ISUZU’s EV Shift: CeTrax Lite Success

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The CeTrax lite electric drive, developed by ZF for light commercial vehicles, has reached a significant production milestone, with over a thousand units produced since its inception in April 2023. This swift increase in production volume highlights the growing demand from major customers like ISUZU, marking a significant step in the electric transformation of light commercial transport. The successful production ramp-up underscores ZF’s commitment to advancing electric mobility solutions.

Key Highlights:

  • Rapid Production Increase: Over a thousand CeTrax lite units produced since April 2023.
  • Major Customer Engagement: ISUZU integrates CeTrax lite in its ELF EV trucks.
  • Global Impact: CeTrax lite contributes to the expansion of electric, low-emission commercial vehicles worldwide.
  • Vertical Integration: ZF leverages its global locations for efficient component production.
  • Efficiency and Reliability: High system integration ensures optimal performance in demanding conditions.
ISUZU's EV Shift: CeTrax Lite Success

The CeTrax lite is the latest iteration in ZF’s lineage of electric central drives, initially launched to complement the larger CeTrax model tailored for buses. This drive system is designed to be integrated into existing vehicle platforms, allowing manufacturers to transition towards electric models without extensive modifications. ZF’s strategic approach to electric mobility, emphasizing ease of integration and high reliability, positions the CeTrax lite as a pivotal solution for light commercial vehicles, especially in urban and low-emission zones.

ZF’s Friedrichshafen plant plays a crucial role in the global distribution of the CeTrax lite, thanks to its established reputation for producing durable and efficient drive systems. The drive’s central positioning within the vehicle optimizes space and enhances the vehicle’s performance, aligning with the needs of light distributor trucks and small delivery vehicles.

The collaboration with ISUZU for the ELF EV trucks exemplifies the international demand and adaptability of the CeTrax lite, emphasizing its global reach and market responsiveness. According to Kleber Vinhas, the ZF Friedrichshafen plant manager, the CeTrax lite’s success is a testament to ZF’s ability to meet market demands for electric mobility solutions effectively.

In addition to the CeTrax lite, ZF is preparing for the launch of the CeTrax 2 dual electric central drive, targeting heavy commercial vehicles, further broadening its electric drive offerings. The comprehensive approach to component and system integration, spanning multiple ZF locations, underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable and efficient electric drives, ensuring that the CeTrax lite and its successors continue to lead in the electrification of the commercial vehicle sector.

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