Electric driveline solutions for coach and bus were at the heart of the ZF display at the recent Busworld show, although the manufacturer believes that diesel will still be highly prominent in new coaches as late as 2035.
Debuting was the AxTrax 2 LF portal axle with hub motors (pictured). It delivers enhanced performance and efficiency over existing products and will enter production in 2025. It is designed for fully low-floor buses and will have 260kW and 360kW variants.
Up to a 10% energy saving will be delivered by AxTrax 2 LF, and ZF says that the axle is powerful enough to propel a fully-loaded articulated bus at 29,000kg up a 20% incline. Regeneration capability is high and the oil cooling system is adapted to maximise efficiency.
Also on show was ZF’s CeTrax 2 central electric drive system. This unit suits both coach and bus. It can deliver 380kW and has a three-speed automated gearbox to permit higher-speed use while retaining climbing ability.
ZF is a further party to air a belief that the coach shift to zero-emission will follow that of HGV. It also predicts that hydrogen combustion will play a part in that move, although the German company adds that such technology is a bridging route to the use of fuel cells in coach.
In the diesel field, the EcoLife CoachLine gearbox was shown. That unit can now accept input torque of up to 2,800Nm.
