InnoTrans 2024: innovative mobility solutions from ZF for trains and buses
This year, ZF is celebrating a special anniversary: a century of rail technology. In its anniversary year, the technology group ZF shows a broad portfolio of conventional and electric drives, chassis technology, digital solutions and aftermarket services
ZF presented its latest mobility solutions for public transport at the InnoTrans 2024 trade fair in Berlin from September 24 to 27. ZF’s global aftermarket network offers comprehensive maintenance and repair services, including for products from third-party manufacturers. This year, ZF is celebrating a special anniversary: a century of rail technology.
In its anniversary year, the technology group ZF shows a broad portfolio of conventional and electric drives, chassis technology, digital solutions and aftermarket services.
“Public passenger transport by rail and road is an important cornerstone of our daily mobility,” said Peter Laier, ZF Board Member for Commercial Vehicle and Industrial Technology. “As an innovative and broad-based technology partner, we support our customers in making this mobility more efficient, safer and more sustainable.”
ZF rail technology: 100 years, countless successes
ZF first developed a drive system for railcars in 1924: The “Soden TS18.5” transmission was the adaptation of a technology that had primarily been developed for passenger cars. Even today, ZF can offer its rail customers proven technology from other application areas: For example, the EcoWorld 2 six-speed powershift transmission with integrated reversing function and hydraulics is based on a proven bus transmission and is now an ideal solution for repowering diesel railcars. Its use can save up to 20 percent fuel compared to hydrodynamic rail transmissions. In addition, maintenance costs can be reduced and travel comfort increased.
ZF bus technology at InnoTrans
At InnoTrans ZF presented the EcoLife CoachLine six-speed automatic transmission for intercity buses and coaches with engine torques of up to 2,800 Nm back in 2022. At InnoTrans, it is clear that the powershift transmission continues to set standards for efficiency and driving comfort, especially on interurban routes and challenging mountain roads. Thanks to its dual cooling system, maintenance requirements are reduced, which has a positive effect on operating costs over the entire service life of the transmission.
With the CeTrax 2 dual, ZF presents an attractive drive concept for all-electric public transportation. The electric central drive with a continuous output of 380 kW integrates modular and in-house developed components in an innovative system solution.
