ZF’s CeTrax achieved a production milestone in May as the ten thousandth unit of the electric central drive rolled off the assembly line. ZF’s compact e-drive is particularly suitable for electrifying conventional bus model platforms. In addition to bus manufacturers, the drive has also attracted other customer segments such as terminal tractors for yard applications. Designed with an open technology approach, CeTrax can be powered by both battery-electric and fuel cell systems.
“This milestone for CeTrax shows how an innovative concept coupled with product quality and reliability pays off in the form of production volumes,” says Winfried Gründler, Senior Vice President for Driveline Technology at ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division. “The success story of CeTrax is also the starting point for the next generation of electric drives for commercial vehicles, now up to a total weight of 44 tons.”
Series production began in 2019, just two years after its first presentation at the busworld trade fair. CeTrax is a complete system with an inverter and electronic control unit with proprietary ZF software. It complements the electric axle drive as another electric drive concept for city buses and special vehicles. With a continuous output of 175 kW, the system is also suitable for demanding urban topographies. From its conception, CeTrax had the advantage of being able to integrate into existing drive configurations. This made it attractive to commercial vehicle manufacturers seeking to electrify their existing diesel model platforms. With its openness to different technologies, CeTrax can either be powered by a vehicle battery or fuel cells.
Electrification demand for public transport
What started with small volumes has long since developed into industrial series production. Today, ZF produces several thousand CeTrax systems per year, and customer demand exists, driven in large part by the increasing electrification of public transport in cities and municipalities.
Starting in mid-2026, the electric CeTrax 2, a product from the new e-mobility platform, will be ready to launch. Built with the latest components, it will offer numerous synergies for the commercial vehicle industry.
