ZF presents new axle for electric buses

The supplier will showcase its new electric axle drives at the Busworld 2023 in Brussels. It is said to optimise performance and efficiency of battery electric, fuel cell and trolley buses.

ZF presents the next generation of its electric axle drives for public transportation at the Busworld 2023 in Brussels. The new AxTrax 2 LF is specifically designed for low-floor city buses. Series production is scheduled to kick off in 2025.

The AxTrax 2 LF will be offered in two variants with continuous power outputs of 260 kW and 360 kW and peak torques of 22,700 Nm and 37,300 Nm. Both variants fit in the same installation space as the predecessor AxTrax AVE. The new axle is thus “fully compatible with ZF’s air suspension and wheel-end solutions.”

Both variants have an integrated electric wheel hub drive and offer single-speed operation, making it suitable for city buses that generally drive at lower speeds and make frequent stops. The more powerful variant (360 kW) is said to provide buses with a climbing ability “of 20 per cent even for articulated buses of up to 29 tons with one driven axle.”

ZF’s new AxTrax 2 LF was developed by the company’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division. It “comes with two stand-alone silicon carbide (SiC) inverters and a high-performance electric control unit, offering an all-inclusive e-drive system for city buses,” ZF writes, adding that the compact design maximises the available space for passengers or batteries.

Earlier this year, ZF introduced the AxTrax 2 for commercial vehicles, suitable for distribution vehicles up to 44-tonne trucks and trailers. This version will go into series production in 2024.

“Adding AxTrax 2 LF to our comprehensive range of electric powertrains is a powerful expansion of our game-changing scalable and modular e-Drive kit,” said Winfried Gründler, Driveline Systems Product Line Leader with ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division. “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.”

zf.com