By submitting this form, you are agreeing to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The axle plays a major role in the chassis system as a supporting link between wheels and vehicle body. All forces and moments between wheel and vehicle structure are transmitted via the axle.
The drive axle ensures that engine motive power is transferred to the wheels. The front axle also transmits the steering movements to the wheels.
In 2020, sales of light trucks (including crossovers) represented over 76% of the U.S. market, an increase from 72% the year before, and a continuation of a long-term trend in the industry
Dana has developed a smart disconnecting all-wheel drive system. In this the primary driveline drives the front wheels all the time whereas it drives the secondary driveline whenever necessary and thus leading to better fuel efficiency
There has been a significant shift from conventional axles to E-Axles. Dana has wider product range in e-axle than in the conventional axle portfolio.
Key benefits of E-axle among light commercial vehicles are:
The drive segment held a dominant share of 56.5% in 2020 based on volume and is expected to expand at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Growing demand for all-wheel-drive vehicles would take a toll on the adoption of drive-type automotive axles.
The lift axle segment is projected to witness considerable growth from 2021 to 2026. The lift axle shipment was recorded at XX million units in 2023 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of XX% over the forecast period. Lift-type automotive axles are usually used in heavy commercial vehicles as secondary automotive axles to increase the load-carrying capacity of the vehicles.
To know more about Global Electric Bus Axles Market, read our report
2021-Q1 Global Light Vehicle (LV) Production forecast to be strongly up at 10.3% increase over prior year despite shortage in the supply of semiconductors
Electric motors, power electronics, and gear systems are being combined to create a small, integrated electric axle unit by automotive suppliers and manufacturers. These electric axles save weight, complexity, and total vehicle packaging by doing away with the need for separate motor and transmission components.
High-Torque Density: Electric axles are made to offer high torque density, which enhances performance and acceleration. Powerful electric motors that are integrated into the axle assembly guarantee effective power supply to the wheels.
Regenerative Braking: Electric axles are equipped with regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor as a generator to transform kinetic energy during braking into electrical energy that can be kept in the battery of the car. The range of the car is extended by this regenerative braking system’s increased energy efficiency.
Intelligent Axle Control: In the case of hybrid vehicles, advanced electric axle systems contain intelligent control algorithms that optimize power distribution between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. As a result, the powertrain is as efficient as possible, and various propulsion systems are seamlessly integrated.
Thermal Management: To maintain the ideal operating temperatures of the electric motor and power electronics, complex thermal management systems are frequently used in electric axles. Under extreme driving conditions and high performance demands, effective cooling systems guarantee the durability and dependability of the axle components.
Lightweight Materials: To lessen the weight of electric axle assemblies, manufacturers are using lightweight materials including high-strength steels and aluminum alloys. Lightweight materials are used in vehicles to reduce overall weight and increase energy efficiency.
The Dana Corporation:
For hybrid and electric vehicles, Dana has developed electric axles. These axles eliminate the need for a separate electric motor and lessen the weight and complexity of the entire vehicle by integrating electric motors and power electronics directly into the axle assembly. Improved efficiency, regenerative braking, and improved vehicle dynamics are all features of Dana’s electric axles.
Axle design innovations: Dana has prioritized lightweighting and optimizing axle designs to increase fuel economy and lower pollutants. Advanced materials, like aluminum and composites, have been utilized to reduce axle weight while maintaining strength and longevity. Axle designs that are cutting edge have also been used to reduce friction losses and boost overall driveline effectiveness.
Friedrichshafen ZF AG:
Dynamic rear axle steering is made possible by Active Kinematics Control (AKC), a technology that ZF has developed. Based on the vehicle’s speed, AKC modifies the rear axle’s steering angle, enhancing stability, maneuverability, and cutting down on turning radius. This technology improves vehicle agility and safety, particularly in crowded urban areas.
ZF has created integrated axle systems, which join conventional mechanical axles with electric drives and electronic control systems. These integrated systems provide greater vehicle dynamics, torque vectoring capabilities, and power distribution, which improve handling and traction control.
Merritt, Inc.
Electric Drivetrains: Meritor has been developing electric drivetrain options for commercial vehicles, including axles. Their electric axles contain modern control systems, power electronics, and electric motors. These axles facilitate the switch to electric mobility in the commercial vehicle industry by offering effective torque delivery, regenerative braking, and enhanced vehicle performance.
Advancements in axle technologies have been made by Meritor to increase efficiency, dependability, and longevity. These include increased lubrication technology, improved sealing systems, and optimized gear designs. These developments lead to decreased friction, increased effectiveness, and increased axle service life.
There are about 15 Tier-1 suppliers active in automotive axle market.
In 2020, American Axles Manufacturing’s 39% of the overall sales is accounted by GM and thus are the leading customers of the company. Rest of the sales are mostly from FCA (Now Stellantis Group) with 17% of overall sales and Ford with 12%
AAM’s sales for 2020, was $ 4.7B drop by almost 28% from $ 6.5B. Driveline segment sales accounted for almost 72% of the overall sales in 2020.
Dana’s 43% of the overall sales in 2020 was driven by the light vehicles segment, whereas the commercial vehicle segment accounted for only 16%. In 2020, company made about $ 7.1B sales a drop by ~18% from 2019.
Meritor’s 70% of the overall sales in 2020 was made by Axles, Suspension Systems and Drivelines. In FY-2020 the overall sales dropped by almost 31% from $ 4.3B to $ 3B.
In July 2019, Meritor completed the acquisition of Michigan based AxleTech. AxleTech will operate within Meritor’s Aftermarket, Industrial & Trailer segment.
Automotive Axles Ltd from India made about $ 127M sales in FY-2020 a steep drop of about 51% from $ 257M in FY-2019.