ZF’s integrated electric solutions are revolutionising commercial mobility, enhancing vehicle efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division, located in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is reinforcing its dedication to the future of fully electrified mobility by unveiling its latest e-Mobility package. This comprehensive solution encompasses essential technologies that commercial vehicle manufacturers require to transition their vehicles to electric power. The product range now encompasses all-electric central drives, axle drives, and Components, suitable for a wide spectrum of vehicles including light, medium, and heavy-duty options, as well as trailers. This integrated and modular e-driveline system ensures quiet and emission-free operation. Recently, both AxTrax 2, AxTrax 2 dual, and the previously introduced CeTrax 2 dual electric central drive were showcased at ZF’s Global Technology Day in Friedrichshafen.

Winfried Gründler, the Senior Vice President of Driveline Systems in ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, emphasized the significance of this modular electric drive kit, asserting that ZF is now able to equip customers with all the components necessary to electrify their commercial vehicles, spanning from last-mile delivery vans to massive 44-ton trucks. The kit includes scalable axle and central drive systems, which seamlessly integrate with various electrification technologies like batteries or fuel cells. Additionally, the kit is complemented by a diverse range of eComponents developed and manufactured in-house.

This expansion of ZF’s all-encompassing approach to commercial vehicle electrification further solidifies its role as the favored eMobility partner for prominent truck, coach, and bus brands globally. The AxTrax 2, with its axle-based design that is fully integrated and compact, optimises space for cargo, passenger cabins, and batteries. This design flexibility extends to future vehicle concepts. These electric drives can be harmonised with vital vehicle functions such as braking, ADAS, and automated driving systems, enhancing both vehicle safety and efficiency. Furthermore, advanced digital and telematics systems can seamlessly exchange information with the e-axle via the CAN bus.

Offered in two variants, the AxTrax 2 lineup brings forth impressive capabilities. The AxTrax 2 model caters to commercial vehicles with a continuous power output of 210 kW. On the other hand, the AxTrax 2 dual variant, featuring two integrated e-motors, is a prime candidate for heavy-duty applications, boasting a continuous power output of 380 kW.

Both iterations are meticulously engineered to replace conventional components like the engine, transmission, drive shaft, and standard axle, facilitating the electrification of commercial vehicles. This innovation paves the way for reimagining the form, function, and structure of commercial vehicles. The resulting benefits include improved aerodynamics, the integration of automated driving, and the possibility of increased battery capacity.

ZF’s approach to electric driveline solutions caters to a broad spectrum of applications. By leveraging a unique, scalable, and modular platform strategy, ZF enables customers to electrify all classes of commercial vehicle platforms, whether retrofitting existing ones or designing entirely new platforms.

In the context of semitrailers, the AxTrax 2 serves as an electric drive axle that recuperates electrical energy during braking. This energy is temporarily stored in a battery and can subsequently support the truck’s drive through the electric axle. This energy recuperation not only curtails fuel and energy consumption but also contributes to lower carbon emissions. Furthermore, it enhances the safety of truck-trailer combinations.

ZF goes beyond just providing drives and axles; it also offers purpose-built electric components tailored to the demands of the commercial vehicle sector. The modular nature of these components enables manufacturers to either adopt ZF’s complete electric drive systems or seamlessly integrate them with their own elements, capitalising on shared interfaces and synergies. Notable components encompass the e-motor (PSM), silicon carbide (SiC) inverter, e-drive control unit, e-actuator, and multi-speed transmission.