As an industry, we’re over simplifying talk about electric powertrains. Sure, they’re much simpler than the diesel powertrains we’re used to, but there are operational nuances with everything from power to motor placement that are impacted by a fleet’s spec, driven by application. Today, we often say “e-axle” and move along, but what exactly makes an e-axle an e-axle? What about electric motor placement—why do some electric trucks still have a driveshaft?

These are the questions I came armed with when I stopped by the Dana booth at ACT Expo. Ryan Laskey, senior vice president of commercial vehicle drive and motion systems at Dana, walked me around to detail the differences in motor placement and electric axle configurations. He also talked applications and how that could impact the electric powertrain spec. Watch the video above for all of his insight.

Electric truck powertrains 201

Here’s more on the ins and outs of electric truck powertrains.

The coming of the e-axle age

Elective: Regenerative braking 331

Continue your electric powertrain education with this look at regenerative braking.

Electric truck regenerative braking, explained