NTN Driveshaft

Location: Columbus, Indiana

Fleet Type: Heavy-duty electric vehicle – Orange EV

Narrative

NTN Driveshaft, Inc. recently marked a significant step in its electrification and sustainability efforts with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce a new electric terminal truck supplied by Orange EV, underscoring the company’s commitment to cleaner operations and its role in the electric-mobility supply chain. 

This move aligns with NTN’s broader strategic focus on electric-vehicle drivetrain components, evidenced by its development of a high-efficiency driveshaft module combining advanced constant-velocity joints (CVJs) designed to reduce torque-loss, improve electrical efficiency, and enhance ride comfort for EVs.

By deploying the new electric truck within its operations, NTN demonstrates not only an internal shift toward sustainable vehicle use but also serves as a real-world validation platform for its drivetrain technologies.

NTN’s decision to introduce an electric vehicle fleet component is driven by several strategic considerations:

• Operational Efficiency & Sustainability: Transitioning to EVs helps reduce fuel consumption, lowers emissions, and supports corporate sustainability goals.
• Technology Alignment: NTN’s core business—drivetrain components like driveshafts and constant velocity joints (CVJs)—is increasingly relevant in electric vehicles; by adopting EVs in its own fleet, the company demonstrates confidence in its technology and provides real-world validation. 
• Brand and Market Positioning: Launching an electric truck signals to customers and partners that NTN is at the forefront of electrified mobility and drivetrain innovation. 
• Long-Term Cost Savings: While upfront vehicle cost may be higher, electric vehicles often yield lower operating and maintenance costs over time, which supports the business case for fleet electrification. 

Although detailed operational data such as vehicle range, charging infrastructure, cost savings, or deployment schedule has not been fully released publicly, the key milestone is the ceremonial introduction of the electric truck. The choice of a truck platform suggests that NTN is targeting heavier-duty or industrial use cases rather than solely light duty vehicles.

In parallel, NTN continues development of advanced drivetrain products for EVs: for example, by reducing torque loss by 70% or more and improving electricity consumption by approximately 3.19% with its CFJ + PTJ driveshaft solution.

Outputs and Outcomes

Outputs

• Deployment of a new Orange EV electric terminal truck at NTN Driveshaft’s Columbus, Indiana facility.
• Public ribbon-cutting event showcasing NTN’s commitment to fleet electrification and sustainable operations.
• Integration of electric vehicle technology into daily facility and logistics operations.
• Creation of a real-world testing and validation environment for NTN’s advanced EV drivetrain technologies.
• Increased employee, customer, and stakeholder awareness of the company’s sustainability initiatives and electrification strategy.

Outcomes

• Reduced reliance on conventional diesel-powered equipment, supporting lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
• Demonstrated leadership in transportation electrification within Indiana’s manufacturing sector.
• Strengthened alignment between NTN’s internal operations and its business focus on advanced electric vehicle drivetrain solutions.
• Enhanced brand reputation as an innovator in sustainable mobility and electrified transportation technologies.
• Generated operational experience and performance data that can inform future fleet electrification decisions and product development efforts.
• Positioned NTN for future expansion of electric vehicle adoption across additional fleet and facility applications.
• Supported corporate sustainability objectives while creating opportunities for long-term reductions in fuel and maintenance costs.
• Reinforced customer confidence by demonstrating NTN’s willingness to deploy and validate emerging technologies within its own operations.

Best Practices & Lessons Learned

The transition to electric fleet vehicles involved several opportunities and learning practices. To maximize the benefit of its EV initiative, NTN Driveshaft considered the following:

1. Data Collection & Reporting: NTN Driveshaft has implemented a tracking system to achieve key metrics such as miles driven, energy use, cost savings, maintenance requirements, and emissions reductions.
2. Scale Deployment: Based on trial performance, they plan to expand fleet electrification across other vehicle classes or operational areas.
3. Leverage Technology Synergies: Use insights from fleet operations to further refine and market its high-efficiency driveshaft solutions for EVs.
4. Engage Stakeholders: They strive on proper communication to successfully integrate internal and external support, attract new talent, improve training sessions, and continue to enhance brand value.
5. Partner on Infrastructure and Organizations: Distinctive collaborations with utilities and organizations (like charging providers, and government programs) to ensure cost-effective infrastructure rollout and possibly access incentives.
6. Continuous Improvement: Incorporate lessons learned, optimize vehicle specifications, and adapt to evolving EV technologies and market conditions.

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NTN Driveshaft Fleet Story