Germany / USA – Maumee, Ohio-based power management firm, Eaton Corporation debuted an electrified 4-speed vehicle transmission for medium and heavy-duty vehicles for the European market, at the 2022 IAA Transportation event in Hannover, Germany in September. The 4-speed transmission for heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles is intended to meet growing demand in several segments, including port drayage, regional and line haul, and vocational applications. The gearbox offers flexible gear ratios, improved system efficiency, longer vehicle range and battery life, increased acceleration and grade capability as well as overall superior performance compared with previous generations. The use of layshaft architecture, Eaton stresses, allows for use of a smaller motor which reduces cost and increases efficiency for operators.

The 4-speed EV automated transmission is based on traditional, robust, and efficient twin-counter shaft architecture typical of automated manual transmissions but is designed specifically for electrified vehicle applications. It is a new product, and the first commercial vehicle application launches in late 2023 as the company is currently in design validation testing with global OEMs. Working with global powertrain integrators, OEMs, and motor/inverter providers, Eaton stated that this product was developed because OEMs and integrators were struggling with gradeability and startability.