ZF drives electric buses

Having been unveiled at the 2016 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, the ZF CeTrax electric central-drive unit for both low- and high-floor bus applications has hit the road.

“The CeTrax central drive can be retrofitted into existing vehicle platforms without any modifications to the chassis, axles, statics or differentials,” says Jochen Witzig, who is responsible for bus transmission system development at ZF.

“Vehicle manufacturers thus save on development and installation costs. We’re the perfect partner when they want to use electric drive in addition to their conventional engines within the same platform strategy. CeTrax has the potential to really jump-start electromobility,” he adds.

With a maximum output of 300 kW and a maximum torque of 4 400 Nm, CeTrax packs the same power as conventional engines. The new electric-drive unit has a climbing ability of 25 percent.

The bus accelerates from standing without any torque interruption, smoothing the ride for passengers. Comfort is also aided by much lower chassis vibrations plus a quieter ride compared to conventional engines.

The CeTrax unit joins ZF’s other e-mobility solutions for bus applications, including AVE 130 electric portal axis and the TraXon Hybrid, with the electric motor located between the combustion engine and the transmission.