Hendrickson launches new ELECTRAAX e-axle for Class 6-7 buses and trucks

Hendrickson has unveiled the ELECTRAAX, a fully integrated electric drive axle designed specifically for Class 6 and 7 buses and trucks. Developed in partnership with Driventic, formerly known as Voith, the new system targets vehicles such as school buses, food and beverage delivery trucks, and last-mile commercial vehicles. ELECTRAAX combines the axle, single-speed gearbox, motor, and inverter into one compact assembly, aiming to deliver high efficiency and simplified integration for medium-duty electric vehicles. The drive axle boasts a system-level efficiency of up to 94%, according to Hendrickson’s internal testing, and features a fabricated axle housing to reduce weight compared to traditional cast designs. This weight reduction is particularly important for Class 6-7 vehicles, where payload capacity is more restricted than in heavier Class 8 trucks. By lowering the mass of the drive axle, fleets can either increase payload or reduce battery size, both of which contribute to lowering total cost of ownership, especially for stop-and-go urban routes and school bus operations. ELECTRAAX’s single-speed gearbox is designed to eliminate shift-quality issues common in frequent stop-start cycles, while also reducing the number of components compared to multi-speed alternatives. The system supports full motor torque regenerative braking, enabling effective energy recovery during deceleration. Its modular architecture allows for flexible configuration of track widths, gear ratios, suspension setups, and brake options, making it adaptable to a variety of chassis platforms and operational requirements. This launch marks Hendrickson’s first foray into electric drive axles, expanding beyond its century-long expertise in suspension systems into integrated ePowertrain solutions. The collaboration with Driventic brings together extensive experience in electric drive technology, with Driventic contributing over 150 years of development heritage. The introduction of ELECTRAAX signals a significant step forward for Hendrickson as it seeks to meet the growing demand for efficient, lightweight electric drivetrains in medium-duty commercial vehicles.