Cummins tests eAxle

A new electric powertrain produced by Cummins for heavy-duty vehicles is testing at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. The 17Xe ePowertrain, developed by Meritor (now part of Cummins) with Advanced Propulsion Centre consortium partners Danfoss’ Editron division and Electra, is being successfully demonstrated in a test Volvo FH 4x2 tractor unit and differs from the majority of current electric heavy trucks by using a eAxle, with the traction motor, which drives through a differential, integrated into the structure of the drive axle.

With output capabilities of 430kW continuous power (equivalent to 576 hp), the integrated 17Xe ePowertrain will power heavy-duty trucks and buses in 6x2 or 4x2 configurations. It is available in a range of ratios and with three-speed transmission capabilities. Danfoss’ Editron division developed and supplied the high-power electric motor and high-efficiency silicon carbide inverter powering the axle. The electric motor is based on a patented architecture and thermal management methodology exceeding the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s 2035 Roadmap targets for power density. Only one motor will be required in the electric powertrain design, marking a significant step forward for the industry, as current alternatives usually need two motors to meet this product segment’s power requirements.

The layout of the eAxle, with its integrated drive motor, creates additional chassis space, which could either accommodate additional batteries or an unpowered steer or pusher axle. Batteryelectric tractor units which retain a conventional driveline layout are difficult to engineer as 6x2s, because the second axle takes up space needed for batteries.

Sky goes zero with new Mercedes-Benz eVito

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Leading media and entertainment company Sky has purchased 11 new Mercedes-Benz eVito electric panel vans – as part of its drive to go net zero carbon by 2030. Sky opted for the latest eVito van, featuring a 66kWH battery with rapid DC charging, thanks to its 162-mile range and versatility.

The vans will be used by engineers to service TV and broadband customers across the UK. All 11 vehicles have been converted by Leicestershire-based Bott to incorporate the bespoke racking and telematics systems required by Sky and impressive graphic wraps recognisable to the public.

Eaton launches ePowertrain unit

“The installation of Truckfile into our workshop and fleet has been a real breath of fresh air and is helping the whole operation to run much more smoothly.”

Compliance. Done digitally.

Eaton’s Vehicle Group has formed a new ePowertrain business unit, which will focus on products from Eaton’s electrified vehicle (EV) transmission, reduction gearing and differential portfolios. The company said that combining the product lines into a new ePowertrain business unit creates synergy among Eaton’s powertrain and EV experts and allows the Vehicle Group to offer its global customers solutions for commercial vehicles and light-duty EVs.

Eaton’s portfolio of multispeed EV transmissions includes two-, four- and six-speed electrified commercial vehicle transmissions based on proven, robust and efficient layshaft architecture typical of automated manual transmissions (AMTs) and shifting is synchronized without a clutch using a traction motor. Unlike the direct-drive transmissions normal in EVs, Eaton’s transmission portfolio offers significantly greater efficiency at high speeds as well as increased torque at launch and low speeds. The EV transmissions incorporate a lightweight countershaft gearbox that boasts a range of torque capacities and electric gearshift actuation, allowing use of smaller electric motors.