ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has announced that its new CeTrax lite electric central drive has entered series production, marking a significant milestone in the company’s “Next Generation Mobility” strategy and commitment to decarbonisation of the industry.
The CeTrax lite is designed as a highly integrated electric drive, specifically adapted for use in light commercial vehicles, and provides significant advantages for manufacturers worldwide, particularly in supporting emission-free urban and “last mile” deliveries. The technology has already received orders from Asia and the Americas, with production taking place in Friedrichshafen, leveraging ZF’s competence in passenger car technology.
Winfried Gründler, Head of Product Line for Driveline Systems with ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, said, “As an electric central drive, CeTrax lite allows our customers to electrify their existing vehicle platforms. This proves our technical approach and further demonstrates the trust customers are placing in our electric solutions.”
The CeTrax lite is a smart “turn-key” solution that supports the needs of light-duty commercial vehicles, accommodating the architectures of conventionally fueled vehicles as well as manufacturers’ electrification strategies. Leveraging in-house developed components and wider eMobility system synergies, including sharing test benches in Friedrichshafen, the CeTrax lite is designed for light commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes gvw, with a peak performance of 150kW and a torque of 1,500Nm.
One of the first customers to adopt the CeTrax lite is the Japanese manufacturer Isuzu, which will install the drive in its new ELF EV. The CeTrax lite’s optimised compact design helps maximise space for electric components and batteries, and the module is a fully integrated system, housing the electric motor as well as a one-speed transmission stage and power electronics. With a lightweight design of around 120kg, the CeTrax lite offers enhanced flexibility and performance for light commercial vehicles.
Gründler added, “Designed for silent, emission-free inner-city and ‘last mile’ freight delivery, CeTrax lite provides leading levels of performance and efficiency. As such, it represents an important new milestone in our ‘Next Generation Mobility’ strategy and reinforces our commitment to decarbonisation of the industry.”
