Top Technology for Sustainable Mobility

"Look around! It’s us."

Innovations for the Mobility Transition

At IAA Mobility 2025, ZF showcased its latest products for Vehicle Motion Control, E-Mobility, Driver Assistance Systems and Safety Systems (ZF LIFETEC).
Chassis Technology
Electric Mobility
ADAS Technology
Safety Systems (ZF LIFETEC)

"It's us. Shaping the Software-defined Chassis."

Chassis Technology of the Future 

ZF presents state-of-the-art steering solutions such as "Steer-by-Wire" and "EasyTurn" for maximum maneuverability and easy handling on narrow streets. Additionally, the "Brake-by-Wire" toolbox includes technologies ranging from hybrid to dry systems without brake fluid. In addition, ZF shows the latest generation of the innovative "Smart Chassis Sensor", which enables predictive maintenance and road condition monitoring. ZF's smart software platform "cubiX" serves to integrate and control all actuators of a car chassis. The new AI-supported tool "cubix Tuner" helps with the complex calibration of chassis dynamics functions.

Innovative Steering

In an electric van concept vehicle, ZF combines its modern “steer-by-wire” system with its “EasyTurn” strut axle concept for the first time. The latter allows steering angles of up to 80 degrees on the front axle. This provides maximum maneuverability in narrow streets and tight parking spaces. Additionally, “steer-by-wire” offers easier handling of even heavy vehicles through a flexible steering ratio and adjustable steering force.
More about "Steer-by-Wire" and "EasyTurn"

Brake-by-Wire

In addition to conventional braking solutions, ZF offers a complete “brake-by-wire” toolbox—from hybrid systems to fully “dry” systems that require no brake fluid. Demand for these innovative systems is growing. For example, Chinese customers will opt for wet and dry brake systems starting in 2026, while U.S. customers are expected to prefer hybrid systems for light commercial vehicles from 2028. Automakers benefit from brake-by-wire systems through fewer components and lower costs.
More about "Brake-by-Wire"

Video "Latest Generation Smart Chassis Sensor"

ZF is already leveraging digitalization to turn a simple component into an intelligent solution: the Smart Chassis Sensor, already in series production, replaces the analog ride height sensor. It is more robust, lighter, and more cost-effective. Additionally, it enables digital functions and features such as predictive maintenance, road condition monitoring, and data provision for optimizing driving behavior. The latest generation of the “Smart Chassis Sensor” now also measures chassis acceleration. Continuous data collection on vehicle condition, cloud uploads, and interpretation help prevent breakdowns through timely maintenance.

Video "cubiX Tuner"

ZF’s smart software platform “cubiX” integrates and controls all actuators in a passenger car chassis. In series production since 2023, ZF now presents “cubiX Tuner”, an AI-powered tool that simplifies the complex calibration of chassis dynamics functions and enables faster, more efficient development for manufacturers. The calibration process for a vehicle with all available chassis actuators - such as front and rear-wheel steering, braking, drive, and active roll and suspension control - involves several thousand parameters.
More about "cubiX Tuner" in the press release

"It's us. Boosting Electric Mobility."

New Ideas for E-Mobility 

With the eDrive platform "SELECT," ZF offers a complete system for electric drives. All components can be combined: electric machines, reduction gears, power electronics and software. The completely rethought thermal management system "TherMaS" increases the range of electric vehicles by up to 30%. With the modular electric Range Extender (eRE), ZF makes this concept attractive for Europe and North America as well. ZF's further developed 8-speed hybrid transmission '8HP evo' reduces CO₂ emissions by over 70% and enables more purely electric driving in everyday life than before.

