ZF's AxTrax 2 Low-Floor (LF) electric axle for city buses will be showcased for the first time publicly in North America at APTA EXPO 2023. The new axle represents ZF’s latest e-mobility solution to support the commercial vehicle industry’s transformation towards a more sustainable future. The series production of AxTrax 2 LF is set to commence in 2025.
“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 Vice President of Commercial Vehicle Driveline Systems, Americas for ZF Group Christian Feldhaus. “In addition to extending our bus technology portfolio, AxTrax 2 LF represents the latest step in ZF’s support for commercial vehicle manufacturers towards the transition to zero emission technologies. Whether it is components or complete turn-key systems, ZF has a wide range of solutions to help electrify manufacturers’ vehicle platforms worldwide.”
Highly efficient and powerful, AxTrax 2 LF is available in two variants. These offer continuous power outputs of 260 kW and 360 kW and peak torque of 16,740 lb-ft and 27,500 lb-ft respectively. With the more powerful variant, it is possible to power articulated buses up to 64,000 lbs with one driven axle as a 6x2 configuration. Both models feature two integrated electric Permanent Magnet Synchronous motors, as well as two separate 800V silicon carbide inverters.
Compared to its predecessor, AxTrax 2 LF offers up to 10 percent energy saving and is well suited for the frequent stop-start nature and relatively low average speeds of city bus journeys. Its new oil cooling system adapts the oil flow rate to help maximize efficiency, optimizing operating temperature and lubrication.
