Electric Propulsion Systems

Hybrid Technology: Future-oriented and environmentally friendly

More than ever before, our society is focusing on preserving the environment, the climate, and fossil fuels. ZF has been working together with car makers for years now on hybrid strategies that significantly lower fuel consumption and CO emissions.

A number of systems are already ready for series production, and they also set new standards for cost-efficiency. Comprehensive experience in powertrain technology at ZF ensures that these new systems can also be integrated into existing powertrains in order to meet all energy conversion and vibrational damping requirements. This integration expertise, which allows to combine the entire range of powertrain functions into complex systems, is the key to introducing hybrid technology on a broad scale.

Function & Benefit

The product spectrum of ZF includes:

DynaStart: Crankshaft Starter Generator
A single compact unit that, combines the starter and the generator, provides new energy for the cars of the future. This is the ideal technology for the future 42-volt power net. More power for starting up, more energy for driving. And fuel reductions of up to 20% at the same time!
Hybrid Drives
Sachs supplies electric motors for vehicles that can be driven with both the combustion engine and the electric motor. This combines the benefits of both powertrain concepts.
Transaxle
Electric drives from ZF for purely electric vehicles, for example in association with fuel-cell technology.

The technology

Together with car makers and other partners, and as a result of joint research and development work, ZF has developed micro, mild and full hybrids with both internal and external rotors. These electric drives can be integrated into new or already existing powertrains without sacrificing any known driveline functions. Thanks to its expertise in powertrain components, ZF Sachs can integrate start-up, shift, vibrational damping, and actuation elements. For example, the extremely flat starter clutch with sintered facings make powerful hybrid solutions possible for front-transverse applications as well. This ensures not only environmental but also economic advantages for car makers.

Benefit

Dramatic reduction in fuel consumption and emissions
Very fast and quiet engine start-up as well as comfortable start-stop operation
Recuperation of electric energy from braking
Improved driving dynamics thanks to boost for combustion engine during acceleration
Purely electric operation (no emissions) by separating the combustion engine from the powertrain