Independent Suspension vs. Rigid Axle
Which one is better? Independent or Rigid?
The commercial vehicle industry is clearly switching from rigid axle to independent suspension. Main drivers behind this trend have been more flexibility to innovate, seek for higher comfort and shift to alternative fuels. However, despite the strong rise of independent axles, there are still some doubts on which type to select: Independent or Rigid?
It is quite clear that in terms of technology and performance, independent suspensions are outperforming the rigid ones. Anyway, for best-fit selection various criteria should be taken into account. Below, you can find a high-level comparison from both technical and commercial perspective.
 Independent Suspension |  Rigid Axle | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort & Dynamic | Top level performance | Sufficient level performance |
| Width Flexibility | Higher flexibility to customize vehicle width | No flexibility |
| Turning Flexibility | Customization flexibility in design phase | No flexibility |
| Fit to Alternative Fuels Vehicles | Better fit considering easier packing of batteries | Better fit considering easier packing of batteries |
| Tender Strategy | Might be strategic to meet the tender requirements | Missing tenders having independent suspension requirements |
| Unit Cost | Reasonable level of unit cost | Low cost solution especially if used with leaf springs |
| Maintenance Cost | Higher cost potential due to higher number of components | Lower cost potential due to lower number of components |
Get the best fit axle with BRIST
Customer contact of BRIST Axle always starts via understanding technical requirements and needs. In the first stage, customers are asked to fill the application form, where they specify key technical specs of their vehicle to be built.
After analyzing the need and several discussion between engineering teams, the best-fit BRIST axles are offered, as well as some customizated solutions if needed. Having a broad and innovative axles portolio, BRIST independent and rigid axles are running across the globe through leading vehicle manucaturers. (e.g. BYD, Arrival, CRRC, Bluebus, Isuzu, Karsan, Otokar, BMC, GrandeWest and many more)
Axles construct the basis of the vehicle and hence, axle selection plays a vital role in market success of the vehicle.
Get in touch with us and get the best fit axles to your commercial vehicle!