Schaeffler is pushing into electrified, hydrogen, and hybrid technologies, that are meant for the trucking industry. At the same time, the company is still backing internal combustion with advanced components. Alongside precision bearings and powertrain hardware, Schaeffler electric axle technology took center stage at this year’s ACT Expo.
That’s where we met with Thomas Heck, Head of Battery Assembly and Key Account Management, helped walk us through it all, starting with Schaeffler’s motto: ‘Energizing Transportation. Together.’
“It means collaborating with our customers, and across the Schaeffler Group, to deliver integrated solutions,” Heck said.
The outline of a pickup, glowing green, anchored the booth. The company dubbed this systems-level demo vehicle the Dynamic Performance Vehicle. It combined Schaeffler’s electric drive units with generator modules, battery systems, and electric axles. “We still have a combustion engine driving a generator. That generator is charging the battery, and the battery drives the axle,” Heck explained. Production on the generator module is expected to begin this year in Wooster, Ohio.
The integrated electric axle features a single-speed or optional two-speed setup for heavier loads. “We’re scratching the surface of Class 6,” Heck said. “We’re starting with vans and pickups, but higher classes are coming, especially with the two-speed variant.”
Power Steering, Hydrogen, and ICE Support
Another demo was Schaeffler’s electric power steering system, Which Heck tells us was designed for heavy-duty vehicles. “It’s purely electric. No hydraulics,” Heck said. “The system uses dual motors for redundancy—critical for autonomous vehicle readiness.”
Despite the EV push, Schaeffler emphasized that internal combustion still plays a major role. The company showed off adjustable valve trains, optimized bearing placements, and sensors that support multiple fuels, including diesel, hydrogen combustion, and CNG.
“We still have a lot of life left in ICE. It’s important to remain relevant across drivetrain types,” Heck said.
Hydrogen components were also on display, including bipolar plates and control systems for fuel storage. Schaeffler’s modular motors, designed for scalable power outputs, ranged up to 210 kW and 800 Nm (590 lb.-ft.) of torque.
Bearings and Batteries with a Future Focus
While Schaeffler said its electric axle technology can offer efficiency gains, there are other, smaller, components helping out. Heck shared a Class 8 e-axle concept with precision-engineered wheel bearings, two motors, and a three-speed drivetrain. “This arrangement minimizes friction. On a diesel truck, it could save around 60 gallons of fuel per axle per year.”
But Schaeffler’s most forward-looking reveal was its work on all-solid-state batteries. Unlike traditional cells, these expand and contract during use, requiring precise pressure management systems.
“All-solid-state cells can fluctuate plus-minus 20%,” Heck said. “It’s not just power density, it’s also about safety. No liquid electrolyte means a reduced risk of fire or thermal events.”
Want to know when Heck thinks we could see solid-state batteries roll into heavy-duty applications? Watch this episode of On The Road to find out.
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