OEMs in the electric truck space are currently pursuing two types of platforms: one based on the internal combustion engine (ICE) platform and the other on a dedicated electric platform. Established OEMs are primarily pursuing the former, while most new-age pure-play EV start-ups prefer the latter; however, established OEMs are also simultaneously working on dedicated electric platforms which will be out on roads only after 2025.
Battery placement and electric motor architecture are the most important design elements in an electric truck platform. Many models use the battery-on-the-side and the battery-in-the-middle designs in existing ICE platforms; however, the battery-on-the-bottom design—suitable for a skateboard platform—will come into use after 2025. As far as motor architecture is concerned, most of the models use central drive motors, while some use eAxles: eCarrier and eCrown. The eAxle: Wheel Hub (two motors each at the rear wheels), an advanced architecture, will come into use in another 2 to 3 years.
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