With regard to the future-oriented topic of sustainability, ZF has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2040. However, climate neutrality does not apply only to ZF itself and its production processes (Scopes 1 and 2); it also includes emissions across the entire value chain (Scope 3).

In general, ZF is strongly accelerating its efforts to shift from the formerly common linear economy to a resource-efficient circular economy. The creation of products suitable for circular economy principles begins as early as the product development stage. The use of digital twins in product development is still relatively new. They not only increase speed and efficiency in the development process, but also reduce energy consumption and waste volumes.

The use of digital twins in product development is still relatively new. They not only increase speed and efficiency in the development process, but also reduce energy consumption and waste volumes.

To reduce pollutant emissions in manufacturing and assembly, ZF is pursuing two approaches: On the one hand, the company uses sustainable materials and clean energy from renewable sources; on the other, ZF invests in modern production buildings and equipment designed to consume as little energy as possible.

In terms of energy use, the Group has already reached an important milestone: Since 2025, all ZF sites worldwide have been supplied exclusively with electricity from renewable sources. The company has also succeeded in reducing its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 85 percent compared to 2019 – five years earlier than planned.

In production, ZF is working to use even more sustainably produced materials – such as green steel – and to consistently increase the share of recycled materials. Recently, ZF’s Board of Management reaffirmed the targets for the use of recycled materials, which cover more than 95 percent of the volume of ZF’s production materials. This conserves raw materials and is an important step on the path toward a circular economy.

These are just a few examples of ZF’s activities to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by its own operations, with the ambitious goal of achieving full climate neutrality by 2040.

The desire for individual mobility is as old as the automobile itself. ZF technology ensures that this desire does not come at the expense of the environment.

A classic solution on the path to significantly reduced CO₂ emissions is ZF’s ultra‑efficient 8‑speed automatic transmission, internally known as 8HP. When used in plug‑in hybrid vehicles, most everyday journeys can be completed purely electrically. This hybrid classic is complemented by the ZF eDrive Platform SELECT, a finely graduated modular system for fully electric drivetrains. Newly developed ZF range extenders also increase electric range. In addition, the innovative TherMas thermal management system increases range, especially in winter when low temperatures put a strain on EV batteries.

The market for electric trucks will gain momentum in 2026. Key drivers are legislators worldwide. Under EU law, for example, truck manufacturers in Europe must reduce emissions from new trucks by 45 percent by 2030 and by 90 percent by 2040, compared with 2019 CO₂ levels. Trailer manufacturers must also improve emissions values by ten percent by 2030.

Challenges remain in electrifying long haul truck fleets with battery electric vehicles. China is clearly leading in this area. The still incomplete fast charging infrastructure (Megawatt Charging System, MCS) for heavy trucks favors alternative solutions such as hydrogen combustion engines, fuel cells, and hybrid technologies.

To advance decarbonization in trucks through electrification, ZF has developed a modular system with various electric drivetrains that are efficient, robust, and cost effective. For trucks with conventionally designed drivetrains, the electric central drive CeTrax 2 is of particular interest. Its variants for light to heavy trucks now form a family of their own.

The CeTrax solutions are complemented by three systems of the electric axle AxTrax 2. While the CeTrax 2 central drive powers a conventional rear axle via a drive shaft, the AxTrax 2 integrates electric motors and transmissions directly into the axle.

In addition to fully electric drivetrains for trucks of all weight classes, ZF also offers its proven TraXon 2 automated manual transmission in the electrified TraXon 2 Hybrid version, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.

Electric buses play a central role in the global transport transition. They are locally emission free and quieter than diesel buses. According to a 2025 international study by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), more than 50 percent of all public transport journeys worldwide are made by bus.

Compared with a diesel bus, a single electric bus can save up to 60 tons of greenhouse gases per year – a powerful lever for decarbonizing mobility and achieving climate goals. City buses in particular are pioneers of commercial vehicle electrification. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than 70,000 electric buses were sold worldwide in 2024, driven mainly by China and strong growth in Europe.

ZF draws on its modular e drive kit for commercial vehicles, the result of more than 30 years of experience. As early as 1994, ZF presented its first low floor electric axle for buses. Multiple generations later, this technology has evolved into the AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle.

Depending on requirements and vehicle type, customers can choose from multiple AxTrax 2 electric axle drives or CeTrax 2 central drives. Among all commercial vehicle types, electrification and decarbonization are most advanced in city buses. Intercity and coach buses, with their significantly longer ranges, remain more challenging. Here, plug in hybrid drivetrains act as an important bridging technology.

The commitment to decarbonization arises, among other things, from the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015. In it, the signatories of 197 states declare their intention to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Wind power is also a prerequisite for producing “green hydrogen,” for example to decarbonize the steel industry. Electricity from the renewable source wind is also important for the expansion of electric mobility if it is not to be merely locally emission-free. According to the European Commission, a modern onshore wind turbine offsets its entire CO₂ balance in less than one year. From that point on, it produces electricity with virtually no emissions for the rest of its service life – on average around 25 years.

ZF Group has pooled both the design and production as well as services related to wind turbines within its business unit ZF Wind Power. With nearly half a century of activity in the wind business, this gives ZF vast knowledge in technology and markets, benefiting customers worldwide. Whether for onshore or offshore applications, the Group now supplies gearbox solutions and services for wind turbines with capacities of up to 15 megawatts.