ZF claims to be setting a new industry benchmark for efficiency with its truck- trailer technologies, including its ground-breaking electric trailer. CVW reports.
Developed to maximise operating efficiency and lower fuel consumption, ZF’s electric trailer is equipped with an electric motor and associated control system, that interconnects truck and trailer vehicle controls. The trailer’s intelligent motor recuperates electric energy during braking and downhill manoeuvres which can then be reutilised to power the vehicle’s traction or to operate onboard electric auxiliaries. This semitrailer, with its integrated electric drive system, effectively enables every conventional truck to become a hybrid, claims ZF. It is also a complementary solution for electrified trucks extending their range and offering the possibility of a downsized electrical installation.
By combining its electric trailer and a truck with a suite of intelligent, electrified and efficiency technologies, ZF says it has made great advances in emissions reduction. Based on its demonstration vehicle, including the electric trailer’s recuperation and traction capabilities, significant fuel savings of up to 18% (VECTO delivery cycle) and annual CO2 emission reductions of up to 15 tonnes have been achieved.
Electrifying heavy-duty commercial vehicles
The company has also recently unveiled its new CeTrax 2 electric central drive – an integrated, modular e-drive system for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. It features two high performance oil-cooled e-motors as well as two integrated 800v silicon carbide (SiC) inverters. CeTrax 2 uses an advanced three-speed gearbox able to perform powershifts.
With all components integrated within a compact single unit, CeTrax 2 allows manufacturers to offer both conventional ICE and electric drivelines on the same vehicle platform. In addition to enabling the quicker electrification of existing vehicle platforms, it enables high power and torque, light weight design (approx. 385 kg) and enhanced e-drive efficiency of up to 96%. With continuous power of 360kW and peak torque of 24,700Nm for vehicles up to 44 tons, CeTrax 2’s electric central drive offers a smooth and almost imperceptible gear changes due to its seamless powershifting, according to ZF.
Using the company’s decades of transmission and electrification experience, the gear changes are calculated by the integrated ECU and automatically executed by the e-actuators. Series production of CeTrax 2 is set to commence with DAF Trucks later this year (2023).
