German automotive supplier ZF has developed a new thermal management system for EVs as part of its electromobility shift.
Along with ZF’s optimized drivetrain, the new software “makes a significant contribution to higher efficiency,” according to the company. The new drive system is 30% lighter and can potentially boost winter vehicle range by up to one third. The improved electric drivetrain uses 800-volt silicon carbide power electronics, and includes a motor and a reduction gearbox. ZF powertrain technology can generate 70 Nm/kg torque density of drive weight without rare earth materials. ZF says automotive manufacturers from Asia, Europe and America will deploy the cubiX chassis software or the first-generation 800-volt electric drive in their vehicles in the next few months.
In addition to electromobility, ZF’s by-wire solutions for networked and electronically regulated braking, steering and damping systems are potential volume segment businesses for the company in the future. ZF is integrating its passenger car chassis technology and active safety technologies departments to form a new Chassis Solutions division by January 2024.
“The Chassis Solution division offers all the hardware components needed to control a vehicle’s vertical, longitudinal and lateral dynamics and also the associated networking in the form of hardware and software,” said Dr. Holger Klein, CEO of ZF.
Source: ZF