A Meritor developed electric powertrain has been tested for the first time ahead of its use in heavy trucks. The new 17Xe ePowertrain has been developed by Meritor, now part of Cummins, along with Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) consortium partners Danfoss’ Editron division and Electra.
It has a 430kW continuous power output and will be available in a range of ratios and with three-speed transmission capabilities for use in trucks and buses.
Danfoss’ Editron division developed and supplied the high-power electric motor and high-efficiency silicon carbide inverter powering the axle.
“We’re excited to showcase the capabilities of the 17Xe ePowertrain,” said John Bennett, general manager for ePowertrain at Cummins.
“The compact, integrated design and power density are ideal for OEMs interested in developing future-proof, sustainable heavy-duty equipment. We look forward to working with our customers to accelerate decarbonisation of the heavy-duty vehicle market.”
“I am really proud to see this major milestone by demonstrating a fully integrated e-axle into a heavy-duty vehicle,” added Sunil Maher, Senior Project Delivery Lead, APC. “Seeing this prototype vehicle in operation is a significant step to addressing net-zero transport challenges in the UK. I look forward to the next stage of development which will see technical improvements and further product variation, to deliver solutions for heavy-duty and commercial vehicles.”
The 17Xe ePowertrain has been developed as part of an APC Electric Powertrain Integration for heavy Commercial vehicles (EPIC) project, to support the commercial vehicle sector to meet future regulations targeting CO₂ reduction from 2025.
