Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - October 2022 - 22

eAxles gain TRACTION
ZF outfitted a current-generation Chevrolet Silverado 2500 to demonstrate its eAxle.
to Class 6 and that four-wheel drive systems also
could be implemented.
The prototype eAxle reportedly was built utilizing
many off-the-shelf ZF components, including the motor,
transmission and inverter. Though no OEMs have
currently stepped up to the plate to implement ZF's
eAxle offering, the company has stated that it will begin
production of the unit by 2026.
Schaeffler has
integrated a thermal
management system
into its eAxle assembly.
truck would be capable of hauling 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) or more. Range
estimates also were not provided, as they would depend largely on
application and battery pack configuration.
" Our focus was to build and integrate a highly efficient drive unit
for a 3/4-ton pickup truck that gives the vehicle the same capabilities
as its ICE counterpart, " said Jörg Trampler, program director,
Electrified Powertrain Technology. " Our first prototype already has a
peak efficiency of 95 percent. " ZF stated that its eAxle is scalable up
22 October 2022
Schaeffler keeps it cool
Schaeffler also announced an electric drive axle of its
own design. The company states that eAxles are " a
key element of our electric mobility strategy, " and
that its unit is suitable for both light- and mediumduty
applications. The company is claiming a major
technological advancement with its unit - the integration
of the thermal management system into the
axle along the electric motor, power electronics and
transmission. The upside is that packaging all four
components into the axle drive results in a more
compact and lighter assembly.
The company is targeting North America as its main
point of sale for the eAxle and will sell it as a " ready-tofit
unit. " Schaeffler detailed the benefits of its eAxle's
thermal management system, particularly in extreme
climates which can negatively affect battery performance.
" The thermal-management system has a significant
influence on the efficiency and comfort of the vehicle, "
said Dr. Jochen Schröder, head of Schaeffler's
E-Mobility business division. " [This] creates a highly integrated
and compact complete system which requires
significantly less space than non-integrated solutions. "
TRUCK & OFF-HIGHWAY ENGINEERING
FROM TOP: ZF; SCHAEFFLER
Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - October 2022

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