Hyliion has emerged as an early leader in the race to viable Class 8 electric truck technology. And now, Dana Incorporated has announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Hyliion Incorporated. 

Dana is taking an equity position as a lead investor in the company, according to a release. As part of that agreement, Mark Wallace, president of Dana Commercial Vehicle Driveline Technologies, will become a member of Hyliion's board of directors. Under the agreement, Dana becomes Hyliion's source for traditional driveline components, as well as fully integrated e-Axles – which include motors, inverters, controls, gearboxes, and thermal-management technologies. 

Dana says the investment in Hyliion is another step in a series of strategic transactions the company is making to position itself as the leader in e-propulsion. 

Hyliion, founded in 2015, develops intelligent, electric-hybrid architectures for Class 8 vehicles that can be installed on new trucks or retrofitted on existing trucks, essentially turning a traditional 6x2 truck into a 6x4 hybrid. The Hyliion 6X4HE features the company's proprietary machine learning algorithms and battery technology to optimize fuel savings and vehicle performance for reduced emissions and what it says is a better driver experience.

"Dana's investment in Hyliion continues to expand our growth and leadership in electrification across all vehicle segments and partners us with a front-runner in the hybridization of Class 8 vehicles for fleets ready to adopt electrified vehicles today," Mr. Wallace said.  "Together with Hyliion, we have a unique opportunity to develop long-haul solutions that revolutionize power conveyance and support fleets in meeting their efficiency goals, while simultaneously advancing decarbonization efforts."

With its investment in Hyliion, Dana is positioned to supply customers with complete hybrid systems through Hyliion's intelligent electric-hybrid controls, proprietary battery technology, and integration capabilities, along with Dana's offering of:

• Spicer Electrified e-Axles

• TM4 motors, inverters, and power electronics

• Long thermal-management solutions 

• Auxiliary system motors through Dana's acquisition of SME Group

• Traditional Spicer axles and driveshafts 

"Dana's wealth of knowledge and extensive strategic experience in the commercial-vehicle market creates a dynamic combination for our Class 8 hybrid platform," said Thomas Healy, CEO of Hyliion. "We are excited to be joining forces to offer a go-to-market solution for fleets seeking e-propulsion technologies available today in the Class 8 segment."

Additionally, per the new agreement, Dana's established field service specialists will work together with Hyliion's team to jointly call on fleets throughout North America.