ZF to Present a New Generation of EcoLife Transmission for Buses

ZF, a well-known supplier of automatic transmissions and related spare parts, plans to present a new generation of the automatic transmission EcoLife (named as EcoLife2) intended for buses at the exhibition Busworld Europe 2019. According to ZF press representatives, the new solution is designed to make public transport, powered by traditional IC-engines, more economical and environmentally-friendly. The use of a new generation EcoLife transmission is assumed to reduce fuel consumption by buses by 3%.

That’s how a new EcoLife2 transmission looks like

The new 6-speed transmission is equipped with a torque converter and a new torsional vibration damper. Such a design, allowed ZF engineers to equip all versions of the transmission with a Start-Stop feature, thereby ensuring more rapid and smooth gear shifting as well as to reduce the level of vibrations having some impact on the transmission unit and the powertrain unit altogether.

In addition, the new unit is less prone to wear than its predecessor; due to lower friction losses, as well as modified cooling system. The three-channel heat exchanger made of stainless steel is mounted behind the transmission unit. According to ZF, this solution made the system more compact and lightweight, thus making the transmission unit more maintenance-friendly. The variant of EcoLife2 transmission for city and suburban buses will be able to transmit up to 2000 Nm of torque. This version will hit the market early next year. Currently, ZF engineers are working on the EcoLife2 version for intercity buses with the torque transmission capacity from 1700 to 2800 Nm.

ZF has been producing the EcoLife unit since 2007. This unit gradually replaced the Ecomat gearbox, which was discontinued in 2015. The EcoLife unit has gained a strong position on automotive markets all over the world. Achieving such a success became possible thanks to introduction of technical innovations, which enhanced the efficiency of this transmission.

Learn more about ZF EcoLife transmission

For instance, TopoDyn Life software contributed to lower fuel consumption. The control system of this transmission estimates the relevant data on the road surface and, depending on this info, selects an optimal gear and adjusts the braking force. Thus, it is possible to achieve a significant fuel economy. In addition, the retarder unit integrated in the transmission ensures increased braking force even at low speeds. This technical solution helped to significantly reduce the load on the pedal brake. This solution is available in 7 versions. The input torque range varies from 1000 to 2300 Nm. This unit became an ideal solution for coaches and sightseeing buses.

ZF Cetrax

ZF Axtrax

In addition to the new gearbox, ZF also plans to present other solutions for electrification of urban public transport at the Busworld Europe show. In particular, the German company will demonstrate the CeTrax drive system, which will help to electrify buses without the need for radical changes in the chassis and axle design. One more product to be showcased on the ZF stand is an electric bridge-type axle AxTrax. The exhibition will be held in Brussels from October 18 to 23.