Technology company ZF unveiled its self-developed thermal management system for electric vehicles at its annual Global Technology Day demonstration event. The new system offers a more compact drive design and can increase the range of vehicles in winter by up to one-third.
Combined with an optimised electric drive train consisting of power electronics, motor and a reduction gearbox based on 800-volt silicon carbide, the system sets new standards in compactness and weight. The newly developed powertrain software also makes a significant contribution to higher efficiency.
Dr Holger Klein, CEO, ZF, said, “The new powertrain is free of heavy rare earth elements and can be used flexibly by car manufacturers thanks to its modular design.” The cubiX chassis software or the first-generation 800-volt electric drive will also be used by automotive manufacturers from Asia, Europe, and America in their vehicles in the coming months.
In addition to electromobility, the company's by-wire products as networked and electronically controllable braking, steering and damping systems, are examples of additional future business in the volume segment: chassis technologies.
Against this background, the company is merging the divisions for passenger car chassis technology and active safety technology to form a new and uniquely comprehensive Chassis Solutions division.
Klein explained, “The unit already combines an annual turnover of more than €14 billion and will be a reliable and competent partner for our customers in all regions of the world.”