Dana awarded grant to develop e-powertrain for Ox trucks

Ox Delivers is building what has been called the first flat-pack utility vehicle destined for emerging markets in Africa. Photo: Ox

Dana Inc. has said its operation in Birmingham, U.K., has been awarded a $2.7 million (£2 million) grant to develop an e-powertrain for Ox Delivers — a compact truck that has been called the world’s first flat-pack utility vehicle destined for emerging markets in Africa.

The Ox Delivers truck was engineered for tough terrain and will be shipped as a flat pack and assembled in the destination country.  The truck is powered by Dana’s Spicer Electrified eS4500i e-Drive Unit, which combines an electric motor, inverter, gearbox, and software in a complete e-propulsion system.

The grant supports Dana’s work industrializing electrified powertrain technologies and was awarded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) — a non-profit organization that facilitates U.K. government funding to research and development projects supporting the delivery of net-zero emission vehicles.

“Dana has a guiding vision toward a zero-emissions future that incorporates sustainable social impact,” said Huw Davies, senior managing director of Dana Light Vehicle Drive Systems in Europe. “The APC’s $2.7 million grant advances Dana’s development of electrified technology, driving prosperous trade in rural emerging markets. We’re proud to partner with Ox Delivers and grateful for the APC’s support.”

With its R&D base in Warwickshire, U.K., and operations in Rwanda, Ox Delivers is a zero-emissions smart logistics company focused on helping customers get their goods to market via a pay-as-you-go service. The UK-based developed the electric OX truck.