German automotive and industrial systems manufacturer ZF has opened its third factory in Shenyang, China, known as ZF Electric Mobility Systems, to manufacture and sell products such as electric axle drives for EVs.
The transfer of production lines and equipment to the Shenyang plant is underway. The next phase will focus on refining the integration of the electric drive system and the test production line to achieve volume production by 2025.
The main components of the electric axles are based on ZF's modular kit electric drive platform and cover the front and rear axles, including motors, power electronics and reducers.
The modular design can meet power requirements from 100 kW to 300 kW and offers the flexibility to switch between synchronous and asynchronous motors depending on customer needs. The motor features a hairpin winding for high power and torque density, high efficiency and improved power output. The power electronics include ZF's High 2.0 silicon carbide (SiC) technology and can be upgraded to an 800 V platform, improving operational safety while optimizing costs. The reduction design has also been improved to ensure maximum efficiency.
ZF Electrified Powertrain Technologies started operations in Hangzhou in 2022 to manufacture 800 V electric drives and reducers. ZF Guangzhou Technical Center opened in 2023. Construction of a second plant, the ZF Guangzhou Electronics Plant, began on the site and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
“ZF sees great value in the Chinese market and the opening of the new facility in Shenyang fully demonstrates ZF's determination to continue investing and innovating in China,” said Renee Wang, Executive Vice President, President of China and Operation Asia Pacific at ZF. “To adapt to the 'China speed' and Chinese efficiency, we are developing our localization strategy, including raw materials, equipment, R&D and so on to speed up the localization process.”
Source: ZF