ZF presents oil-free commercial vehicles air compressor e-comp Scroll

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division is launching a new air compressor model aimed at medium and heavy-duty hybrid, battery electric and fuel cell trucks, buses and coaches. The new product has been unveiled at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo currently held in California, USA, and at the Auto Shanghai in China.

Named e-comp Scroll, the new component, in ZF’s words, is “an oil-free, low-noise and minimal vibration air compression system designed as much for efficiency as it is for smooth operation”.

ZF has recently received an order for “several thousands” of AxTrax 2 for intercity e-buses in India. The group reported sales of €41.4 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, reflecting an 11% decline compared to the previous year. According to a reporting by German newspaper Handelsblatt out in February 2025, ZF is evaluating a full spin-off of its Electrified Powertrain Technologies division under a project called “Verde”. Such move wouldn’t affect the Commercial Vehicles division.

ZF air compressor e-comp Scroll

The ZF e-comp Scroll is powered by an integrated electric motor and addresses the noise topic by using the motion of interlocking scrolls to compress air in order to minimize vibration while limiting noise emissions to around 67dB(A) at the nominal operation point of 250 liters per minute, comparable to the noise level in an office environment.

ZF e-comp Scroll compresses air up to 12.5 bar system pressure in a single stage and is capable of running at variable speeds to meet application demand. The system also features an inverter and liquid cooling shell, which maintains the discharge temperature below 90°C (194°F).

“By offering an oil-free, low-noise and low-vibration air compression system, we are addressing the technological challenges posed by zero-emission targets for electric vehicles,” said Head of Product Line, Chassis Solutions, for ZF CVS, Paweł Porczyński. “The innovative design of the e-comp Scroll ensures efficient air compression while significantly reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through low maintenance resulting from elimination of oil lubrication. By automatically switching off between compression cycles, the e-comp Scroll saves energy while enhancing the overall experience for the driver, passengers and other road users alike. It also expands our growing portfolio of innovative products and systems that help drive the industry’s transformation towards zero-emission commercial vehicle mobility.”