ZF debuts electric central drive for off-highway at Bauma

As part of its display at Bauma 2022 in Munich, Germany, ZF highlighted its next step in electrification, the CeTrax 2, a new electric drive solution for special vehicle applications in the construction industry. The electric central drive will also be available as a component of a modular drive system recently introduced.

According to ZF, one of the main advantages of CeTrax 2 is an integrated three-speed transmission which – together with the system’s low weight of 385 kg – allows for high and rapid climbing ability even with large loads and on steeper slopes. A slim housing also allows for greater ground clearance and improved off-road capability for navigating the varying terrain on construction sites.

The CeTrax 2 electric drive for special vehicle applications offers a continuous performance of 360 kW and peak torque of 24,700 Nm. (Photo: ZF)

The CeTrax 2 offers a continuous performance of 360 kW and peak torque of 24,700 Nm. Two integrated inverters based on 800-volt silicon carbide technology and optimized power electronics enable the drive to achieve an efficiency of up to 96%, said ZF, adding that it can drive vehicles with a total weight of up to 44 tons while maintaining a high degree of comfort and no local emissions.

“Electric mobility is an important topic in the off-highway sector,” said Bernd Kownatzki, head of Sales & Technical Acquisition for Special Vehicle Driveline Systems at ZF. “And on construction sites in particular, there is a great demand for sustainable solutions that are powerful and robust.”

CeTrax 2 is designed to seamlessly fit into the modular drive concept introduced by the company this past summer. Other available components of the complete solution include the EcoLife Offroad 2 automatic 7-speed transmission or the TraXon transmission platform with TC27 transfer case.

A display featuring the CeTrax 2 integrated, modular electric included the ADM 2 automatic driveline management system; TC 27 transfer case for all-wheel drive applications; and an inverter specifically designed for electric drives.