Sona BLW Precision Forgings, the leader in axle and gear supplies to electric rickshaws in India, today showcased its latest development, an e-axle for auto rickshaws, at the fifth EV Expo in New Delhi. The manufacturer of precision forged gears for automotive and other applications will start production of the new product from next month, with an annual capacity target of 12,000 axles.
“The axle is the spine of an automobile and the e-axle for autorickshaws is a shot in the arm for the electric vehicle revolution and conserving the environment,” said Sunjay Kapur, managing director of Sona BLW Precision Forgings.
Sona's e-axle is designed to allow retro fitment in existing fossil fuel-powered autorickshaws plying in the market, and offers modularity to adapt to different motors from various manufacturers. Sona BLW will also be looking to cater e-axles up to the 3-tonne vehicle segment. The company is in talks with major OEMs to cater to different target vehicles, according to Kapur.
Sona BLW Forgings is displaying products including the e-axle for e-rickshaw application and the e-Baja vehicle at the EV Expo (December 22-24) which was inaugurated by transport minister Nitin Gadkari.
Transport minister Nitin Gadkar with Sanjay Kapur, MD, Sona BLW Precision Forgings.
Also read: We are now also developing e-axles as we see the future in electric mobility: Interview - Sanjay Kapur.