The heavy batteries or fuel cells are usually roof-mounted to maximize passenger compartment space and ensure a low entrance height. The result is a raised center of gravity for these vehicles. Electric buses then handle differently than their combustion-engine predecessors, resulting in a basic conflict of interest. A conventional, comfortable damping setup for the chassis on the electric bus makes the body especially prone to rolling. The bus also quickly starts to 'pitch' when braking and accelerating. The upshot is ride comfort that fails to meet passenger expectations and even leaves some of them feeling queasy. A much firmer setup is the obvious alternative although this takes its toll on passengers with unnecessary hardness most of the time.
ZF's Continuous Damping Control (CDC) demonstrates how a semi-active damping system and decades of chassis expertise solve this challenge.
