AxleTech Introducing Off-Highway Electric Powertrains

Responding to what it calls a race to electrification spanning both commercial vehicles, as well as off-highway equipment, AxleTech has launched its new AFE Series e-axle, a line of electric powertrain systems for off-highway and specialty applications, at Bauma in Munich.

The AFE Series electric e-axle features a new modular eCarrier system and integrates interchangeable water/glycol cooled motors and a single-speed, two-speed or four-speed gearbox into a system that is designed to fit into existing vehicle configurations and displace a traditional powertrain.

AxleTech is at booth A3.419 at Bauma

Axletech said the AFE e-axle system is compatible with full battery electric vehicles, fuel cell range extender electric vehicles, internal combustion engines or turbine generator range extenders. It has motor continuous power of 268 hp (200 kW) and peak motor power of 389 hp (290 kW). The AFE e-axles also are engineered to handle 100 percent regenerative braking.

Axletech said the system’s high torque with manageable power is aided by the new modular eCarrier system, which provides efficiency by using the electric motors at their optimal operating level. The new eCarrier system replaces the existing conventional carrier on many AxleTech axle models, including the 120, 145, 160, and 180 Series.

Bill Gryzenia, CEO, AxleTech said, “the AFE Series e-axle is designed to withstand the heavy loads, extreme demands, and potential rough terrains that vehicles such as rail car movers, lift trucks, terminal tractors, and dump trucks encounter. This is the first of several electric powertrain solutions we are launching for the commercial vehicle industry.”

At the ACT Expo April 23-26 in Long Beach, California, AxleTech plans to introduce additional electric vehicle products including an electric powertrain for Class 6 through 8 trucks, as well as an electric powertrain system for low-floor bus applications