More Details On The e-Delivery Truck

More details have begun to emerge about Volkswagen Truck & Bus division’s recently announced e-Delivery truck.  Part of a reported $1.7 billion investment by the division in electric vehicles, electric drivelines drivetrains and autonomous systems, the new e-Delivery truck is being developed by Volkswagen Caminhoes e Onibus in Brazil and is due to begin production in 2020.  Nine and 11-metric tonne models will be offered initially.  Volkswagen’s U.S. affiliate Navistar International Corp. will play a role in developing electric drivetrains.

Reportedly, the e-Delivery truck, targeted for mostly urban logistics uses, will be powered by a 107 hp electric motor, backed up by a lithium-ion battery pack, powering a two-wheel drive system.  Range is said to be up around 124 miles (200 km). Volkswagen said that the new electric truck will also feature 3-stage regenerative braking along with an eco-drive mode.

Now, Allison Transmission has announced that the e-Delivery truck will be using its 2100 Series automatic transmission.

According to Allison’s website, the 2100 Series, depending on application, has gross input torque ratings from 705 to 780 Nm and gross input power ratings from 230 hp (172 kW) to 550 (746 kW).

The company said applications of Allison automatics in fully electric truck applications started in 2015, when the SCHERM Group in its 100% electric Terberg model YT202-EV terminal tractor, used an Allison 3000 Series fully automatic transmission. Following SCHERM’s success, Elflein Spedition & Transport also began using a similarly Allison-equipped electric truck for short-distance transports in Leipzig, Germany.

Allison said its transmissions’ multi-speed gearing effectively multiplies motor torque, allowing for the use of less-expensive and lighter electric motors. Furthermore, the transmission’s power take off provision can be used to drive hydraulic pumps, eliminating the need for an additional electric generator.

“Allison is focused on the potential trends toward electrification, and continues to invest significant research and development efforts in this area,” said Randy Kirk, senior vice president for product engineering at Allison.