German automotive components manufacturer ZF has announced that its Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has won a significant order from an unnamed bus manufacturer in India for its recently developed AxTrax 2 LF electric drive axle. The company confirmed that the multi-year agreement includes the delivery of several thousand units destined for electric city buses to be delivered in India and for export.
ZF first unveiled the AxTrax 2 LF at the 2023 Busworld show, claiming it “raised the bar” for performance and efficiency by delivering up to 20% energy savings compared to its predecessor. The company stated that the system’s lower energy consumption “reduces battery requirements and enables BEV city buses to achieve a higher range.”
The AxTrax 2 LF is a fully integrated e-axle designed for low-floor buses, combining propulsion, braking and suspension systems into “a compact architecture that also optimizes space for batteries and passengers.”
The head of ZF’s CVS division, Andreas Moser, said in a statement: “This order highlights ZF’s strength as a trusted partner in advancing zero-emission mobility and reflects the continuing strong global demand for products across all key commercial vehicle domains. The AxTrax 2 LF shows how ZF innovation supports the transition to zero emissions public mobility through the combination of high performance and modular flexibility with cutting-edge efficiency. Beyond being sustainable, the AxTrax 2 LF reduces the total cost of ownership, proving that investing in ZF’s advanced zero-emissions driveline technologies can deliver long-term value.”
The company stated that AxTrax 2 LF enables OEMs to simplify vehicle design, achieve higher performance and meet diverse market requirements while reducing total cost of ownership. “Thanks to its dual PSM hairpin motors, 800 V SiC inverter and advanced oil cooling, the axle delivers up to 360 kW continuous power and peak torque of 36,800 Nm. This provides a 25% climbing ability for a 30-ton articulated bus with just one driven axle.”
