ABC #402

SPONSORED CONTENT
ZF DRIVES
ELECTRIC INNOVATION
ZF and the word ‘technology’ have been intrinsically linked for decades because,
from the very beginning, that is what ZF has done – develop, manufacture and
deliver innovative technology to the world’s automotive manufacturers.
Whether it is passenger cars,
light commercial vehicles,
trucks, or buses and
coaches, ZF technology
has been central to the safety, performance
and efficiency of these vehicles for
generations.
And in the e-Mobility space, ZF’s years
of research and development continues to
place it ahead of the competition.
“For over 100 years, ZF has globally
developed a reputation as a leader in
automotive systems, and has subsequently
been at the forefront of the move towards
electrification in the commercial vehicle
segment,” said Shane Trenbath, technical
services manager, ZF Services Australia.
“What makes ZF unique is that the
expertise for all of the different components
of the EV system are available from a single
source, which truly sets us apart.”
THE NEXT STEP
The AxTrax AVE portal axle has already been
installed in over 2,200 electric buses globally,
which have subsequently travelled around
150 million kilometres with zero-emissions.
Local Oceania manufacturers including
BusTech Group in Australia, as well as
Zemtec and Global Bus Ventures in New
Zealand, have selected AxTrax AVE in their
designed chassis, with trials commencing
shortly.
The system can be utilised in numerous
configurations, including pure electric buses,
hybrid buses and trolleybuses, in both solo
and articulated wheelbase configurations,
with energy provided by battery, fuel cell,
supercapacitor or mains supply.
Instead of a traditional driveline featuring
an engine, transmission, prop shaft and
a differential, the AxTrax AVE features a
compact electrical engine installed within
what would typically be the hub of the
wheel.
Providing high-torque output, the system
keeps weight low, while also saving space.
The system utilises regenerative braking,
which tops up battery stores while saving
on service brakes, with the overall system
containing fewer moving parts that in turn
simplifies the maintenance task.
Tuned specifically for each installation, the
AxTrax AVE system features an inverter and
the ZF EST 54 control unit, which manages
power requests, recuperation and energy
storage needs.
ZF CETRAX DRIVE SYSTEM
For manufacturers looking to integrate an
electric drive system into their conventional
vehicle designs, the CeTrax is a recent
addition to the ZF range, opening up a host
of installation options.
Bus manufacturers can utilise the
system in both low-entry and high-floor
applications, as well as for low-floor buses in
combination with the AV 133 portal axle.
With a maximum power output of
300 kilowatts and a top torque figure of
4,500Nm, CeTrax has the performance to
overcome the toughest terrain.
Featuring tried and proven components
from the ZF-EcoLife city bus transmission,
the CeTrax is lighter and more compact
than combustion engine options, all while
allowing for the use of standard axles and
common differential ratios.
THE WHOLE PACKAGE
ZF’s OE range for buses and coaches
features a vast catalogue of parts, from
driveline, to steering, brakes, chassis and
electronic components.
Transmissions include the proven EcoLife
and AS Tronic, as well as TraXon.
Aftermarket components from ZF and
its LEMFÖRDER, SACHS and TRW brands
include the CDC electronic damping
system, individual dampers, ActivMode and
EV Series power steering pumps, clutch and
dual mass flywheel systems, and electronic
control units.
There is also a myriad of parts including
steering systems and chassis, axles, clutches,
brake components and lubricants.
Further details are available at zf.com/
au, or by calling 1800 ZF SALES (1800 93
72537).
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ABC February 2021 busnews.com.au