OEM Off-Highway January/February 2021

image from each company (Allison Transmission, Hyliion, ZF and Inmotive) that would be great.

DRIVETRAIN SYSTEM: ELECTRIFICATION oemoffhighway.com/21206852

PURPOSEBUILT ELECTRIC DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS Ensure

Performance and Efficiency

Developing components for electric vehicles assures they can handle the specific performance needs of the application.

by Sara Jensen

16

ALLISON TRANSMISSION

A

s the heavy vehicle and equipment industries continue their push toward further electrification, new drivetrain components enabling electric-powered propulsion are entering the market.

For instance, Danfoss Editron recently introduced a full-electric wheel loader system. The company said in its announcement of the system there is growing demand for electric and hybrid machines which can help companies, cities and countries around the world achieve carbon dioxide (CO2) and emissions reduction targets (learn more, 21205162).

The system features an EMPMI375-T800 motor with a speed range of up to 4,000 rpm and uses synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology. It also includes EC-C1200-AFE350 DC/ AC converters and a DC-DC converter.

This configuration enables the 650V battery to supply the DC voltage, which is then inverted to AC to control the traction motor. Other subsystems can also be operated from the DC link voltage. The company says its system is designed to provide high levels of performance with greater efficiency across all system states while keeping energy consumption to a minimum.

A growing global population and increased urbanization will help drive electrification, as well. The construction

industry will have a stronger focus on infrastructure and housing projects in urban centers, requiring the use of equipment—particularly compact equipment—which meets standards for reduced exhaust, particulate and noise emissions, says Alexander Eisner, Head of Product Communication Off-Highway Systems at ZF Friedrichshafen AG. In addition, he says many cities around the world have announced bans on certain internal combustion engines in the coming years which will restrict access to city centers for some types of equipment, especially those powered by a diesel engine. Because of this, ZF, like many other manufacturers, continues to develop new components for electric-powered machines such as the eTRAC driveline system introduced in early 2020 (learn more, 21126638).

Eisner says the driveline system can operate on different voltage levels from 48-650V to ensure the right

The eGen Power electric axles provide packaging advantages as all components are located in a central housing.

performance for a particular application. It consists of an electric drive unit combined with front and rear axles, power electronics and a control unit. “[It] achieves the same output as conventional drivetrains, without compromising on performance factors such as traction and top speed,” he says.

The first versions have been launched in compact wheel loaders in the European market. Eisner says the driveline for this compact wheel loader application uses an electric motor and transmission developed specifically for the application using actual measurement data from conventional compact wheel loaders. “This allows for greater levels of cycle efficiency and avoids the need for load reduction (derating) of the components, meaning no compromises in performance,” he says.

OEM Off-Highway | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

OOH0121_16-19_Drivetrains_SJ_SJF.indd 16

1/5/21 8:32 AM