Video "SELECT Platform"

The electric drive is the beating heart of any battery-powered vehicle. ZF’s SELECT eDrive platform delivers the perfect blend of flexibility, power and efficiency for every vehicle and every need. Backed by ZF’s deep system know-how, SELECT brings together all key elements of an electric driveline. They are ready to be used individually or as an integrated system. From electric motors and power electronics to reduction gear units and software – all components can be seamlessly integrated into a state-of-the-art drive system.
More about the eDrive platform SELECT

Video "TherMaS Thermal Management System"

Cooling and heating are just as crucial for the driveline and battery of an electric vehicle as they are for passenger comfort. With its TherMaS thermal management system, ZF has revolutionized and reinvented a key component of electric mobility. The system’s streamlined design and compact dimensions create new possibilities for seamless vehicle integration. Compared to top systems on the market, TherMaS can boost the range of electric vehicles by up to 30 percent.
More about TherMaS in the Story

Video "Electric Range Extender"

Range extenders for battery-electric vehicles have been around for several years, but until now, they've remained a niche solution. This has recently changed, especially in China. With its electric Range Extender (eRE), ZF has smartly evolved the traditional range extender concept into a flexible, modular system. With its optional extended functionality, ZF’s eRE could inject fresh momentum into the somewhat sluggish electric mobility markets in Europe and North America.
More about ZF’s electric Range Extender

Video "8-Speed Automatic Transmission for PHEVs"

Since 2022, ZF has been manufacturing its fourth-generation 8-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars, known as the 8HP Gen4. The 8HP transmission kit includes technology for use in mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and conventional combustion engine vehicles. The PHEV variant, in particular, delivers a significant reduction in emissions. This results in a CO2 reduction of over 70 percent across the entire system according to WLTC, compared to current conventional transmissions. The powerful electric motor enables the purely electric handling of typical daily commutes, for example to and from work.
Read more about 8HP transmission

"It's us. Powering Automated Mobility."

Smart Assistants 

The latest generation of ZF front cameras, the "Smart Camera 6," offers a 120-degree field of view and four times higher image resolution than its predecessors. It also comes with higher computing power. "ZF ProAI" is the name of a family of central computers for cars and is suitable for all vehicle platforms, software applications and E/E architectures. To further advance the development of ADAS and AD solutions, ZF offers the self-developed, cloud-based and AI-capable validation service "ZF Annotate."

Video "Smart Camera 6: Next Step in the Evolution"

The newest generation of ZF’s front-facing smart cameras features a 120-degree field of view with more than 4x higher image resolution than the previous generation and greater processing power.
ProductFinder: More about Smart Camera 6

ZF ProAI: Compute Solutions From XS to XXL

The ZF ProAI family is an automotive-grade central computer suitable for all vehicle platforms, software applications, and E/E-architectures.
Read more about ZF ProAI

ZF Annotate: Virtual Testing and Validation of ADAS Functions

To further advance the development of ADAS and AD solutions, ZF has developed the cloud-based and AI-enabled validation service ZF Annotate.
Read more about ZF Annotate

"It's us. Saving Lives with Tec."

Tomorrow’s Safety – Engineered Today

ZF LIFETEC develops integrated safety systems that protect occupants and provide target support to drivers. These systems include mechanical restraints, such as seat belts and airbags, as well as steering wheels and intelligent sensor technology. With this product portfolio, ZF LIFETEC is laying the foundation for a new dimension of vehicle safety that is connected, predictive, and human-centered.

Pre-Crash Dual Stage Side Airbag

Our technologies utilize the crucial milliseconds before a crash to initiate protective measures early and minimize as much of the impact as possible. For example, the two-stage side airbag (Pre-Crash Dual Stage Side Airbag) actively moves occupants away from the impact zone to increase protection during a collision.
Read more in the ZF LIFETEC ProductFinder

Active Control Retractor (ACR8 & ACR8.S)

The ACR8.S seat-integrated belt tensioner combines safety with a compact design. It repositions occupants before a crash and is complemented by reversible tensioning and tactile warning functions.
Read more in the ZF LIFETEC ProductFinder

Hands On Detection - Multiple Zones (>3)

Our steering wheels enhance both active and passive safety. For instance, our hand detection technology precisely identifies where and how the steering wheel is being touched. This improves driving safety and enables targeted driver interaction with automated driving functions. The driver airbag included in the steering wheel can protect the driver from serious injury in the event of a collision.
Read more in the ZF LIFETEC ProductFinder

Technologies

ZF technologies make a strong contribution to the mobility of today and tomorrow. The key to success is the ability to integrate products into system landscapes and into the vehicle environments of customers.

The Future of Mobility is Electric

Electric Mobility

The Future of Mobility is Electric

Passive Safety System Solutions

ZF LIFETEC

Passive Safety System Solutions