Page 1/5, 2015-03-26 TraXon Hybrid Makes Long-Distance Traffic Even More Economical New ZF transmission allows for use of hybrid technology in heavy trucks Potential for considerable fuel and emission savings by hybrid technology also in long-distance traffic Recuperation of braking energy has advantages for truck applications with electric auxiliaries The new ZF TraXon automatic transmission system also allows for the use of hybrid technology in long-distance traffic. In the TraXon Hybrid configuration, an electric motor is located in the clutch bell housing this means that all hybrid functions can be used in heavy trucks: From the recuperation of braking energy, purely electric maneuvering as well as switching off the engine at a standstill (startstop function) to boosting the combustion engine. Especially attractive to many applications: In generator operation, the hybrid module can also be integrated into the power supply of other units - for example, for refrigerated transports. In any case, the TraXon Hybrid contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions of trucks. For many years, experts of the commercial vehicle industry were of the opinion that hybrid technology would particularly establish itself in delivery traffic. Here, in terms of percentage, the most significant fuel savings of about 20 percent can be achieved with hybrid technology: In the driving profile of inner-city routes, the start-stop function, the recuperation of braking energy, as well as purely electric driving show their advantages very clearly. However, recent investigations carried out by ZF have shown that hybrid functions have a significant potential to reduce fuel consumption for heavy commercial vehicles as well. Indeed, the percentage of approximately
Page 2/5, 2015-03-26 5 percent is lower here. However, in the face of higher fuel consumption and the considerably higher annual mileage, the use of hybrid technology is profitable here, too. Thus, hybrid trucks are more economical in use and the hybrid infrastructure in the vehicle amortizes within a reasonable time. The TraXon Hybrid uses an electric motor with a performance of 120 kw and a torque of 1,000 Nm. It is integrated into the vehicle via a SAE1 connection and uses the power electronics to propel the vehicle electrically. A dry clutch is integrated into the hybrid module to decouple the combustion engine, e.g. in the electric mode and during recuperation, but particularly to serve as a conventional starting element. While braking, the electric motor switches to generator operation and feeds power to the battery. When accelerating, this electric energy can be called up again if the heavy truck starts rolling without using the combustion engine, and the diesel engine is only activated if necessary (start-stop function). For shorter distances - for instance, indoors (e.g. a hall) - purely electric maneuvering is also possible. The batteries' energy can also be used to support the power development of the diesel engine. In the case that this "boosting" is included in the vehicle configuration as torque distribution from the very beginning, the diesel engine can also be designed economically ("downsizing"). This again leads to an increase in efficiency. The TraXon Hybrid offers further potential as commercial vehicle manufacturers can implement additional fuel-saving functions. "Coasting" could be introduced to the driving strategy of the hybrid transmission: When rolling, the diesel engine is switched off so that in these driving phases, diesel is not even consumed at idling speed - a savings potential of up to 3 percent. The hybrid technology is especially attractive when integrated into the energy management of vehicles with electric auxiliaries. In the case of, for example, a
Page 3/5, 2015-03-26 refrigerated transport, the electric energy recovered during braking by means of a generator can be "recuperated" directly to the cooling power instead of a battery. Consequently, the refrigerant compressor needs less power from the diesel engine. This facilitates noticeable savings in practical use. In future, electric PTOs ("Power-Take-Offs") are also attractive to municipal commercial vehicles because many auxiliaries (e.g. for waste collection vehicles) can be implemented with more electric efficiency and at a lower noise level compared to today's commonly used mechanical PTOs, which, when in operation, cause an unpleasant noise for the residents due to the speed of the diesel engine. There are also electric auxiliaries in the driver's cab - from the microwave to the air conditioner. They can be run with the TraXon Hybrid without switching on the engine. Thus, comfort gains for the driver can be combined with fuel and emission savings. Captions: 1.) Many saving possibilities for the application in long-distance traffic: TraXon Hybrid. For this variant, an electric motor with a performance of 120 kw is installed upstream of the automatic transmission system for heavy trucks. 2.) Look behind the scenes: ZF also supplies the power electronics and hybrid control unit for the TraXon Hybrid. Photos: ZF
Page 4/5, 2015-03-26 Press contact: Bryan Johnson, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, ZF North America, Inc. Phone: +1 734 582-8011, Email: bryan.johnson@zf.com Frank Discher, Trade Press, Communications, ZF Group Phone: +49 7541-77 960770, Email: frank.discher@zf.com ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology with 113 production companies in 26 countries. In 2014, the Group achieved a sales figure of 18.4 billion with approximately 71,400 employees. In order to continue to be successful with innovative products, ZF invested about 5 percent of its sales (2014: 891 million) in research and development. ZF is one of the ten largest automotive suppliers worldwide. In 2015, the company will celebrate its centennial. Originally named Zahnradfabrik GmbH, ZF was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH among others. In its early years, the company developed, tested and manufactured aircraft transmissions. After 1919, the company's focus shifted to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry under Alfred Graf von Soden-Fraunhofen, the first general manager and later head of the company. In this sector, the company registered numerous patents for innovative transmission technology and established itself once and for all as a major technology supplier. ZF grew outside of Europe in 1958 with a location in Brazil, launching a globalization drive that still continues. In addition, through product innovations and acquisitions, ZF constantly expanded its range of expertise. In 1984, ZF acquired the majority share in Lemförder Metallwaren & Co. KG, a move that extended the product portfolio to include chassis technology. In 2001, ZF took over the former Mannesmann Sachs AG to strengthen its value added product offering with driveline and chassis components. It adopted the current name of ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 1992. Today's product range includes driveline and chassis technology such as transmissions, driveline and chassis components, as well as complete axle systems and modules. ZF products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, rail vehicles and marine applications. The company also focuses on the wind power and electronic components business. In addition, ZF Services represents the company on the international aftermarket. In 2014, ZF announced its intention to acquire U.S. automotive supplier TRW.
Page 5/5, 2015-03-26 The shareholders of ZF Friedrichshafen AG are the Zeppelin Foundation, administered by the City of Friedrichshafen, holding a share of 93.8 percent, and the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, Lemförde, with 6.2 percent. "Motion and Mobility," ZF s tagline, clearly states the company's core mission: Right from its foundation, ZF has developed and manufactured innovative products for all people around the globe who want to move things reliably, comfortably and safely all while experiencing the ultimate in efficient mobility. Quality, technological leadership and innovative power have always defined the company's identity today as much as ever. For further press information and photos please visit: www.zf.com