ZF in Electric Multiple Units (EMU)

Powering everyday mobility

Electric multiple units (EMU), metros and light rail vehicles (LRV) are the backbone of modern urban mobility. They connect people and regions with high frequency, reliability and sustainability. Their diverse operating environments require flexible, efficient and space-optimized driveline solutions.

ZF delivers tailored driveline technologies designed to meet the diverse and demanding requirements of urban rail applications. With a strong focus on flexibility, scalability and integration, ZF solutions can be adapted to a wide range of vehicle platforms, from high-capacity metro systems to compact, low-floor trams. By combining modular gearbox designs with advanced noise optimization and lightweight engineering, ZF enables efficient, quiet and space-saving operation, even in the most densely populated urban environments. At the same time, optimized power transmission and reduced wear contribute to lower maintenance requirements and improved lifecycle costs. The result is a comprehensive portfolio that supports operators and manufacturers alike in delivering reliable, efficient and passenger-friendly electric mobility – setting new standards for urban rail transport.

Metro

Reliable and efficient technology for metros

The mass transit system metro guides enormous flows of people through metropolises and urban centers worldwide reliable and efficiently. ZF’s state of the art driveline and chassis components for metros provide operators with efficient mass-rapid transit and passengers with safety coupled with comfort.

References

Los Angeles Metro

ZF is using aluminum housings for the transmissions used in the Los Angeles metro – making the transmissions 15 percent lighter than existing products in the North American market.

Tram

Efficiency and reliability for light rail vehicles and trams

The increase in traffic is a challenge for cities and transport authorities: On the one hand, mobility within the city must be guaranteed. On the other hand, this should not impair quality of life. ZF driveline technology for LRVs (Light Rail Vehicles) and trams helps to master this balancing act. With the reliable, weight and noise-optimized transmissions, LRVs and trams ensure energy-efficient and thus economic, quiet and environmentally-friendly passenger transport. ZF also offers chassis technology and digital condition monitoring systems for trams.

References

Graz Linien

Today, a large part of the Graz Linien fleet is equipped with ZF’s Infrastructure and Driveline Monitoring system. First application: Flat Spot Monitoring. This is a main reason for noise nuisance.

Highspeed

Engineered for maximum speed

High-speed trains redefine mobility by connecting cities and regions at unprecedented velocity. As travel speeds increase, demands on performance, efficiency and reliability rise significantly. Driveline technologies must deliver exceptional power while ensuring stability and long-term durability.

ZF highspeed gearboxes are engineered to meet the extreme demands of next-generation rail travel. Building on decades of experience and proven performance in operation, ZF combines precision engineering with a highly modular design approach that allows maximum flexibility across different train platforms and speed classes.