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Hendrickson Introduces High-Efficiency Electric Drive Axle
Electraax Features a Fully Integrated Modular Design to Maximize Efficiency
Key Takeaways:
- Hendrickson launched the Electraax electric drive axle May 4 for Class 6 and 7 trucks and school buses with an integrated motor, inverter and gearbox.
- Hendrickson said Electraax achieved up to 94% system-level efficiency in internal testing, extending range while reducing energy use, weight and ownership costs.
- Hendrickson and Driventic said the modular axle architecture supports diverse chassis platforms and maximizes regenerative braking to improve EV performance.
Hendrickson launched a new high-efficiency, lightweight electric drive axle for Classes 6 and 7 medium-duty trucks and school buses May 4.
Electraax features a fully integrated electric powertrain that combines a lightweight axle, single-speed gearbox, motor and inverter into one modular design to maximize efficiency. Hendrickson developed the design alongside Driventic, which also provided the electric drive system to add an efficient motor with a power-dense inverter to extend peak torque.
“Transportation is changing,” Hendrickson said in a video. “Fleets are demanding more efficiency, new technologies and innovative solutions. With centuries of combined global engineering leadership, Hendrickson and Driventic have joined forces to accelerate this shift.”
Hendrickson said the design helps deliver up to 94% system-level efficiency based on internal testing, extending vehicle range and reducing energy requirements. It also features full motor-torque regenerative braking to maximize energy recovery and a single-speed gearbox design to reduce friction and weight.
The fabricated, modular architecture is designed for a diverse range of chassis platforms and vehicle specifications. The company designed the integrated system, combined with a lightweight fabricated axle housing, to address EV weight and efficiency targets by reducing system mass to help with vehicle range, battery reduction and total cost of ownership.
