ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has underlined its status as Europe’s leading producer of electric drives after securing a long-term supplier agreement with Ford Trucks for its upcoming line of electrified trucks.
Under the agreement, the first product to be supplied will be ZF’s CeTrax 2 dual central electric drive. Additionally, ZF will provide Ford Trucks with its Electrically Powered Hydraulic Steering Pump (EPHS).
Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the ZF Board of Management and responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division, said the announcement underlines ZF’s leading position in Europe for electric commercial drives. ”With Ford Trucks, we have gained a major international customer for our new e-mobility drive platform. Ford Trucks’ trust in us shows that we can offer market-leading solutions for e-mobility to support our customers in their transformation towards sustainable transportation solutions.”
The CeTrax 2 dual electric central drive will first be used in Ford Trucks’ heavy duty Electric Rigid Truck, which debuted at the IAA Transportation 2024 show last week in Hannover, Germany. The agreement also includes the supply of additional electric drive variants for future models.
ZF’s CeTrax 2 series is designed to fit within the same mounting space as a conventional ICE transmission, allowing manufacturers to install either a combustion drivetrain or an electric central drive on the same production line.
The EPHS, which ZF will also supply, is designed to provide on-demand hydraulic flow for the efficient operation of the vehicle’s hydraulic steering system, independent of the vehicle’s drivetrain.
Emrah Duman, Ford Trucks Vice President, commented: “Beyond innovative processes, product readiness and competitiveness, a trusted relationship and the highest quality standards are essential for us. Additionally, a well-defined sustainability roadmap is key for our selected suppliers supporting us in our mission to develop best-in-class commercial vehicles that enable sustainable transport solutions. And we are glad that a long-established brand like ZF is one of them.”
