The electric motor is just 165 millimeters long
The electric motor is just 165 millimeters long
“The electric motor in the AxTrax AVE is designed as a high rev engine,” explains Obermaier. Due to its “speed-induced high output,” this electric motor was designed with smaller dimensions and therefore offers benefits when it comes to integration. It measures just 165 millimeters in length with a diameter of 300 millimeters. “Since the electric motor is highly integrated into the wheel head of the axle, interfaces identical to those of a conventional drive axle can be realized. This enables the axle suspension parts to be shared, including the control arms and spring carriers as well as air springs and shock absorbers. The axle’s mechanical connections in the vehicle design are identical,” adds the expert from the ZF plant in Passau. This produces synergy effects.
Moreover, the engines mounted on the rear axle are designed for low-floor installation, which creates space inside the bus. This enables the rear rows of seats to be installed individually, regardless of where the drive units are located in the bus. For Obermaier, there is another benefit. “This innovative concept also means that the bus is completely accessible from the rear.” A must for city buses.
“The AxTrax AVE portal axle is one way of contributing to electromobility in urban areas.”