14
THE TECH
Image courtesy of AxleTechBattery company Zenlabs Energy has received a
$4.8-million contract from the US Advanced Battery
Consortium (USABC) to develop low-cost, fast-charging
batteries. The goal of the contract is to develop optimized
cell designs and a scalable pre-Li method for high-capac-
ity silicon oxide anodes. The 50 percent share contract
funds a 30-month project.
USABC is a subsidiary of the US Council for Automo-
tive Research (USCAR), an organization that includes
Fiat Chrysler, Ford and GM.
“The low-cost/fast-charge technology development
contract award with Zenlabs is part of USABC’s broad
battery technology research and development program,”
said Steve Zimmer, Executive Director of USCAR. “Pro-
grams like this are critical to advancing the technology
needed to meet both near- and long-term goals that will
enable broader scale vehicle electrification.”USABC awards $4.8-million
battery tech contract to
Zenlabs Energy
AxleTech exhibited a new line of electric powertrain
systems for off-highway applications at the recent Bauma
construction machinery trade show in Munich.
AxleTech’s new AFE Series eAxle integrates
interchangeable water-glycol-cooled motors and a
single-, 2-, or 4-speed gearbox. The eAxle also includes
the company’s new modular eCarrier system.
The AFE Series eAxle is compatible with full battery
EVs and fuel cell range-extender EVs, according to
AxleTech. It is built to handle 100 percent regenerative
braking, and offers continuous power of 268 hp (
kW) and peak power of 389 hp (290 kW).
AxleTech CEO Bill Gryzenia said, “The commercial
vehicle industry is becoming electric faster than any
other, and AxleTech is proud to lead the electrification
of powertrains with this off-highway and specialty
vehicle series solution. The AFE Series eAxle is designed
to withstand the heavy loads, extreme demands, and
potential rough terrains that vehicles such as rail car
movers, lift trucks, terminal tractors, and dump trucks
encounter. This is the first of several electric powertrain
solutions we are launching for the commercial vehicle
i n d u s t r y.”AxleTech launches new line of
electric powertrain systems