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions for clean transportation is reinforced by the development of Zero-6 e-Transmissions,” said Ryan Laskey, senior vice president of Dana Commercial Vehicle Drive and Motion Systems. “This new technology is a significant step towards further electrifying the medium-duty commercial vehicle market.”

With reporting from Jack Roberts