ZF to showcase its Wire Technologies at IAA Mobility

With the help of the cubiX software, these technologies can be combined to create networked chassis systems.

Friedrichshafen, Germany- ZF Group., will highlight its selection of by-wire technologies at the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich. For software-defined automobiles, ZF offers a wide range of purely electronic steering, braking, and suspension systems. Mechanical connections and system fluids are no longer necessary for these chassis systems. Future ultra-compact and light 800-volt drive with world-beating torque density is also entirely electric.

Dr. Peter Holdmann, head of ZF’s Car Chassis Technology division said that their wire systems welcomes a new age for vehicle controls. Connected chassis systems for longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics can improve drive dynamics.

By-wire systems that are entirely controlled electronically and are networked provide improved vehicle control, shorter stopping distances, more steering flexibility, better high-speed driving stability, and more range and efficiency.

ZF is a developer and manufacturer of by-wire systems that do not require a direct mechanical connection:

• Steer-by-wire including rear-axle steering
• Brake-by-wire with integrated brake control
• Electronically controlled, active damping

With the help of the cubiX software, these technologies can be combined to create networked chassis systems.

Compact and lightweight 800-volt drive

As a sneak peek for the IAA Mobility, ZF had already debuted the 800-volt drive EVSys800 at the end of June. The electric motor, a reduction gearbox, and silicon carbide power electronics make up the modular 800-volt drive known as the EVSys800. The EVbeat doesn't sacrifice performance despite its lightweight construction and incredibly small size: The concept car's rear axle can generate a maximum torque of 5200 Newton meters, which is a record-breakingly high torque density for legally driving passenger automobiles at 70 Newton meters per kilogram. The electric motor's continuous and peak powers are 206 and 275 kilowatts, respectively; ZF therefore achieves a continuous power that is around 75% of the peak power.

Due to the compact reduction gearbox and the electric motor's ZF-patented "Braided Winding" technology, the drive can be installed coaxially on the drive axle while saving 50 millimeters in width.

The EVSys800 weighs 74 kilograms overall, which is around 40 kilograms or 30% less than the most recent ZF 800-volt series drive when normalized to that output.