ZF launched its next-generation AXTrax 2 e-powertrain system for commercial vehicles during the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim, California.

The new axle is full-neutral capable, according to ZF’s Christian Feldhaus, head of commercial driveline systems, the Americas. This means it can be used in what Europeans call “sailing” mode — what we would call “coast” mode in North America.

“This is a coaxle design for both 6x4 and 4x2 axle configurations,” Feldhaus said. “And the full-neutral capability allows the truck to be easily towed without damaging the driveline. It also allows sailing for efficiency gains when driving at highway speeds.”

The integrated and modular e-powertrain system is a clean-sheet design intended for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles, Feldhaus explained. He said it is ZF’s latest e-mobility solution to help support the industry’s transformation toward a more sustainable future.

More on the ZF AxTrax 2

AxTrax 2 is an axle-based, fully integrated system, featuring a compact design to help maximize the available space for batteries and enhance manufacturer’s design flexibility for future vehicle concepts. It can be fully synchronized with key vehicle functions, including braking, advanced driver assistance technology and automated driving systems, to help enhance vehicle safety and efficiency. It also enables advanced digital and telematics systems via CAN bus to communicate and share e-axle system information.

AxTrax 2 platform is offered in two variants: AxTrax 2 with one e-drive, and AxTrax 2 dual with two integrated e-drives. AxTrax 2 will cover class 5-7 commercial vehicles with a single e-axle in a 4x2 or 6x2 or even up to class 8 with two e-axles in 6x4 configuration.

Both models of AxTrax 2 are designed to replace the engine, transmission, drive shaft, differential, and conventional axle to electrify a commercial vehicle. This line-up enables opportunities to reimagine commercial vehicle form, function, and architecture, enhancing aerodynamics, enabling automation, or adding battery capacity.

“Customers are under tremendous pressure to implement zero-emission technology, and our e-mobility kit allows them to electrify existing platforms, and develop purpose-built platforms, delivering superior total cost of ownership,” said Julien Plenchette, senior vice president, the Americas, Commercial Vehicle Solutions, ZF Group. “AxTrax 2 is a technology we are incredibly proud of and have been looking forward to offering to the North American market for quite some time."