ZF Secures Major Electric Bus Technology Order in India with Multi Year Supply of AxTrax 2 LF Systems

Leistungsstark und effizient: Die speziell für Niederflurbusse entwickelte elektrische Portalachse AxTrax 2 LF liefert eine Dauerleistung von bis zu 360 kW und damit doppelt so viel wie ihr Vorgängermodell bei nahezu gleichem Gewicht.
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Powerful and efficient: the AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle specifically designed for low floor buses, delivers up to 360 kW continuous power, double that of its predecessor for approximately the same weight.

(IN BRIEF) ZF has won a significant multi-year order in India for its AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle, with several thousand units to be delivered starting in 2026 for use in battery-electric city buses serving both domestic and export markets. The integrated low-floor axle system combines propulsion, braking, and suspension in a compact package and delivers up to 20 percent greater energy efficiency than its predecessor, helping operators reduce battery requirements and lower total cost of ownership. Featuring high-performance components such as dual electric motors and an 800 V SiC inverter, the solution is designed to meet demanding urban transport conditions while supporting the broader shift to zero-emission public transportation.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRIEDRICHSHAFEN , 16-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ZF Friedrichshafen AG has secured a major order from a leading bus manufacturer in India for its next-generation AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle, reinforcing the company’s role in advancing zero-emission public transportation. The multi-year agreement covers the delivery of several thousand units for deployment in the Indian domestic market as well as for international export programs, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.

Developed to support battery-electric city buses, the AxTrax 2 LF integrates propulsion, braking, and suspension into a compact low-floor architecture designed to maximize space efficiency for passengers and battery placement. Since its introduction at Busworld 2023, the system has demonstrated significant performance gains, delivering up to 20 percent higher energy efficiency than the previous generation and enabling operators to reduce battery size requirements while extending vehicle range.

The modular design allows original equipment manufacturers to streamline vehicle integration and adapt platforms to varying operational needs, while also lowering overall system complexity. These efficiencies translate into measurable Total Cost of Ownership advantages for fleet operators, combining reduced energy consumption with simplified maintenance and optimized vehicle packaging.

Technically, the axle incorporates dual permanent-magnet synchronous hairpin motors, an 800-volt silicon-carbide inverter, and advanced oil-cooling technology to achieve continuous output of up to 360 kW and peak torque of 36,800 Nm. This configuration supports demanding urban duty cycles, including the ability for a 30-ton articulated bus to achieve a 25 percent gradeability using a single driven axle.

The agreement underscores growing global demand for high-efficiency electric driveline solutions in commercial vehicles and highlights India’s accelerating transition toward sustainable public mobility systems.

Media Contacts:

Frank Discher
Commercial Vehicle Technology, Fleet Management Solutions and Electric Mobility
+49 7541 77-960770
frank.discher@zf.com

Chris Mitchell
PR & Content Specialist, Commercial Vehicle Solutions
+32 479 13 30 60
chris.mitchell@zf.com

SOURCE: ZF