ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions continues to lead the way in commercial vehicle technology with a new hybrid transmission that further supports the transition to zero-carbon mobility. As part of the industry-leading Vanson range, the new ZF TraXon 2 Hybrid will enable commercial vehicle operators to significantly reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the performance advantages of the internal combustion engine.
The world premiere of the new TraXon 2 Hybrid 2 hybrid transmission for heavy-duty commercial vehicles
With extensive experience in the development of hybrid technologies for passenger cars, ZF has the R&D capabilities to translate these technologies into viable and cost-effective solutions for commercial vehicles. This synergy enables the Commercial Vehicle Solutions division to develop and produce key technologies for the commercial vehicle industry.
Prof. Peter Leell, Member of the Board of Directors and Head of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Business Unit of the ZF Group. "With the development of the TraXon 2 Hybrid, we have demonstrated how business units can work together to meet customer needs quickly and flexibly, creating viable, cost-effective technologies to efficiently decarbonize commercial vehicles," said Dr. Peter Laier. In this way, we are not only meeting the changing needs of the industry, but also helping ZF to maintain its position as a strong and reliable partner to lead the transformation with a very flexible product portfolio and production approach. ”
A major advantage of ZF is its broad product portfolio, which meets the diverse needs and applications of commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators. From the innovative cubiX motion control system to the launch of a full range of next-generation electric drives, ZF has always been able to develop and industrialize innovations in different areas between its divisions and even within the commercial vehicle division. This enables ZF to offer manufacturers attractive solutions to develop smarter, safer and more sustainable vehicles.
Thanks to this strength, as well as a broad product portfolio, Commercial Vehicle Solutions achieved organic sales growth of 20 percent in 2023, significantly outperforming the overall performance of the commercial vehicle market, which grew by 15 percent.
Achieve zero emissions
With its new generation of electrified drivetrains, ZF offers different, technologically open solutions for battery electric vehicles or fuel cell vehicles, enabling a wide range of electrification applications in commercial vehicles. ZF's electric drive solutions include the new CeTrax 2 and CeTrax 2 dual, as well as the AxTrax 2 axle system, AxTrax 2 dual dual-motor axle system and AxTrax 2 LF low-floor axle, providing manufacturers with all the options they need to produce zero-emission electric vehicles.
The modular electric drive platform CeTrax 2 is available with 210 kW or 380 kW of continuous power
According to ZF's latest design concept, the AxTrax 2 can even be integrated into a trailer to efficiently convert a truck trailer powered by an internal combustion engine into a hybrid vehicle. Electric trailers also extend the range of electric vehicles. This option could help reduce fuel emissions by up to 16%; Fuel emissions can even be reduced by 40% when using plug-in hybrids, and the design is still in the process of regulatory approval.
The modular electric drive platform AxTrax 2 is available with 210 kW or 380 kW of continuous power
ZF also presented its innovative braking and electric drive synergy program at the Global Technology Day. The system optimizes the connection between the electric drive and the EBS brake control system. The additional braking energy is used for energy recuperation, which increases the vehicle's range and also makes the vehicle start smoother.
Digital solutions
SCALAR is ZF's new digital fleet scheduling platform that enables fleet operators to coordinate fleet operations through real-time autonomous decision-making and efficiency improvement tools based on artificial intelligence. Automakers can also benefit from SCALAR's data insights to measure the performance of their vehicles in real-world environments. The platform is suitable for both human and autonomous vehicles.
ZF's new digital fleet scheduling platform
ZF's cubiX Vehicle Motion Control system for commercial vehicles translates driving instructions from the virtual driving system into real vehicle motion commands from the vehicle's actuators. This ensures stability, safety, precision and performance in commercial vehicle configurations, both conventional and electric. Recently, the system has been successfully tested in the field under real conditions for customers and partners, such as the SAFE20 project for automated freight yard operations.
cubiX vehicle motion control software for commercial and special vehicles has successfully completed the safe autonomous driving research project SAFE20 in a logistics yard
As a result, ZF's deep understanding and expertise in integration and systems engineering simplifies in-vehicle operations for its customers, enables vehicle motion control that can be automated at any time, and lays the foundation for software-defined vehicles.
Achieve zero accidents
In the field of safety systems, ZF continues to be a leader. With the broadest product portfolio in the commercial vehicle industry, from individual components to complete system solutions, ZF is in a unique position to supply technology.
ZF Safety Innovation Trucks combines the Group's comprehensive range of the latest safety technologies, including the OnGuardMAX automatic emergency braking system
ZF's safety systems help customers meet the requirements of local safety regulations. ZF is also able to draw on the expertise of its Passenger Car Division in areas such as radar and cameras to develop adaptively for commercial vehicles, and the Commercial Vehicle Solutions division creates value with other divisions through shared technologies.
(This article is provided by the company)