Press Release
Meeting the Decarbonization Challenge: TraXon 2 Hybrid Transmission in Testing with European Media
- Hybrid system for heavy duty commercial vehicles tested by European media
- Testing further confirms high CO2 reduction potential and strong cost efficiency
- Supporting 2030 EU fleet targets: PHEV capable of delivering up to 47% in long-haul and 73% in distribution transport according VECTO calculations
Friedrichshafen, Germany. ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) has completed a dedicated testing event for the TraXon 2 Hybrid, its next-generation hybrid transmission for heavy commercial vehicles. Representatives from international media experienced the technology at ZF’s test facility in Friedrichshafen. The system demonstrated its potential to reduce emissions while maintaining operational flexibility, meeting the practical needs of logistics companies.
“TraXon 2 Hybrid delivers a clear advantage for high‑mileage operations by substantially reducing CO2 emissions while maintaining cost efficiency,” said Christian Feldhaus, Vice President Transmissions & Hybrids at ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions. “Based on our ongoing discussions with vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and industry bodies, we see hybrid technologies providing a clear and practical pathway toward significant emissions reduction in future heavy‑duty transport.”
Emissions saving technology
The TraXon 2 Hybrid builds on the proven TraXon 2 platform and enables electric-only driving in urban zones while retaining combustion operation for long-distance transport. ZF test evaluations confirmed that the system supports substantial CO2 reductions in long-haul and distribution applications when operated with consistent recharging. The PHEV system can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 47% in long-haul transport and up to 73% in distribution transport. This supports the European fleet emissions targets for 2030 and provides flexibility for future toll and tax regulations. Accordingly, ZF also supports the call for the classification of PHEV trucks within European toll systems, including total weight compensation, to be similar to what is already implemented for electric trucks. According to ZF’s calculations, ZF assumes a payback period of less than two years compared with diesel.
The TraXon 2 Hybrid complements and uses parts of ZF’s e‑mobility platform, which includes its electric central drives as the CeTrax 2 and AxTrax 2 e‑axles, by supporting e‑mobility strategies in applications where full electrification is not yet practical across all routes. For fleets with tight investment budgets, the PHEV also enables a gradual ramp up of electrification, including a learning curve in operations, dispatching and charging windows.
The hybrid technology
The TraXon 2 Hybrid integrates an in-house developed electric motor and operates at 600 to 800 volts with 190 kW continuous power and higher peak power. The electric motor positioned in the P2 layout between the clutch and transmission enables pure electric operation up to the 12th gear and enables regenerative braking for additional efficiency benefits. The combustion engine operates according to the driving strategy of the vehicle and ensures driving distance in long-haul applications.
The TraXon 2 Hybrid was developed to improve overall efficiency and significantly reduce CO2 emissions while preserving the range and refueling capabilities of the combustion engine. The transmission system which ZF presented during last year’s IAA Mobility Show is suitable for heavy commercial vehicles as a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Its versatility allows seamless integration into various vehicle architectures. It can also be combined with diesel, HVO/e-fuels, CNG/LPG or hydrogen combustion engines.
