ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) introduced its advanced AxTrax 2 LF low-floor electric axle for city buses at Busworld 2023. This axle is tailored for enhanced performance and efficiency in battery electric, fuel cell, and trolley buses.
The new axle is a lightweight, compact system with a built-in electric wheel hub drive. AxTrax 2 LF boasts a lightweight, compact design with an inbuilt electric wheel hub drive. It also features two independent silicon carbide (SiC) inverters and a high-performance control unit, creating a comprehensive e-drive system for city buses.
The axle comes in two models with continuous power outputs of 348.6 bhp and 482.7 bhp and peak torques of 22,700 Nm and 37,300 Nm. The more robust model allows for a 20% climb, suitable even for 29-tonne articulated buses with a single-driven axle.
Winfried Gründler, from ZF CVS, expressed that the AxTrax 2 LF is a testament to ZF’s commitment to assisting commercial vehicle makers in transitioning to zero-emission technologies. He highlighted ZF’s all-encompassing capabilities to electrify global vehicle platforms.
Compared to its predecessor, AxTrax 2 LF provides up to 10% energy savings, making it perfect for city buses that frequently stop and start at lower average speeds. The company also mentioned the axle’s full compatibility with its air suspension and wheel-end solutions, while leveraging its expertise in advanced features like axle condition monitoring and cybersecurity. Production of the AxTrax 2 LF is set to begin in 2025.
