16.7.2019. Friedrichshafen. ZF shifts up: A new 2-speed electric drive for passenger Cars incorporates a newly developed electric machine with a switching element and suitable power electronics.
The improved efficiency compared to previous E-drives provides for a greater range per battery charge. Together with the space-optimized Design, the new drive system is for cars of the compact class interesting. Thanks to its modular design, the unit can also be on the Performance trim and so on the use of in sporty vehicles the way they scale.
With a new electric 2-speed drive solution, ZF is the next stage of electric mobility in the passenger Car Segment. “For the everyday use of E-cars, it is important to gain as much range as possible from a single battery charge,” said Bert Hellwig, head of the system house is E-Mobility at ZF. “Every percent of efficiency in efficiency results in two percent more range.”
In order to increase the efficiency of the new electric axle drive system, took advantage of ZF is its system competence, and a new electrical machine with 140 kW developed power that works ideal together with a two-stage switching element. “The Association of our Know-how in the area of E-machine, gearbox and power electronics ensures that we offer is already the best possible range per battery charge,” says Hellwig.
Vehicles with the new 2-gear-drive, lower power consumption, which leads, in turn, in comparison to a single-stage unit to a range increase of up to five percent. The gear change is carried out at 70 km/h. Through the connection to the CAN communication of the vehicle, however, can also according to customer request – other switching strategies, which are linked to digital maps and GPS.
The vehicle could recognize, for example, on the basis of the navigation device is programmed Route, as far as the next charging station is far and ahead in Eco-mode switch. Similarly, a more effective response would change with challenging topography, on the highway and cross-country trips possible. In addition, the Software of the drive could be thanks to networking with Cloud Services time-saving via Over-the-Air Updates update.
For vehicle manufacturers, the new 2-speed drive offers two options, to take advantage of the better efficiency effectively. In addition to the increase in range with the same battery size could decide the OEM for a smaller battery.
Modular approach: the Best result for efficiency or Performance
Thanks to the design of the unit, the space is suitable optimized Design for compact passenger Cars, in order to win, for example, space in the interior.
However, the new 2-speed concept also provides for OEM advantages, which track the Performance thoughts. “Until now, vehicle manufacturers have had to in the case of electric actuators between a high starting torque and a higher speed of rotation to decide,” explains Hellwig.
“This conflict we have to solve now, because the new drive will be for high-performance and heavier vehicles are compatible – for example, for passenger Car, pulling a trailer.” With its modular approach, ZF 2-speed gearbox can be combined with more powerful E-machines up to 250 kW, which values better acceleration and potentially higher Top speeds promises. In order for the new drive different requirements based on a modular concept can be meet.
More coverage or better Performance? Manufacturer of electric vehicles are able to keep track of thanks to its modular concept, both approaches with the 2-speed transmission from ZF. (Photo: ZF)
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More range or better performance? Thanks to this modular concept, manufacturers of electric vehicles can pursue both approaches with the 2-speed drive from ZF.
