--- title: "Ford Could Electrify Solid Rear Axles for Heavy-Duty Trucks" description: "A patent filing from Ford shows a solid axle with electric motors integrated into wheel hubs for electric trucks." date: "2023-02-14" modified: "2023-02-14" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/ford-could-electrify-solid-rear-axles-for-heavy-duty-trucks" categories: - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # Ford Could Electrify Solid Rear Axles for Heavy-Duty Trucks ![]() *Source | USPTO* Every electric pickup on the market—the Ford[ F-150 Lightning](), Rivian R1T, and GMC Hummer EV—utilizes independent rear suspension instead of the solid rear axles typically found in full-sized trucks. At the moment, it's the most practical way to package electric powertrains into the rear axle. However, a recent [Ford ]()patent filing unearthed by *[Motor Authority]()* hints at a potential solid rear axle with electric motors integrated into the wheel hubs. In half-ton trucks, IRS is fine because it provides superior on-road comfort and handling over a solid rear axle. Also, in the case of the F-150 Lightning, it's still capable of towing 10,000 pounds. What IRS can't do, though, is support gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers. This is why heavy-duty trucks retain solid rear axles. In order to plan for a heavier-duty electric pickup, Ford came up with this solution. ![]() ![]() This new technology would allow for several different configurations. It could be used in a dual-motor rear-wheel drive truck, with one of these solid rear axles and independent front suspension. A single front electric motor could also be added to the IFS to make a tri-motor setup. And heavier-duty trucks could have two of Ford's new solid electric axles with four motors, one at each wheel hub. Ford isn't the only company to develop a solid axle for electric powertrains. [Magna ]()and [ZF]() have already released designs for solid electric axles but they both feature an electric motor right smack in the middle of the axle instead of at the wheels. Slovenian company Elaphe also has direct-drive electric motor wheel hubs, like Ford's proposed design here. Both Magna's and ZF's designs should work well. In both cases, the electric power unit (motor, inverter, and transmission) is a stressed member of the axle. In turn, they're quite a bit different than what Ford has here. ![]() At this point, it's difficult to say which design will work better—having the motors integrated into the wheel hubs or in the center of the axle. However, with several brands working on electrified solid rear axles, it's safe to say we'll see them used on heavy-duty electric trucks in the near future. Of course, there's still the issue of diminishing driving range while towing heavy trailers, but that's its own hurdle. First, electric trucks need to be able to handle the weight and either of these rear axle designs could, in theory, do the trick. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()