German based global automotive transmission and component maker, ZF has announced it is harnessing the power of software to develop smarter, more connected, and highly efficient commercial vehicle technologies.
The company says that by integrating its own intelligent software solutions with its chassis technologies, then vehicle performance and safety can be improved, ensuring safer and smoother journeys.
ZF says that as automotive technologies shift towards greater digital integration, it is setting the pace as an enabler of smart and connected technologies.
ZF has been successful in pivoting away from near total dependence on transmissions, expanding into a range of other automotive components and technologies, some through acquiring other brands and also through developing its own technologies.
ZF is also the company that Japanese truck maker Isuzu chose to provide the engineering and design for its first battery electric truck which is already available in Japan and will be in Australia for testing and evaluation in the next few months.
The company claims claims it is also able to leverage its software domain expertise from other vehicle segments within the ZF Group to produce as it says intelligent systems quickly and cost effectively that can lower the overall total cost of ownership (TCO).
It says that harnessing the energy created when a vehicle decelerates to recharge onboard batteries can effectively extend the range of an electric vehicle or reduce the size of the batteries needed. It claims its Braking and e-Drive Synergy program harmonises the electric driveline and braking functions to optimise recuperation under full stability control, beyond current standards, boosting efficiency, safety and comfort while reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO).
The company also said that the system works by combining its next generation e-drives, the AxTrax 2 dual and CeTrax 2 dual, with its mBSP XBS advanced braking system to leverage the capabilities of the e-drive to act as an actuator for the braking system and vice versa, in controlling acceleration and braking.
In doing so it says the system maximises energy recuperation to recharge the onboard batteries during driving, effectively extending the vehicle’s range. The company added that the system also provides ‘one-pedal-drive’ functionality, increasing driving comfort especially in low-speed manoeuvering, such as for yard vehicle applications or urban driving.
ZF says the system also offers improved launch capabilities by optimising the traction control function, reducing tire wear and enhancing vehicle performance and stability on slippery ground.
The company said that it has developed a software solution that helps replace hardware in the form of brake resistors for battery electric vehicles.
The new software function can intelligently limit the maximum energy content of the battery in certain charging situations, ensuring any extra energy created by regenerative braking can then be stored in the vehicle’s batteries.
The system uses location data to determine if it is being charged in an area where it is likely to descend a steep gradient which could create significant additional battery charge in the early part of its journey. If so, it ensures the battery saves capacity during charging for energy harvesting.
ZF claims its algorithm intelligently ensures that 100 per cent of charge will be reached on its descent. In all other areas, the system allows the battery to be fully charged when plugged in.
The company claims that thanks to this innovation, bulky, heavy and expensive brake resistors are no longer required, while energy efficiency is maximised, and all energy is available for propulsion. It says the solution saves approximately 150kg of weight and increases available space within the chassis, saying the system demonstrates how an intelligent server-cloud based function can save cost and weight while improving efficiency and sustainability.
