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ZF CeTrax is a fully electric central drive system designed by ZF for commercial vehicles such as city buses, delivery trucks, and special-purpose vehicles (e.g., terminal tractors). This system is focused on the electrification of conventional vehicle platforms, enabling the replacement of internal combustion engines without the need to completely redesign the drivetrain. CeTrax operates with zero local emissions, making it ideal for urban applications where noise and pollution reduction are a priority.

Key Features of CeTrax:

  • Power and Torque: Offers a maximum power of up to 300 kW (408 hp) and a peak torque of 4,500 Nm, comparable to traditional diesel engines.

  • Integrated Components: Includes an electric motor, inverter, and electronic control unit (ECU) with proprietary ZF software, forming a plug-and-play system that simplifies integration.

  • Flexibility: Compatible with batteries, fuel cells, trolley systems, or supercapacitors. It can be used in low-entry, high-floor, or low-floor bus configurations, combined with conventional axles or the AV 133 portal axle.

  • Efficiency: High electrical efficiency to maximize range, with a design that combines water and oil cooling for optimal performance with reduced weight.

  • Applications: Mainly for city buses, delivery trucks, and special-purpose vehicles up to 90 tons, such as terminal tractors used in airports or ports.

Differences Between CeTrax and Other Similar ZF Products

ZF offers a range of electrification solutions for commercial vehicles, including CeTrax lite, CeTrax 2, CeTrax 2 dual, and AxTrax AVE. Below are the key differences between CeTrax and these alternatives:

CeTrax vs. CeTrax lite:

  • Application Segment: CeTrax is designed for heavier commercial vehicles such as buses and delivery trucks, with power up to 300 kW and 4,500 Nm torque. CeTrax lite, by contrast, is a more compact and lightweight system for vans and light trucks up to 7.5 tons, offering a maximum power of 150 kW and torque of 1,500 Nm.

  • Component Integration: Both integrate motor, inverter, and ECU, but CeTrax lite uses scalable electric components derived from the passenger car segment, adapted for light commercial vehicles to reduce cost and weight.

  • Use Case: CeTrax lite is ideal for last-mile urban delivery, while CeTrax supports more demanding applications such as buses in complex urban environments.

CeTrax vs. CeTrax 2:

  • Technological Evolution: CeTrax 2 is an advanced version of CeTrax, specifically designed for light and medium-duty buses. It features a modular design with internally developed components, resulting in a more compact, lighter, and efficient system.

  • Transmission: CeTrax 2 includes a 3-speed gearbox with two electric actuators, optimizing energy efficiency and range—something not specified in the original CeTrax.

  • Application: CeTrax 2 is focused on buses, with flexible integration into combustion or electric platforms. CeTrax has a broader application range, including trucks and special vehicles.

  • Launch: CeTrax has been in production since 2019, with over 10,000 units produced by 2025. CeTrax 2 is scheduled to enter production in mid-2026.

CeTrax vs. CeTrax 2 dual:

  • Application Segment: CeTrax 2 dual is designed for heavy buses and trucks, including articulated buses and trucks up to 44 tons. CeTrax is more versatile, suited for conventional buses and lighter special vehicles.

  • Design: CeTrax 2 dual shares the modular and compact approach of CeTrax 2 but is optimized for higher power and torque demands. It can be integrated into both low- and high-floor buses and heavy trucks.

  • Efficiency: CeTrax 2 dual delivers greater energy efficiency thanks to its “one-box” design, whereas CeTrax, while efficient, is less advanced in this aspect.

CeTrax vs. AxTrax AVE:

  • Drive Type: AxTrax AVE is an electric portal axle with wheel-integrated motors, designed mainly for low-floor urban buses, maximizing interior space. CeTrax, in contrast, is a central drive unit installed in place of a traditional transmission, compatible with standard axles.

  • Integration: CeTrax is easier to install in existing vehicle platforms with a conventional layout, whereas AxTrax AVE requires a specific chassis design for low-floor buses.

  • Application: AxTrax AVE is more limited to urban buses, while CeTrax is versatile enough for buses, trucks, and special vehicles.

  • Production: AxTrax AVE entered production before CeTrax, which began serial manufacturing in 2019.

Shared Advantages and Unique Differentiators of CeTrax

  • Plug-and-Play: CeTrax stands out for its ease of integration into conventional vehicle platforms, reducing costs and development time for manufacturers.

  • Open Technology: It can operate with various energy sources (batteries, fuel cells, etc.), making it adaptable to different regulations and market needs.

  • Proven Production: With over 10,000 units produced since 2019, CeTrax is a mature and field-tested product, used in real-world applications like Solaris Urbino 15 LE buses.

ZF CeTrax is a versatile and efficient central electric drive system, ideal for electrifying buses, delivery trucks, and special-purpose vehicles with zero emissions. Compared to other ZF products, it stands out for its focus on medium to large commercial vehicles, compatibility with conventional platforms, and robust design for demanding urban applications. CeTrax lite is lighter and suited for smaller vehicles, CeTrax 2 and CeTrax 2 dual are more advanced versions for buses and heavy trucks, and AxTrax AVE is an electric axle for low-floor buses. The choice among these systems depends on vehicle type, weight, and specific electrification needs.