Meritor Launches 14Xe Electric Powertrain Production
Meritor Blue Horizon’s new 14Xe all-electric powertrain is now under production and available for sales for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
Meritor says the 14Xe is the only integrated electric powertrain in production for Class 8 trucks in North America.
Photo: Meritor
Meritor Blue Horizon’s new 14Xe all-electric powertrain is now under production and available for sales for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
The 14Xe ePowertrain is a fully integrated, all-electric drive system. Meritor says it is the only integrated electric powertrain in production for Class 8 trucks in North America.
The 14Xe ePowertrain produced at Meritor's manufacturing facility in Asheville, North Carolina, is based on Meritor's 14X axle housing, which maintains existing axle mounting hardware for easier OEM integration. The modular design allows for the interchangeability of key components, including electric motors, transmissions, gearing, brakes, wheel ends and housings, to adopt to customer specifications. It can be adapted to fit various powertrain needs based on vehicle application and duty cycle spanning Class 5-8 commercial vehicles.
By building the electric powertrain on its existing 14X axles, Meritor made the 14Xe easier for truck makers to integrate.
Photo: Meritor
As HDT reported earlier this year, the axle is now the powertrain. Meritor officials explained in February that the company has taken the 14X from a basic drive axle, which received power from the powertrain and translated it to the ground, to now actually powering the truck. Meritor integrated a power-dense motor and a multi-speed transmission and nested it into the carrier of the axle so it fits within the existing suspension profile.
Meritor highlights the integration in this video:
It's Everywhere
Meritor also announced more OE deals for the new electric powertrains. It will supply its Blue Horizon 14Xe ePowertrains to Hexagon Purus for a near-term development program with the intention of taking the program to production. Meritor's ePowertrain will be used in two different hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle applications in North America. These applications include a Class 8 drayage truck and yard hauler. This announcement follows Hexagon Purus and Meritor partnering to integrate the 14Xe ePowertrain into Hexagon Purus' Class 6 and Class 7 trucks and Class 8 (6x4) vehicles
Meritor also will provide the 14Xe powertrains for the next generation all-electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley school bus from Thomas Built Buses. This is Meritor's first electric vehicle production award with a Daimler Trucks North America brand. The intended agreement will span five years and is expected to start in January 2024.
And it will provide zero-emission battery-electric drivetrain technology to Paccar for the SuperTruck 3 program.
More Equipment
Atlas Expands Kodiak Driverless Truck Fleet in Permian Basin
Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding autonomous frac sand hauling in the Permian Basin with a second load-out location and plans for 100 driverless trucks by mid-2027.
Read More →
Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test
A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.
Read More →
Mack, Volvo Expand DEF Derate Software Updates
The updated software gives Mack and Volvo truck owners more time to address DEF-related issues before the engine derates or the vehicle goes into reduced-speed inducement, following new EPA guidance.
Read More →
Rush, MCT Team Up to Grow Refrigeration Service Network
The joint venture will operate MCT's network of Carrier Transicold dealerships and mobile service locations, with the companies promising greater service capacity and uptime for refrigerated fleets.
Read More →
Cummins Adjusts 2027 Engine Rollout After EPA Proposal
The engine maker will gradually introduce its new Model Year 2027 diesel engines while continuing to offer current models during the transition, citing the EPA's proposed emissions rule changes.
Read More →
Aurora Rolls Out Next Generation of Driverless Trucks for Commercial Freight
Aurora's latest autonomous trucks it's rolling out with International feature lower-cost hardware designed for a million miles as the company expands commercial driverless freight operations across the U.S. Sun Belt.
Read More →
Peterbilt 589 Spotlight: A Close Look at a Custom Working Truck [Video]
There's more to this customized Peterbilt Model 589 and Great Dane refrigerated trailer than chrome and stainless (although there's plenty of that too!) A veteran driver explains the design choices and practical features behind this working truck.
Read More →
Continental Expands Retread Lineup With New ContiTread HDL 5 EP
New long-haul drive retread is designed to improve fuel efficiency, extend tread life, and lower fleets' cost per mile.
Read More →
EPA Proposal Could Ease 2027 Truck Costs and Buying Uncertainty
The proposal doesn't change the tougher NOx standard, but it would revise key implementation requirements that manufacturers say have driven up costs and complicated fleet purchasing decisions.
Read More →
Cummins, Paccar Ease DEF Derates After EPA Guidance
Updated diesel engine software gives truck operators more time to address emissions-system issues while staying compliant with EPA emissions standards.
Read More →