ZF Solutions
ZF Solutions
When it comes to electric vehicles (EV), consumers express concern over having access to charging stations. For ZF, this means developing advanced technologies that extend driving ranges. Introduced earlier this year, ZF’s 2-speed electric drive for passenger cars provides improved energy conversion efficiency that helps extend the driving range of each battery charge. Equipped with a new electric motor with a maximum power rating of 140 kW and a two-shift element, the drive consumes less energy and extends range by up to 5% compared to single speed units. Shifts are set to occur at approximately 44 mph, however by connecting to the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) communication, the “nervous system” of the vehicle, and linking to digital map material and GPS, alternate shift strategies can be set. For example, the vehicle could determine the distance to the next charging station via the GPS and predict when the vehicle should enter Eco-mode.