ZF, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, continues to consolidate its position as a leader in the development of solutions for electric mobility. Recently, the German company has taken a significant step with the start of series production of asynchronous electric motors (ASM) at its Hangzhou plant, China, destined to be part of its innovative SELECT propulsion platform. This progress reflects ZF’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and strategic collaboration with automakers, particularly in the dynamic Asian market.
The SELECT Platform: Modularity at the Service of the Industry
The ZF SELECT platform represents a modular and versatile approach to electric propulsion systems. This comprehensive system includes key components such as electric motors, inverters, converters, gearboxes, and software, all designed to adapt to the specific needs of manufacturers. With a focus on 800-volt systems and a power range of 100 to 300 kW, SELECT enables customers to configure customized solutions, optimizing both performance and production costs. Within this platform, the modular system for electric motors, known as em:SELECT, encompasses different types of motors, from permanently excited synchronous machines (PSMs) to asynchronous motors (ASMs) and the future externally excited synchronous machine (I2SM). The latter, developed by ZF, promises to combine the high performance of PSMs without relying on permanent magnets with rare earth elements, reinforcing the company’s sustainable approach.
Asynchronous Motors: Efficiency and Scalability
The asynchronous motors manufactured in Hangzhou stand out for their design focused on high performance, greater energy efficiency, and cost-effective production. These features not only benefit automakers by reducing development and time-to-market, but also position ZF as a strategic partner capable of responding to market demands with agility. The optimized production of these spare parts allows ZF to guarantee a stable, high-quality supply, strengthening its presence in the competitive electric mobility sector. A strategic focus on collaboration ZF’s success is not limited to technological innovation, but is also based on its ability to forge strategic alliances.
According to Timo Maisel, Senior Vice President of the Electrified Powertrain Technology Division for Asia Pacific, the SELECT platform is a reflection of ZF’s strategy to offer solutions that meet the specific needs of manufacturers. For his part, Mao Ziqian, Head of the Powertrain Modules Product Line, highlights the importance of co-development with major automakers, which ensures stable demand and fosters synergies throughout the supply chain.
ZF and the Future of Electric Mobility
With production underway in Hangzhou, ZF is not only delivering on its promise of accelerating time-to-market, but also reaffirming its commitment to developing a more efficient and sustainable electric mobility ecosystem. ZF spare parts, such as asynchronous motors and SELECT platform components, are a clear example of how the company combines technological innovation with a strategic approach to meeting global market demands. In a context where the electrification of transportation is advancing by leaps and bounds, ZF is positioning itself as a key partner for manufacturers, offering modular, efficient, and scalable solutions that not only power the vehicles of the future, but also contribute to the development of a more sustainable automotive industry.