Allison Unveils E-Axle Propulsion for Heavy-Duty Trucks

Allison Transmission has unveiled an electrified e-axle system for medium-and heavy-duty trucks, a fully integrated electric powertrain system designed to fit inside a standard frame along the axles of commercial trucks. The AXE Series features electric motors, a 2-speed gearbox, oil coolers and pumps. The offering also includes power electronics for a complete powertrain solution.

Allison officials said it is “the first e-axle in the heavy-duty truck industry to provide this level of power density, size and simplicity,” said David S. Graziosi, Allison Transmission president and CEO.

The unveiling came just a day after Allison announced it was acquiring the electric vehicle systems division of AxleTech of Troy, Michigan, and in fact the products were developed by AxleTech. In March, AxleTech talked to reporters about its work focusing on commercial vehicle electrification.

The Allison AXE Series has a 1-million-mile design life for medium- and heavy-duty 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 536 hp (400 kilowatts) and peak output power of 738 hp (550 kilowatts). A tandem axle configuration is also available. The system can handle 100% torque in regenerative braking. The complete integration of the AXE Series delivers increased efficiency and continuous power through superior internal cooling, according to the company.

The AXE Series electric powertrain will be integrated in Peterbilt’s Model 579EV electric Class 8 truck for evaluation and testing. As a result, the truck features 1,475 hp (1,100 kilowatts).

The AXE Series is available in single and dual motor options to package the entire electric powertrain inside a standard frame that exists in almost every global commercial truck, including refuse trucks, school buses, and drayage and delivery trucks. This allows the e-axle to be a bolt-in solution by design, for efficiency in the installation process.

Allison also unveiled a compact electric propulsion solution for low-floor bus applications. It said the ABE Series is the first e-axle advanced ultra-low floor electric bus powertrain system in the market.