By ATN Editorial Team
Summary: Valeo has put its 48V 2-speed eAxle into commercial production, with Dacia the launch customer on its new Hybrid-G 150 4×4 powertrain for the Duster, Bigster and, shortly, the Striker. The disconnectable rear axle replaces the mechanical four-wheel-drive hardware of a conventional 4×4 with a 48V electric drive, which Valeo says lets a bi-fuel petrol/LPG model keep its all-terrain ability while meeting European emissions rules.
Key engineering takeaway: The differentiator is a two-speed gearbox on a low-voltage axle. A short ratio gives up to 1,800Nm at the rear wheels for climbing and rough ground, then a software-synchronised dog clutch, which Valeo calls its Smart Dog-Clutch and co-developed with Renault Group, shifts to a long ratio for cruising to 140km/h. That avoids the usual low-speed-torque versus high-speed-efficiency compromise of affordable electric axles. The 41kg unit peaks at 31hp, fits B-segment platforms, and was tested from -30°C in Sweden to 45°C in Spain without penalising towing or wading depth.
Why it matters: Most affordable electrification stops at a belt-driven starter-generator. Putting a two-speed electric axle on a 48V system adds genuine electric four-wheel drive and meaningful electric running, with Dacia claiming up to 60% of urban driving in electric mode, without the cost, weight and safety overhead of a high-voltage traction system. For powertrain engineers it is a marker of how far 48V mild-hybrid architectures can be pushed before a full high-voltage hybrid becomes necessary.
- Valeo 48V 2-Speed disconnectable eAxle enables the first-ever combination of bi-fuel (Petrol/LPG) technology with an affordable electrified 4WD drivetrain.
- The system addresses the European emissions targets by replacing mechanical components with an electric rear axle.
- This world unique 48V dual-speed system delivers 1,800 Nm of maximum torque on the rear wheels, democratizing high-performance power.
Valeo, a global leader in automotive technology, announces the commercial launch of its 48V 2-Speed eAxle with Smart Dog-Clutch. This 48V eAxle provides a practical solution to the rising emissions costs that will be applied on traditional 4WD. Replacing mechanical components with a more efficient electric drive allows balancing out the extra fuel consumption of the traditional 4×4 systems to meet the strict European standards while remaining affordable.
The 48V 2-Speed eAxle has been selected by Dacia for its new “Hybrid-G 150” powertrain launched on the Dacia Duster, Bigster and in the months to come on the Striker.
Xavier Dupont, CEO of Valeo Power Division said: “We are proud to see Valeo’s innovative 48V 2-Speed eAxle at the heart of Dacia’s new Hybrid-G 150 4×4 powertrain. This breakthrough technology preserves the iconic 4×4 DNA of the Duster while significantly reducing its CO2 emissions. The collaboration with Dacia highlights our ability to scale electrification for the mass market and to provide the technology that supports our partners in the transition to sustainable, safe and all-terrain mobility.”
How Valeo’s 48V 2-Speed eAxle Works
Traditionally, affordable electric axles face a compromise between torque at low speed and high-speed efficiency. This innovation, co-developed by Renault Group and Valeo, resolves this through a new 2-speed architecture:
- Extreme Off-Road performance: with the short gear ratio, the system delivers 1,800 Nm maximum of rear wheel torque, providing “SUV-strong” capability Dacia customers expect for steep climbs and extreme terrains.
- High-Speed efficiency: the system seamlessly shifts to the long gear ration for efficient cruising up to 140 km/h.
- Smart Dog-Clutch breakthrough: the system, co-developed with Renault Group, is based on a simple dog clutch with software-synchronized speed engagement, offering premium-tier performance at a cost compatible with entry-level vehicles.
A 41kg Electric Axle Built For B-Segment Hybrids
The 41 kg unit represents the most powerful 48V rear electric powertrain on the market, delivering 31 hp peak. Its compact design allows integration into existing B-segment platforms providing a cost-effective solution to upgrade existing MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric vehicle) with electric rear-wheel drive function.
- 100% electric urban drive: with the 48V 2-speed eAxle and optimized software strategies, Dacia succeed, on the Dacia Duster and Bigster, to ensure up to 60%* of urban driving in 100% electric.
- Reliability: validated in extreme conditions, the system does not compromise the vehicle’s towing capacity or water-wading depth. In addition, it has been tested from -30°C in Sweden to 45°C in Spain.
By powering Dacia’s new Hybrid-G 150 4×4 powertrain, Valeo’s 48V eAxle sets a new standard for hybrid 4×4 mobility, proving that cutting-edge innovation can remain accessible without compromising on adventure-ready capabilities; they even improve them in certain conditions.
* Results from internal tests using the urban (low) phase of the WLTC (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle). % of journey time, varying according to actual driving conditions (road type, driving style and weather conditions).
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