Hendrickson Launches Electraax E-Axle for Class 6-7 Medium-Duty Trucks

Key Details Hendrickson has unveiled the Electraax, its first-ever electric drive axle, developed in partnership with Driventic. The integrated e-axle is purpose-built for Class 6-7 medium-duty applications including school buses, delivery trucks, and last-mile operations. The system was announced at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in May. Why It Matters The Electraax combines the axle, motor, inverter, and single-speed gearbox into one lightweight package designed to boost efficiency and reduce vehicle weight. Internal testing showed the system achieves up to 94% efficiency, which can extend driving range and reduce battery demands - critical factors for fleet operators managing payload and battery tradeoffs. What Sets It Apart The modular design lets OEMs customize track widths, gearing, suspension, and braking options for different chassis and applications. A single-speed gearbox reduces friction and weight compared to multi-speed alternatives while eliminating shift-quality concerns during pickup-and-delivery cycles. Full motor-torque regenerative braking maximizes energy recovery. The Bottom Line The lighter-weight design helps fleets balance payload capacity with EV battery requirements while potentially lowering total cost of ownership. Hendrickson brings over a century of suspension expertise, while Driventic contributes advanced drive-system technology. This launch signals Hendrickson's commitment to electrification as commercial manufacturers expand medium-duty EV offerings.