ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) has unveiled its next-generation AxTrax 2 LF low-floor electric axle for city buses at Busworld 2023. The new axle is designed to offer optimised performance and efficiency for battery electric, fuel cell, and trolley buses.
AxTrax 2 LF features a compact and light system with integrated electric wheel hub drive. It is also equipped with two stand-alone silicon carbide (SiC) inverters and a high-performance electric control unit, providing an all-inclusive e-drive system for the city buses.
The new axle is available in two variants, offering continuous power outputs of 348.6 bhp and 482.7 bhp and peak torques of 22,700 Nm and 37,300 Nm. With the more powerful variant, it is possible to achieve a climbing ability of 20%, even for articulated buses of up to 29 tonne with one driven axle.
Winfried Gründler, Driveline Systems Product Line Leader, ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions division stated, “AxTrax 2 LF represents the latest step in ZF’s support for commercial vehicle manufacturers towards the transition to zero emissions technologies. Whether it is complete turn-key systems or components, ZF has the one-stop-shop capabilities to help electrify manufacturers’ vehicle platforms worldwide.”
AxTrax 2 LF also offers up to 10% energy savings compared to the previous generation, making it an ideal solution for city buses with frequent stop-start nature and relatively lower average speeds.The company said the new axle is fully compatible with its air suspension and wheel-end solutions. It also benefits from its extensive experience in producing cutting-edge functions such as axle condition monitoring and cyber security.
AxTrax 2 LF is scheduled to enter series production in 2025.
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