ZF Unveils Next Generation AxTrax 2 Electric Low-Floor Axle For City Buses

ZF showcased its new AxTrax 2 Low-Floor (LF) electric axle for city buses for the first time publicly in North America at the recent 2023 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) EXPO, in Orlando, FL. The new axle represents ZF’s latest e-Mobility solution to support the commercial vehicle industry’s transformation toward a more sustainable future. The series production of AxTrax 2 LF is set to commence in 2025.

“Adding AxTrax 2 LF to our comprehensive range of electric powertrains is a powerful expansion of our game-changing scalable and modular e-Drive kit,” Christian Feldhaus, Vice President of Commercial Vehicle Driveline Systems, Americas, ZF Group, said. “In addition to extending our bus technology portfolio, AxTrax 2 LF represents the latest step in ZF’s support for commercial vehicle manufacturers toward the transition to zero emission technologies. Whether it is components or complete turn-key systems, ZF has a wide range of solutions to help electrify manufacturers’ vehicle platforms worldwide.”

“ZF’s all-new AxTrax 2 LF is an axle-based, modular, and integrated system, featuring a compact design to help maximize the available space for batteries and enhance a manufacturer’s design flexibility for the passenger compartment. It is designed and manufactured inhouse, and benefits from ZF’s extensive e-powertrain expertise. As part of ZF’s modular platform approach, the technology improves system performance and efficiency, and is designed for demanding bus applications,” according to a press release. “Having a similar installation space as its predecessor, AxTrax AVE, the new axle is fully compatible with ZF’s air suspension and wheel-end solutions. On the software side, AxTrax 2 LF also benefits from ZF’s extensive experience in producing advanced functions such as axle condition monitoring and cyber security.

“Highly efficient and powerful, AxTrax 2 LF is available in two variants. These offer continuous power outputs of 260 kW and 360 kW and peak torque of 16,740 lb-ft and 27,500 lb-ft respectively. With the more powerful variant, it is possible to power articulated buses up to 64,000 lbs with one driven axle as a 6×2 configuration. Both models feature two integrated electric Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMS) motors as well as two separate 800V silicon carbide (SiC) inverters.

“Compared to its predecessor, AxTrax 2 LF offers up to 10 percent energy savings, and is well suited for the frequent stop-start nature and relatively low average speeds of city bus journeys. Its new oil cooling system adapts the oil flow rate to help maximize efficiency, while optimizing operating temperature and lubrication.”

Visit: zf.com/cv/apta2023.