Pune: ZF India Pvt. Ltd. has secured a landmark business nomination from a leading Indian OEM for its AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle. This next-generation technology will power 18-metre articulated buses and 11-metre city bus applications for both domestic and export markets, reinforcing ZF’s commitment to sustainable mobility and innovation in commercial vehicles.
The business nomination, secured in October 2025, covers several thousand units under a multi-year supply program, with deliveries commencing in 2026.
AxTrax 2 LF is a compact, lightweight and fully integrated low-floor e-axle designed to replace conventional engine, transmission and axle systems in city buses. Its space-efficient architecture maximizes room for batteries and passengers while ensuring quiet, smooth operation. Importantly, it uses similar installation space and identical mounting points as the previous-generation and conventional low-floor axles, enabling simplified interchangeability and backward compatibility.
Built on ZF’s modular eDrive platform, the AxTrax 2 LF combines two permanent magnet synchronous (PMS) hairpin motors, two independent 800 Volt SiC inverters, and a high-performance ECU. An advanced oil cooling system, integrating an e-pump and heat exchanger into the axle, dynamically optimizes efficiency, temperature and lubrication, supporting sustained performance and durability. This versatile platform supports 6×2 and 6×4 configurations and is compatible with battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell and trolley bus applications, ensuring flexibility for OEMs and readiness for zero-emission mobility. It meets advanced safety and cybersecurity requirements and incorporates robust thermal management features.
“AxTrax 2 LF enables OEMs to design buses that maximize passenger and battery space while delivering superior efficiency and reliability.” stated Akash Passey, President – ZF Region India. Its compatibility with battery-electric; fuel cell and trolley bus platforms enable ZF to address the zero-emission mobility aspirations and reinforces the country’s emerging role in next-generation commercial vehicle technology”
“By combining propulsion, braking, suspension, low noise, comfort, safety and intelligent electronics within a compact architecture, ZF helps OEMs simplify vehicle design and accelerate development timelines. Our focus remains on partnering with customers to enable reliable, efficient and future-ready solutions for zero-emission transportation in India.” said Paramjit Singh Chadha, Sr. Vice President – CVS, ZF Group (Region India)
The higher-powered variant enables more than 25% climbing capability in articulated buses up to 30 tonnes with a single driven axle and lower energy consumption versus the previous low-floor e-axle in typical urban duty cycles.
Beyond hardware, the system integrates advanced software functionalities such as axle condition monitoring, hill hold, cruise control, acceleration limit, torque vectoring, creep function, regenerative braking, cybersecurity and readiness for Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates.
ZF provides OEMs with a fully integrated e-axle system that includes harmonized air-suspension and wheel-end solutions, simplifying vehicle integration and accelerating time-to-market. This modular approach gives manufacturers the flexibility to configure drivetrains for varying loads, terrains and efficiency requirements without redesigning the entire vehicle.
Key Highlights of AxTrax 2 LF
• Designed to fulfill the highest functional safety requirements (ISO 26262) and regulatory cybersecurity standards.
• Two variants: 260 kW and 360 kW continuous power; peak torque up to 36,800 Nm; >25% climbing capability for 30t articulated buses with one driven axle.
• Advanced oil-cooled motors and 800 V SiC inverters enable lower energy consumption versus the previous low-floor e-axle.
• Optional ZF air suspension and wheel end solutions; space-efficient design simplifies OEM integration and maximizes space.
• Versatile and Modular Design: compatible with 6×2 or 6×4 drivetrains, supporting battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell and trolley bus platforms
• OTA-ready electronics and condition monitoring for optimized uptime; compatible with battery-electric, hydrogen fuel-cell, and trolley-bus platforms.
This milestone strengthens ZF’s leadership in e-mobility and its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to diverse market needs.