ZF India Pvt. Ltd. Secures Deal for India’s First Low-Floor Electric Axle for City Buses, Supplies to Start in 2026

Key Highlights:

• Contract secured for AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle.

• Multi-year supply of several thousand units.

• Deliveries to begin in 2026 for India and exports.

• Available in 260 kW and 360 kW variants.

• Supports battery-electric, hydrogen and trolley buses.

In a major boost to India’s electric public transport sector, ZF India Pvt. Ltd. has secured a business nomination from a leading Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer to supply its AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle. The company describes this product as India’s first fully integrated low-floor e-axle for city buses.

The nomination was awarded in October 2025 and covers several thousand units under a multi-year supply agreement. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026, serving both domestic and export markets.

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Designed for 11m and 18m City Buses

The AxTrax 2 LF is developed specifically for:

• 18-metre articulated buses

• 11-metre city buses

These buses are commonly used in urban public transport systems, where low-floor design ensures easy passenger entry and exit.

Fully Integrated Electric Drive System

The AxTrax 2 LF replaces the conventional engine, transmission, and axle assembly with a single integrated unit.

One of its key advantages is that it uses the same installation space and mounting points as conventional low-floor axles. This makes it easier for bus manufacturers to integrate the system without major design changes. It also ensures backward compatibility, simplifying upgrades from older platforms.

Power and Performance

The electric axle is available in two continuous power variants:

• 260 kW

• 360 kW

It delivers a peak torque of up to 36,800 Nm, ensuring strong performance in demanding city conditions.

The 360 kW variant offers more than 25% gradeability, allowing 18-metre articulated buses weighing up to 30 tonnes to climb steep inclines using a single driven axle.

Advanced Motor and Cooling Technology

The AxTrax 2 LF integrates:

• Two permanent magnet synchronous hairpin motors

• Two independent 800-volt silicon carbide (SiC) inverters

• A dedicated electronic control unit (ECU)

It also features an integrated oil cooling system, including a pump and heat exchanger within the axle. This setup manages both temperature and lubrication efficiently.

According to ZF, this configuration reduces energy consumption compared to the previous generation of low-floor e-axles in typical urban operations.

Flexible Drivetrain and Multi-Platform Compatibility

The system supports:

• 6x2 drivetrain configuration

• 6x4 drivetrain configuration

It is compatible with multiple zero-emission platforms, including:

• Battery-electric buses

• Hydrogen fuel cell buses

• Trolley buses

This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of city transport applications.

Smart Software and Safety Features

The AxTrax 2 LF includes advanced software functions such as:

• Regenerative braking

• Torque vectoring

• Hill hold

• Cruise control

• Axle condition monitoring

• Over-the-air (OTA) software update readiness

ZF states that the system complies with ISO 26262 functional safety standards and meets regulatory cybersecurity requirements, ensuring safe and secure operation.

Modular Integration Package for OEMs

ZF offers the axle with the following options:

• Air suspension

• Wheel-end solutions

This modular package allows OEMs to configure drivetrains according to different load capacities, terrains, and operating needs.

Akash Passey, President of ZF Region India, highlighted that compatibility with multiple zero-emission platforms is a key value for OEMs. Paramjit Singh Chadha, Senior Vice President of Commercial Vehicle Solutions for ZF Group in India, noted that the integrated architecture covering propulsion, braking, suspension, and electronics helps reduce vehicle development time.

What This Means for India’s Electric Bus Market

With deliveries beginning in 2026, the AxTrax 2 LF marks an important step in India’s electric mobility journey. By combining performance, efficiency, safety, and flexible integration, ZF India aims to support city transport operators and manufacturers in accelerating the shift toward cleaner and smarter public transport systems.

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CMV360 Says

ZF India’s new supply deal for the AxTrax 2 LF marks a major milestone in India’s electric bus journey. With advanced technology, strong power output, and multi-platform compatibility, the e-axle is designed to support cleaner and more efficient urban transport. Starting deliveries in 2026, the multi-year program will serve both domestic and export markets, helping bus manufacturers reduce development time and accelerate zero-emission mobility adoption.