Allison Transmission recently introduced a new e-axle system for commercial vehicles and revealed the acquisitions of Vantage Power and AxleTech’s electric vehicle (EV) systems division.
The powerful new AXE Series e-axle is designed for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Allison said it’s a fully integrated electric powertrain system that fits inside a standard frame along the axles of commercial trucks. The AXE Series features electric motors, a two-speed gearbox, oil coolers and pumps, and power electronics.
“With our more than 100 years of being an innovation leader, Allison is leading the transformation of the commercial vehicle industry with electric powertrain solutions,” said David S Graziosi, Allison Transmission president and CEO. “The AXE Series is the first e-axle in the heavy-duty truck industry to provide this level of power density, size and simplicity.
“We take tremendous pride that our solution is one of the most efficient and powerful systems ever to be developed for commercial trucks.”
The AXE Series boasts a 1-million-mile design life, Allison said. The system integrates one or two high-speed electric motors and a multi-speed transmission, eliminating the need for additional driveshafts and support structures. A dual-motor axle has a continuous power of 536 horsepower (400 kilowatts) and peak output power of 738 horsepower (550 kilowatts). A tandem axle configuration also is available for these vehicles. The system can handle 100% torque in regenerative braking.
The complete integration of the AXE Series delivers increased efficiency and best-in-class continuous power through superior internal cooling, the company claimed.
The AXE Series is available in single- and dual-motor options to package the entire electric powertrain inside a standard frame that exists in almost every commercial truck, including refuse trucks, school buses and drayage and delivery trucks, allowing it to be a bolt-in solution and ensuring efficiency in the installation process.
Allison extended its EV capabilities with the purchases of Vantage and Axletech’s EV division.
The company said its goal is to build “an electrification strategy that leverages and extends current electric hybrid technologies, develops new electrified propulsion solutions, and expands system and integration level capabilities in alternative propulsion.”
Both acquisitions align with Allison’s position in propulsion technology, the company said, and will complement existing capabilities to advance electrification adoption in commercial vehicles.
Vantage Power is a London-based technology company specializing in developing electrified propulsion and connected vehicle technologies for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers.
“Vantage Power’s entrepreneurial spirit and technological advancements complement our strategic priorities to meet and exceed our customers’ demands,” Graziosi said. “Through this and other growth initiatives, we will continue to build upon our conventional and electric hybrid products today, while differentiating ourselves in the electrification and fuel cell markets.”
AxleTech designs, engineers, manufactures, sells and services axles and integrated electrified axle solutions for on- and off-highway heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Its EV systems division is located at AxleTech’s headquarters in Troy MI.
“AxleTech’s highly integrated solutions in the EV space and their presence in Allison’s end markets complement our position as a leading propulsion solutions provider,” Graziosi said.
“The talented individuals and products within AxleTech’s EV systems division and their capabilities will combine well with our current products expertise to create and provide unmatched propulsion solutions.”