Hybrid drivetrains and trailer systems for heavy vehicles

ZF has expanded its portfolio of heavy-duty mobility technologies with new hybrid drivetrains, electric drive systems, trailer control platforms and digital fleet management solutions designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and support data-driven commercial vehicle operations.

Hybrid transmission architecture for emission reduction
A central technology within the portfolio is the TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission system, developed for heavy-duty trucks operating in long-haul and distribution transport. The hybrid module integrates an electric motor between the combustion engine and transmission, enabling hybrid propulsion without requiring major modifications to existing vehicle platforms.

The modular architecture is designed to simplify integration across different truck configurations while improving fuel efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership. According to calculations based on the VECTO simulation tool, the system can achieve CO₂ reduction potential of up to 47 percent in long-haul transport and up to 73 percent in distribution transport when regular recharging is available.

The drivetrain concept is intended to support upcoming European 2030 emission targets and provide operational flexibility in response to future toll and taxation regulations linked to vehicle emissions.

Central electric drive for heavy-duty electrification
ZF is also presenting the CeTrax 2 dual, a central electric drive system developed for heavy-duty trucks and coaches. The system integrates electric motors, inverters, control electronics and a multi-speed transmission into a compact drive unit.

The electric drivetrain is designed to support zero-emission long-distance transport applications by combining high continuous output with efficient power delivery. The compact configuration also supports installation flexibility in heavy commercial vehicle platforms where packaging space is limited.

Rear axle platform for hybrid and electric drivetrains
The new A134 driven rear axle has been developed to support the higher torque requirements associated with hybrid and battery-electric drivetrains. The axle platform is designed to maintain existing installation interfaces, enabling compatibility with multiple driveline architectures in coach and heavy-vehicle applications.

By retaining existing mounting points, the axle simplifies vehicle integration and reduces redesign requirements for manufacturers transitioning toward electrified powertrain platforms.

Integrated trailer safety and efficiency systems
ZF is also presenting trailer technologies designed to function within a unified electronic control architecture. The integrated system combines iEBS, an intelligent electronic braking system, with the Park Release Valve (PRV), OptiTire tire pressure monitoring and the TailGUARD reversing collision avoidance system.

The iEBS platform coordinates braking, vehicle stability and trailer safety functions while integrating monitoring and maneuvering assistance technologies into a common control environment. The system architecture supports controlled braking behavior, improved vehicle stability and safer low-speed maneuvering operations.

Continuous tire pressure monitoring through OptiTire contributes to improved tire management and reduced operating costs, while TailGUARD supports collision avoidance during reversing operations. The integrated trailer ecosystem is intended to reduce accident risk, increase vehicle availability and improve fleet operational efficiency.

Digital fleet management and vehicle diagnostics
ZF is also expanding its digital commercial vehicle ecosystem with connected diagnostic and fleet management technologies. ZF Scan consolidates integrated diagnostic data to support predictive vehicle health management and proactive maintenance planning.

ZF [pro]Diagnostics provides cloud-secured fault analysis, secure ECU access and software update functionality designed to comply with cybersecurity requirements. At fleet level, the SCALAR platform connects trucks, trailers, drivers and operational systems within a unified digital ecosystem.

The platform is designed to support route planning, compliance management, asset monitoring and mixed-fleet operations through centralized data integration and scalable fleet management infrastructure.

Software update management for connected trailers
The ZF SUMS Service Suite addresses software lifecycle management for trailer systems and supports compliance with UNECE R156 requirements for software update management systems.

The platform provides tools for secure and controlled software updates in connected trailer environments, supporting cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and remote maintenance operations across commercial vehicle fleets.

Additional Context: technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original announcement
In the heavy-duty hybrid and electrification segment, manufacturers such as Dana, Meritor, Bosch and Cummins offer comparable hybrid drivetrains, electric axle systems and integrated e-mobility platforms for commercial vehicles. Key benchmarking parameters include continuous power output, torque density, drivetrain efficiency, integration flexibility and compatibility with existing vehicle architectures.

In trailer electronics and braking systems, suppliers including Knorr-Bremse and WABCO compete with integrated electronic braking, tire monitoring and trailer safety platforms. Increasingly, manufacturers are combining braking, telematics and predictive maintenance functions into centralized digital ecosystems.

The presented portfolio is differentiated primarily through the combination of modular hybrid drivetrains, integrated electric propulsion systems, connected trailer safety architecture and cloud-based fleet management technologies within a unified commercial vehicle ecosystem supporting hybrid, electric and mixed-fleet operations.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.zf.com