Brazil’s largest trailer builder, Randon, celebrated delivery of the first semi-trailer (container chassis) equipped with its e-Sys electric drive axle system to the North American market.

This will entail integrating Exro’s Coil Driver inverter technology with SEA Electric’s 5e electric drive system to enhance the performance and cost-efficiency of electric propulsion systems for commercial vehicles.

Starting in late 2024, ZF will provide its CeTrax 2 dual electric central drive, which is designed for heavy-duty trucks, including Ford Trucks' electric rigid truck (F-Line E). This drive offers two electric motors with a continuous power of 380 kW and a peak torque of 24,700 Nm, enabling efficient and powerful performance.

TIP is trialling an electric regen axle system – developed jointly by Thermo King Europe and BPW – with a refrigerated semi-trailer in Britain.

During a press conference at the show, Güriş said that Parsan is now working with AVL to adapt the e-axle for series production.

While the spotlight was on its combustion technology at its stand at IAA Transportation 2024 – held between 17-22 September in Hanover, Germany – American powertrain manufacturer Cummins Inc also had a lot to say about its alternative offerings, now grouped under the name of ‘Accelera’. Informally, the Accelera brand covers all “the electric stuff”, while the legacy engine components, together with the non-electric axle, braking, and suspension products acquired from Meritor, retain the Cummins name. However, Cummins envisages that, eventually, the “electric stuff” will become the core of its business.

The integrated electric drive system on a Class 7 demonstration vehicle has been tested successfully at Eaton’s proving grounds in Marshall, Michigan.

This move is part of the company's strategy to enhance its electrification capabilities and meet the growing demand for automotive inverters, which are essential for electrified vehicles.

Allison launched the eGen Power 85S for the electric truck market, the latest addition to its range of fully electric CV axles. Furthermore, the company introduced its new 9-speed fully automatic transmission, designed for commercial vehicles operating in stop-and-go conditions, offering improved fuel economy, enhanced performance, and lower maintenance costs.

The agreement is designed to support Farizon Auto’s expansion in the methanol-hydrogen and electric-powered commercial vehicle segment.

Equipmake has made several additions to its senior management team, including the appointment of Dr Nicholas Moelders as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), replacing James Bishop who stepped down.

With Motherson’s network and free capital raised through a new funding round, REE intends to scale up production of its ‘REEcorner’ electric drive modules and its ‘P7’ battery electric trucks.