ZF announced at the IAA Transportation Show in Hannover, Germany, the launch of a new hybrid transmission.

“Decarbonization is for sure the dominating topic here at IAA and in the commercial vehicle world. Therefore, we have customized solutions for zero emissions and CO2 reduction to provide to our customers,” Dr. Peter Laier, member of the ZF board responsible for the commercial vehicle industry, said during a press conference.

With the acquisitions of TRW and Wabco in recent years, ZF says it has consolidated its position as a global supplier for e-mobility, combustion engines as well as chassis, driver and safety products.

ZF says it has secured numerous new customer orders for its latest offerings. For example, ZF expects production of electric drive systems for commercial vehicles to double over the next 12 months. The company also anticipates further growth of e-drive systems, especially in the Asia-Pacific and North American markets.

Laier announced that by 2026, it will be the number one manufacturer of e-mobility products for commercial vehicles in Europe.

Among the technologies presented by ZF at IAA is their modular e-mobility platform that includes ZF e-motors, the related inverters, a three-speed transmission and the related electric and mechatronic components. The modular approach is intended to offer flexible offerings to customers, from last-mile delivery vehicles to 44-ton trucks.

ZF also showcased at IAA an electric power takeoff and a mechanical power take-off for electric vehicles, as well TrailTrax, a concept for the electrification of semi-trailers. This system integrates the AxTrax 2 electric drive axle from ZF and a modular battery system with the trailer EBS. Together, these components are said help to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16%. The system transforms a heavy diesel truck into a hybrid vehicle.

Speaking of hybrid technology, ZF’s new TraXon 2 hybrid transmission was also an attention-grabber at the show. This transmission enables purely electric driving functions for both fully hybrid and plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles.

ZF’s hybrid technology was originally developed for passenger cars and subsequently adapted to the specific requirements of commercial vehicles. Laier said some commercial markets are slower than assumed to move from combustion engines to battery-electric.

 “There is a need for a bridging technology to reduce C02 further, and that brought us together on discussions with our customers on the idea of doing an hybrid,” Laier said.

ZF also showcased its cubiX software, available for different vehicle classifications. cubiX is a motion control software that promises to optimize driving behavior in terms of stability, safety and performance and “contributes to the standardization and simplification of development processes and enables manufacturers to take advantage of differentiation opportunities of its chassis functions.”

ZF also presented a new lane change assistant for trucks using radar and camera technology to make lane changes safer and a new version of the OnGuardMAX emergency braking assistance system for the European market.