The assignment was simple: compare a CL7 Freightliner M2 retrofit—with a BAE Systems propulsion solution and an Eaton MD 4-speed EV transmission—to a similar sized truck with an ICE. Sure, you can pop the hood, examine the interior, and ask a few questions—which we did during a June 2024 event at Eaton’s Proving Grounds located in Marshall, MI—but the fun part came when we took both vehicles out on the test track to see how the EV truck handled on turns, inclines and at top speeds versus its ICE counterpart.

Eaton will be displaying a number of transmissions for both traditional and electrified commercial vehicles at IAA Transportation, September 17–22, in Hannover, Germany. 

Trucks automatically driving behind one another on the highway, 'platooning', or cars automatically changing lanes: Here vehicle movements have to be calculated and executed precisely and quickly without a human driver. Software and AI algorithms safely control the drive, brakes, front and rear wheel steering and damping systems. The more efficient the AI algorithms are, the better the available computing power can be used.