At ACT Expo 2021, ZF highlighted what it calls its line of clean and efficient technologies, the AxTrax electric axle and the CeTrax electric central drive which supports OEMs’ greenhouse gas (GHG) challenges.
“We are nearing 1 million miles of real-world experience with AxTrax on the Freightliner eCascadia with tremendous results,” Feldhaus explained. “By 2023, ZF will progressively launch a complete modular next generation of electric drives, with axle and central drives for pickups, trucks and buses of up to 100,000 lbs. A major North American OEM will launch in the same year.”
ZF’s electric drives will offer up to 360kW continuous power for battery electric or fuel cell electric vehicles, the manufacturer noted.
ZF announced in February that it is investing $200 million in North American commercial vehicle transmission manufacturing at its South Carolina transmission facility. Multiple North American customers have signed multi-year contracts and while U.S. production will begin in 2023, PowerLine is on U.S. roads today.
“PowerLine can help generate fuel savings of more than 10% and is package protected for mild hybrid electric vehicle [MHEV] and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platforms, supporting the industry transformation to a fully electrified future,” Feldhaus.