ZF Unveils New 2-Speed Transmission for Electric Vehicles

ZF, a major supplier of car parts, has recently presented its first 2-speed electric transmission for electric vehicles (EV). This new solution for EVs comes as part of the ZF’s products for ‘Next Generation Mobility’. The presentation took place within the framework of Global Technology Day, 2019.

This new product is considered to be a breakthrough in the E-Mobility segment. Currently, major automakers put in great efforts to prepare the ground for new cars based on environmentally-friendly technologies and gradually give up on IC- engines. Therefore, it is not surprising that ZF also develops powertrain components to ensure that the company will be ready for upcoming changes in the automobile industry.

This two-speed transmission can be paired with an e-motor of 140 kW (or 190 hp) or with even more powerful unit (250 kW (340 hp)). ZF representatives claim that its new product is developed to utilize less energy, increasing EV’s performance capacity by five percent compared to a single-speed unit. This difference manifests itself at a speed of 70 km/h. Moreover, it is said that this advanced transmission unit ensures faster speed ups and presumably, enhanced max. speed too.

For owners of EVs, it is essential to have as much drive range as possible from each battery charge. Even the slightest enhancement in energy transformation efficiency results in longer drive ranges. The presented transmission unit will also allow automakers to get longer drive ranges from the same size of the battery or use a smaller battery for the same amount of range. Thanks to modular design, this new ZF product can be easily adjusted to manufacturer’s needs. It can also be optimized for application in sports and performance cars. The space-saving structure of this unit makes this unit perfect for small cars where interior space is strictly limited.