ZF has secured a multi-year order from a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in India for its AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle for city buses. The agreement covers the supply of several thousand units for the Indian domestic market and for global exports, with first deliveries scheduled for 2026.
The order was awarded to its Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division and relates to the next-generation AxTrax 2 LF, which was introduced at the 2023 Busworld show. The axle is designed for battery electric vehicle (BEV) city buses and is positioned to support zero-emission public transport programmes.
ZF stated that the AxTrax 2 LF delivers up to 20 percent energy savings compared to its predecessor, enabling operators to reduce battery requirements and extend vehicle range. The company said the system integrates propulsion, braking and suspension functions within a compact low-floor architecture intended to optimise space for batteries and passengers.
“This order highlights ZF’s strength as a trusted partner in advancing zero-emission mobility and reflects the continuing strong global demand for products across all key commercial vehicle domains,” said Andreas Moser, Head of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions division and responsible for the India Region for ZF.
“The AxTrax 2 LF shows how ZF innovation supports the transition to zero emissions public mobility through the combination of high performance and modular flexibility with cutting-edge efficiency. Beyond being sustainable, the AxTrax 2 LF reduces the total cost of ownership, proving that investing in ZF’s advanced zero emissions driveline technologies can deliver long-term value,” he added.
ZF said the axle’s modular platform and integrated systems approach are intended to simplify vehicle design and help manufacturers address varying market requirements while reducing total cost of ownership (TCO). The system incorporates dual permanent magnet synchronous (PSM) hairpin motors, an 800 V silicon carbide (SiC) inverter and oil cooling technology.
The AxTrax 2 LF delivers up to 360 kW continuous power and peak torque of 36,800 Nm. ZF stated that this configuration enables a 25 percent climbing ability for a 30-tonne articulated bus equipped with a single driven axle.
ZF is a technology company supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial applications, with its Commercial Vehicle Solutions division focused on driveline, chassis and advanced mobility technologies for buses and trucks.
