Building on its recent acquisition of WABCO, ZF is accelerating the development of its product and systems portfolio to enable intelligent commercial vehicles. This includes an industry-first autonomous trailer coupling function and energy-saving truck-trailer combination.
EU requirements for manufacturers to reduce new commercial vehicle CO2 fleet emissions by 15 percent before 2025, increasing to 30 percent by 2030, makes ZF an invaluable partner to the commercial vehicle industry as demand for electric drive trains in buses and trucks grows exponentially. In addition, the EU requires new driver assistance systems approvals from 2022 and, from 2024, for new registrations to include advanced blind spot warning systems.
With the integration of WABCO's leading advanced driver assistance and fuel-efficiency systems into its existing technology range, ZF is demonstrating the advantages of a complete and unique product portfolio for trucks, buses and trailer OEMS as well as fleets.
"WABCO is a perfect strategic match for ZF and has enabled us to accelerate our global leadership as a future-oriented, full-range technology supplier and systems integrator serving the commercial vehicle industry," said Fredrik Staedtler, head of ZF's Commercial Vehicle Control Systems Division.
"With a clear aim of making mobility and transport cleaner, safer and efficient, we are mobilizing commercial vehicle intelligence to support customers world-wide. Just four months after acquiring WABCO, we have made substantial progress in implementing new development projects bringing together our significant combined system competencies."
"When it comes to transformative solutions for the next generation of commercial vehicles, we are at full speed," added Andreas Moser, Head of ZF's Commercial Vehicle Technology Division. "As a result, we can highlight new innovations such as the fuel-saving truck-trailer prototype, designed for energy-efficient driving. It combines a lightweight design and aerodynamics with optimized chassis space offering major benefits for future electrification strategies."
ZF has also accelerated its successful commercial vehicle electrification program. ZF's AxTrax AVE electric axle has been in daily operation for a number of years and, this year, the Group will start volume production of the CeTrax electric central drive. By 2023, a complete modular electric drive kit, with axle and central drives, will be established for buses and trucks of up to 44 tons. As with other ZF electric systems, it will be ‘open to technology', meaning it can be combined with a battery or fuel cell, for example.
ZF can now also extend its electrification expertise to trailers with the eTrailer. This semitrailer, with integrated electric motor, can convert the conventional truck it is coupled with into a hybrid vehicle that consumes up to 16 percent less fuel. In addition, with the e-trailer, traction and acceleration improve while noise level and brake wear decrease.
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