ZF presents a new electric central drive at the IAA. It complements the portfolio along with drives close to the wheel, among other things, the way they are for example used in Daimler’s concept vehicle Urban eTruck.
According to ZF, the central drive can be used in different bus-applications, but also in delivery trucks for inner-city use. The electric powertrain is especially suitable for vehicles with powertrain layouts similar to those used in conventional vehicles. The central drive could therefore also be easily integrated into existing vehicle concepts. In combination with direct-drive axles as well as conventional low-floor axles, the central drive covers low-entry busses as well as low-floor busses of all sizes.
ZF borrows the central axle drive from the passenger car sector especially for light commercial vehicles. It goes into production in 2018. Electric engine, a two-stage one-speed gearbox including differential, and the power electronics therefore form a compact, highly integrated unit. With a performance of 150 kW, the system also fits performance-wise into light commercial vehicles.
ZF grants high potential to electric engines in commercial vehicles. "Many commercial vehicles with limited daily driving performance could already be electrically powered today", says Fredrik Staedtler, responsible for the commercial vehicle technology division. In different cities with in part strict emission regulations, electric drives are already indispensable. According to ZF, many commercial vehicles are furthermore often used in so-called return-to-base operations, meaning they return to the depot at night and can be recharged without problems.
