Driventic unveils compact VEDS 2.2 electric drive system

Driventic has introduced the VEDS 2.2, a new integrated electric drive system for medium-duty trucks, buses and retrofit applications. The compact unit combines motor, inverter and gearbox, while retaining compatibility with existing rear axles to simplify vehicle electrification. The drive unit combines three main components into a single compact assembly: a high-speed EVO 390 electric motor, a newly developed inverter and a single-stage planetary gearbox. An electrically driven oil pump with an integrated oil filter provides lubrication and cooling for both the motor and transmission. At 275 kilograms, Driventic says the VEDS 2.2 is lighter and more compact than previous solutions while maintaining the required performance for commercial vehicle use. The VEDS 2.2 follows the VEDS 1.5, introduced in 2025, which features an integrated drive inverter system (DIS) with a diagnosis and management unit (DMU), an automotive-grade connector system and compliance with ISO 21434 cybersecurity requirements. According to Driventic, the new system further develops the integrated architecture while optimising the torque-to-power ratio for heavier vehicle applications. The company has also reduced the number of vehicle-side interfaces to simplify integration. These are limited to cooling water connections on the motor, power and signal connections on the inverter and signal connections on the gearbox. The unit is mounted via defined flange interfaces and connects to the rear axle through a KV180 output flange. A key feature of the VEDS 2.2 is its compatibility with the rear axles used in conventional diesel-powered vehicles. According to Driventic, this allows manufacturers to retain existing axle technology, reducing system costs and making the drive system suitable for retrofit applications. On the vehicle side, only a high-voltage battery, a 24 V battery and a low-temperature cooling circuit with an air-to-water heat exchanger are required. The drive system is also rated to IP6K9K, making it suitable for demanding commercial vehicle operating conditions. “Our new VEDS 2.2 enables the simple electrification of various vehicle segments, including MD trucks,” said Manuel Calero, Senior Vice President Product Management at Driventic. “Because we aim to appeal to the global commercial vehicle market with as broad a portfolio as possible, and to further advance the shift to electric mobility in the entire vehicle fleet.” Driventic is a spin-out of supplier Voith. The latter separated the commercial vehicle division from the Voith Turbo unit last year. Voith justified the spin-off at the time by arguing that Driventic would be able to make quicker decisions as an independent company. driventic.com