ZF Unveils Next Generation AxTrax 2 Electric Low-Floor Axle for City Buses - APTA Expo 2023: ZF will showcase its latest electric portal axle AxTrax 2 LF specifically designed for low-floor city buses.
- AxTrax 2 LF offers an all-inclusive, compact and lightweight system with integrated electric wheel hub drives.
- Leveraging ZF Group’s innovative electric drive platform, AxTrax 2 LF provides optimized performance and efficiency, while increasing design space for passengers and battery storage.
ORLANDO, Florida. ZF will showcase its new AxTrax 2 Low-Floor (LF) electric axle for city buses for the first time publicly in North America at the 2023 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Expo in Orlando, Florida. The new axle represents ZF’s latest e-Mobility solution to support the commercial vehicle industry’s transformation towards 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,” said Christian Feldhaus, Vice President of Commercial Vehicle Driveline Systems, Americas, ZF Group. “In addition to extending our bus technology portfolio, AxTrax 2 LF represents the latest step in ZF’s support for commercial vehicle manufacturers towards 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.”
System approach: simplifying bus electrification
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 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. 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 6x2 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% energy saving, 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, optimizing operating temperature and lubrication.
Connected transit solutions on display
In order to help plan for safe and reliable passenger transport, ZF offers two tailor-made tools: the cloud-based condition monitoring system, connect@rail and the digital fleet management system, Bus Connect.
With connect@rail, ZF offers comprehensive condition monitoring for rail vehicles and its infrastructure. The system supports rail operators in
early maintenance planning and the predictive maintenance of trains and tracks. In this way, connect@rail reduces unscheduled interruptions during operation.
ZF Bus Connect, developed for city buses and coaches, can help users monitor every aspect of the vehicle in real time, including a live view of vehicle locations. This encompasses current energy or fuel consumption, the battery charge status, the condition of the vehicle parts, brake wear and other system messages. With this product, ZF helps enable public and private bus operators to improve the efficiency and performance of their fleets.
Join ZF at APTA Expo 2023
ZF will showcase some of its latest products at APTA Expo 2023 in booth #3189. This will include how ZF is empowering manufacturers as well as bus and coach fleets for the future with innovative electrification systems, automated depot applications and intelligent connectivity solutions. For more, visit: zf.com/cv/apta2023
ZF Press Briefing
ZF’s press briefing will be held Oct. 9 at 3PM in booth #3189 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando and available virtually at: https://youtube.com/live/iv5-cBLgt0s?feature=share
- APTA Expo 2023: ZF will showcase its latest electric portal axle AxTrax 2 LF specifically designed for low-floor city buses.
- AxTrax 2 LF offers an all-inclusive, compact and lightweight system with integrated electric wheel hub drives.
- Leveraging ZF Group’s innovative electric drive platform, AxTrax 2 LF provides optimized performance and efficiency, while increasing design space for passengers and battery storage.
ORLANDO, Florida. ZF will showcase its new AxTrax 2 Low-Floor (LF) electric axle for city buses for the first time publicly in North America at the 2023 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Expo in Orlando, Florida. The new axle represents ZF’s latest e-Mobility solution to support the commercial vehicle industry’s transformation towards 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,” said Christian Feldhaus, Vice President of Commercial Vehicle Driveline Systems, Americas, ZF Group. “In addition to extending our bus technology portfolio, AxTrax 2 LF represents the latest step in ZF’s support for commercial vehicle manufacturers towards 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.”
System approach: simplifying bus electrification
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 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. 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 6x2 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% energy saving, 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, optimizing operating temperature and lubrication.
Connected transit solutions on display
In order to help plan for safe and reliable passenger transport, ZF offers two tailor-made tools: the cloud-based condition monitoring system, connect@rail and the digital fleet management system, Bus Connect.
With connect@rail, ZF offers comprehensive condition monitoring for rail vehicles and its infrastructure. The system supports rail operators in
early maintenance planning and the predictive maintenance of trains and tracks. In this way, connect@rail reduces unscheduled interruptions during operation.
ZF Bus Connect, developed for city buses and coaches, can help users monitor every aspect of the vehicle in real time, including a live view of vehicle locations. This encompasses current energy or fuel consumption, the battery charge status, the condition of the vehicle parts, brake wear and other system messages. With this product, ZF helps enable public and private bus operators to improve the efficiency and performance of their fleets.
Join ZF at APTA Expo 2023
ZF will showcase some of its latest products at APTA Expo 2023 in booth #3189. This will include how ZF is empowering manufacturers as well as bus and coach fleets for the future with innovative electrification systems, automated depot applications and intelligent connectivity solutions. For more, visit: zf.com/cv/apta2023
ZF Press Briefing
ZF’s press briefing will be held Oct. 9 at 3PM in booth #3189 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando and available virtually at: https://youtube.com/live/iv5-cBLgt0s?feature=share
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