ZF CeTrax, it’s time for series production. The central electric motore made in Friedrichshafen will join the well know AxTrax electric axle in order to widen the portfolio of zero emission drivetrains developed for commercial vehicles. Starting in the third quarter of 2020, ZF electric central drive will be the second electric drive from ZF for public transport to go into volume production, the German group announces. The drive will be manufactured in Friedrichshafen.

It has been already announced that the new component will be mounted on the Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric, the latest (…and longest) electric bus model launched by Solaris, and on the 303E10 by Belarus-based manufacturer MAZ. «Further customer launches are in preparation», ZF highlights.

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ZF CeTrax, the premiere in 2017

ZF designed CeTrax for use in buses and presented it to the public for the first time in a ZF test vehicle in 2017. The design of the drive is based on a plug-and-drive approach. CeTrax can be easily installed in vehicles with a conventional driveline layout, ZF highlights. Moreover, the new product can be operated via battery, trolley system or supercaps, and also in a fuel cell configuration.

It is suitable as well as for retrofitting of existing platforms. It is not surprise that the ZF central electric motor is also in e-troFit’s spotlight.

ZF CeTrax, a building block on the way to zero emissions public transport

“The start of series production of the electric central drive for buses illustrates the pioneering position ZF is taking in electrification. CeTrax is another building block on the way to emission-free public transport, which ZF supports to best of its ability”, says Andreas Grossl, responsible for Axle and Transmission Systems for Buses and Coaches at ZF. “Winning over bus manufacturers with a market entry electric drive shows that we are on the right track with our strategy”.

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