ZF and Freudenberg partner on Fuel Cell Drive
The partners will develop drivetrain technologies initially for trucks, buses and coaches with wider plans for the off-road sector.
ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has announced a joint development agreement with fuel cell and battery systems supplier Freudenberg e-Power Systems.
The partners will develop clean e-Drive ‘powerpack’ solutions, consisting of a fuel cell and drivetrain system, as well as share components for various applications. The initial focus of the agreement is to develop a highly integrated fuel cell e-drive solution for commercial vehicles.
While Freudenberg will offer scalable e-power systems in kit form with various power outputs, ZF will offer complete electric driveline systems of up to 360 kW continuous power. This is in line with ZF’s new CeTrax 2 electric central drive for heavy-duty vehicles.
The pilot phase of the cooperation agreement is currently underway, with prototypes for bus and truck demonstration vehicles being developed. The first prototype is expected by 2023. This corresponds to ZF’s already announced fuel cell partnership for developing a coach prototype as part of the HyFleet project.
The partnership combines the core competencies of two companies with Freudenberg’s expertise in fuel cell and battery systems and ZF’s electric components, including drivelines, inverters, converters, compressors, software Energy Management Systems as well as the ability to integrate and harmonize the systems in between, further enhancing operating efficiency and sustainability.
Wilhelm Rehm, ZF Board Member, said, “ZF’s cooperation with Freudenberg will develop highly integrated fuel cell e-drive solutions for the commercial vehicle industry.”
Dr Mohsen Sohi, CEO of the Freudenberg Group, commented, “We are investing heavily in the mobility of the future. In battery, hydrogen and fuel cell technology as well as in the development of high-tech components for electric vehicles. “
Dr Max Kley, CEO of Freudenberg e-Power Systems, said, “Through our cooperation, we are pooling this experience to develop clean e-Drive solutions and thus helping support the industry in achieving its climate goals.”
