AxleTech, Thor Trucks Partner to Build Heavy-Duty E-Powertrain

Heavy-Duty E-Powertrain
Thor intends to market in 2019 the ET-1, a battery-electric Class 8 day cab that will have a 100-mile range and cost $150,000. (Thor Trucks Inc.)

AxleTech and Thor Trucks have partnered to create a fully electric commercial vehicle powertrain, according to an Oct. 16 press release. The two will integrate AxleTech’s e-axle technology with Thor’s proprietary battery technology.

Image

“Due to the acute market need for these solutions, we are proud to work alongside Thor Trucks to build the most advanced integrated powertrain components for driveline electrification,” AxleTech CEO Bill Gryzenia said. “Our team takes this role seriously, and is relentless in identifying and developing the next generation of electric powertrain systems.”

Thor, a California-based transportation lab focused on electrifying fleets, announced a partnership in July with UPS to build and test two delivery trucks in Los Angeles.



“Thor Trucks will benefit tremendously from AxleTech’s industry-leading powertrain expertise as we work to meet the market’s increasing demand for electrification,” Thor co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Giordano Sordoni said. “This partnership is a significant stride forward in our pursuit to transform the commercial transportation industry.”

AxleTech provides solutions for on-highway electric vehicles, including Classes 6-8 trucks, as well as transit applications. Earlier this year, the company unveiled an electric independent suspension concept for high-mobility applications. The product would have the ability to improve stealth characteristics, lower heat signatures and improve fuel savings for logistics vehicles, tactical vehicles and armored personnel carriers.

The company plans to launch its newest e-powertrain in January.