ZF and Foton have taken their strategic partnership to the next level by introducing new hybrid drive systems for commercial vehicles in China. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the decarbonization of China’s commercial vehicle market. Building on their successful joint venture, the companies plan to manufacture and deliver ZF’s TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission for heavy-duty trucks. This technology is designed to reduce carbon emissions while retaining the benefits of internal combustion engines (ICE). The new hybrid transmission will be launched in China and globally by 2026, positioning both companies as leaders in sustainable transport solutions.
Key Highlights:
- Partnership Expansion: ZF and Foton have signed a Letter of Intent to introduce the TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission system for commercial vehicles in China.
- Decarbonization Focus: The hybrid system will aid in reducing CO2 emissions in the commercial vehicle market while maintaining the benefits of traditional combustion engine technologies.
- Advanced Technology: The TraXon 2 Hybrid is a highly integrated system that provides high power and torque, making it suitable for full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid heavy-duty trucks.
- Strategic Importance: Both companies aim to respond to China’s new energy transformation, promoting green and sustainable development in the commercial vehicle sector.
- Production Timeline: The TraXon 2 Hybrid system is expected to enter series production (SOP) globally in 2026, starting with the Chinese market.
During the IAA Transportation 2024 event, ZF and Foton solidified their ongoing cooperation by committing to the development of the new TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission system. This follows the success of their joint venture, which focuses on providing automated transmission systems and electric drives for commercial vehicles in China. Under this agreement, ZF will handle the development of the new hybrid technology, while the joint venture will take charge of manufacturing.
Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the ZF Board of Management, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating: “This partnership leverages our respective resources, strengths and expertise to accelerate the development of our hybrid solution and help bring it to market quickly and cost effectively.”
As China pushes for sustainable transformation, hybrid technology is becoming a crucial element in decarbonizing the country’s commercial vehicle sector. With its extensive experience in hybrid technologies, ZF is well-positioned to meet the demand for cost-effective and efficient solutions.
The TraXon 2 Hybrid technology offers significant benefits:
- Reduced emissions: Enables decarbonization without sacrificing the performance of traditional ICE systems.
- High adaptability: Can be integrated into existing vehicle platforms, minimizing complexity for manufacturers.
- Versatility: Suitable for both full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, ensuring flexibility in deployment.
With the TraXon 2 Hybrid’s global debut planned for 2026, starting with the Chinese market, this collaboration between ZF and Foton underscores a shared commitment to advancing the sustainable development of commercial vehicles worldwide.
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