Summary
- ZF opens its third plant in Shenyang, China to produce electric axle drives for EVs
- Production lines and equipment are being transferred to the Shenyang plant
- Electric axle drives are based on ZF’s modular kit electric drive platform
- ZF is focusing on reaching volume production in 2025
- ZF is investing and innovating in China, accelerating the localization process of its operations
Article
ZF, a German automotive and industrial systems manufacturer, has recently opened its third plant in Shenyang, China, known as ZF Electric Mobility Systems. This plant will focus on producing and selling products such as electric axle drives for electric vehicles (EVs). The transfer of production lines and equipment to the Shenyang plant is currently underway, with plans to refine the electric drive system assembly and inspection production line to achieve volume production by 2025.
The core components of the electric axle drives manufactured at the Shenyang plant are based on ZF’s modular kit electric drive platform, covering front and rear axles, motors, power electronics, and reducers. This modular design offers flexibility in meeting power requirements ranging from 100 kW to 300 kW and the ability to switch between synchronous and asynchronous motors based on customer needs. The motor features a hairpin winding for higher power and torque density, improved efficiency, and optimized power output. The power electronics incorporate ZF’s High 2.0 silicon carbide (SiC) technology and can be upgraded to an 800 V platform, enhancing function safety and cost optimization. The reducer design has also been enhanced for optimal efficiency.
In addition to the Shenyang plant, ZF has also expanded its presence in China with the establishment of ZF Electrified Powertrain Technologies in Hangzhou in 2022. This facility focuses on manufacturing 800 V electric drives and reducers. Furthermore, construction of the ZF Guangzhou Electronics Plant is currently underway at the ZF Guangzhou Technical Center site, with plans for completion by 2025. These investments in China underscore ZF’s commitment to the Chinese market and its determination to continue investing and innovating in the region. Renee Wang, Executive Vice President and President of China and Operation Asia Pacific at ZF, highlighted the company’s focus on adapting to the ‘China speed’ and Chinese efficiency through a localization strategy that includes raw materials, equipment, R&D, and other factors to accelerate the localization process.
ZF’s modular kit electric drive platform offers a range of benefits, including a flexible design that can meet varying power requirements and switch between motor types based on customer needs. The use of a hairpin winding in the motor increases power and torque density, efficiency, and power output, providing improved performance for electric vehicles. The incorporation of ZF’s High 2.0 silicon carbide (SiC) technology in the power electronics enhances function safety and cost optimization. By upgrading to an 800 V platform, ZF is able to further improve the efficiency of its electric drives and reducers, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
By establishing new facilities and expanding its presence in China, ZF is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for electric mobility solutions in the region. The company’s commitment to investing in China and innovating in electric drive technologies demonstrates its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the market. Through a combination of advanced technologies, modular design principles, and a focus on localization, ZF aims to play a leading role in the transition towards electric mobility in China and beyond.
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