ZIL » 135IE

The development of the first 3-axle prototype ZIL-157E with an electric powertrain was a four-chassis ZIL-135IE with an on-board electrical transmission. It was built on ZIL-135K chassis with a fiberglass cabin, flatbed body and a canopy. Two engines ZIL-375YA served to drive two electric generators GET-120, which were supplied power to four 22-kilowatt electric motors. They were built into wheel hubs.

ZIL-135IE had been tested for three years. During the tests the prototype were equipped with a torsion bar suspension of the steered wheels and various kinds of tires (15.00 - 30 or 1550x450-840). Payload ranged from 8.1 to 11.5 tonnes, curb weight - 11.4 - 12.6 toinnes, GVW - up to 24 tonnes. The vehicle was too heavy and difficult to manage, as wheel as electric equipment was almost impossible to produce.