To provide bus manufacturers and fleets with more decarbonised, safer, and connected public transportation, ZF has introduced its most recent technology. At the ZF exhibit, the AxTrax 2 LF, ZF’s next-generation electric axle for low-floor city buses, takes centre stage in a first for the nation.
The new axle is an example of ZF’s most recent e-Mobility evolution, providing enhanced performance to help the commercial vehicle sector continue its transition to a decarbonised future.
Part of ZF’s next-generation modular e-mobility kit, the AxTrax 2 LF shares cutting-edge parts like an 800 V silicon carbide (SiC) inverter and an electric motor with hairpin winding technology. With a single driving axle and a gross vehicle weight of up to 29 tonnes, articulated buses may achieve an astonishing 20% climbing ability thanks to its continuous output of up to 360 kW and peak torque of up to 37,300 Nm.
At the same time, AxTrax 2 LF offers up to 10% energy savings compared to the previous generation. Its compact design maximizes available space for the passenger compartment, and despite being more powerful, the required space is comparable to that of the AxTrax AVE. The new axle is fully compatible with ZF’s air suspension and braking systems. On the software side, AxTrax 2 LF also benefits from ZF’s extensive experience in developing state-of-the-art features such as axle condition monitoring and cybersecurity. Series production of AxTrax 2 LF is scheduled to start in 2025.
On the safety side, ZF’s new ADAS solutions including OnHand EPH as well as its advanced Collision Mitigation System (CMS) for city buses are also on show. Visitors can also experience a live demonstration of ZF’s digital fleet management solution Bus Connect while the advanced fleet orchestration platform SCALAR is also featured.