Dana Incorporated is expanding its Spicer Electrified e-Powertrain offerings to include a family of single and tandem e-Axles designed for a variety of Class 7 and 8 applications – Spicer Electrified Zero-8 e-Axles. The company also announced it will begin production of its eS9000r e-Axle – the first in a line of Spicer Electrified Zero-6 e-Axles – to support the market launch of the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) all-electric MT50e medium-duty last-mile delivery vehicle.

Spicer Electrified Zero-8 e-Axles

The Zero-8 e-Axles support Dana’s approach to meet the diverse landscape of Class 7 and 8 EV architectures with multi-faceted electric powertrain solutions, including systems for direct drive and now 4×2, 6×2, and 6×4 multi-speed e-Axle systems. The new e-Axles are designed to easily integrate into most existing chassis.

The platform utilizes Dana’s vertically integrated and long-standing technologies, including Dana TM4 motors and inverters, Spicer high-efficiency axle gearing, Graziano synchronizers, transmission controllers, system software, and shift system and controls.

The 4×2, 6×2, and 6×4 configurations are compatible with drum or disc brakes, and are available as completely integrated fully dressed assemblies. The e-Axles range from 52,000 Nm to 69,000 Nm of nominal output torque, and support gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) from 21,000 to 30,000 lbs. for single e-Axle configurations, and 40,000 to 52,000 lbs. for tandem e-Axle propulsion.

Additional distinct features of the system are its modular motor design that provides easy accessibility for servicing and maintenance, Dana says, and a motor interchange capability for increased ease of scalability in the Class 7 and 8 application range.

With global production strategies underway, Dana has commitments from global OEM customers with deliveries beginning in late 2023.

Spicer Electrified Zero-6 e-Axles

Designed with a custom Spicer S130 rear drive axle, the propulsion system for the MT50e application is engineered as a fully integrated e-Axle, including a gearbox and motor, providing up to 240 kW of power to support the vehicle’s driving range of up to 170 miles.

“Delivery fleets are adopting electrified vehicles today, and Dana is supporting platforms such as the FCCC MT50e, with optimal e-Powertrain solutions,” said Ryan Laskey, senior vice president of commercial vehicle drive and motion systems for Dana. “As more and more vehicle manufacturers rely on Dana innovations for their electrified vehicle architectures, we continue to evaluate each application to provide the ideal electrodynamic system for the given vehicle, duty cycle, and customer requirements.”

The Zero-6 e-Axles efficiently integrate into the all-electric FCCC MT50e chassis, streamlining the e-Propulsion system that is designed with full-charge capability in about three hours using DC fast charging. Also included in the design of the e-Axle is Dana’s patented, electronically controlled parking pawl system.