ZF is bringing a technology-open commercial vehicle decarbonization portfolio to IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany, spanning conventional, hybrid and battery-electric drivelines built on shared scalable, modular platforms. The supplier says the approach lets OEMs and fleets cut emissions at a pace matched to their own applications, duty cycles and regional infrastructure rather than committing to a single technology path. Alongside the driveline lineup, ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division is positioning braking, air management and software as contributors to overall vehicle efficiency.
Highlights
- Technology-open driveline portfolio covers conventional, hybrid and electric configurations on scalable, modular platforms
- TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission targets heavy-duty applications, supporting energy recuperation and electric-only running in low-emission zones
- AxTrax 2 electric axle family has started production in China, with higher output torque levels enabling increased gross combination weights
- CeTrax 2 electric central drives are set to gain higher power levels, broader application coverage and Power Take-Off availability
One Platform Set, Multiple Electrification Levels
The portfolio is built on modular platforms that carry across conventional, hybrid and electric configurations for commercial vehicle applications in global markets. ZF says reusing systems and components across architectures allows it to match individual customers to solutions suited to their applications, infrastructure and regional requirements, with system integration and software layered on to unlock additional efficiency.
“There is no single pathway to decarbonization in commercial vehicles,” says Winfried Gründler, Head of Business Unit Driveline Solutions at ZF. “Customers need solutions that reduce emissions today and still make economic sense. Our technology-open portfolio enables OEMs and fleets to decarbonize step by step while maintaining operational performance.”
Where Does Hybrid Fit in Heavy-Duty Decarbonization?
ZF positions hybrid technology for duty cycles where fully electric operation is not yet economically or infrastructurally feasible. The TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission is designed for heavy-duty applications and combines hybrid and electric driving modes, supports energy recuperation, and enables electric driving in low-emission zones.
The system is built on the existing TraXon transmission platform and draws components from ZF’s electric driveline portfolio. According to the company, that pairing lets operators reduce fuel consumption and emissions without giving up range or operational flexibility.
Electric Drives Scale Across Existing and Dedicated Platforms
For applications where full electrification is the right pathway, ZF is advancing two families. The CeTrax 2 electric central drive provides a scalable electrification route for vehicles built on existing internal combustion architecture. ZF says upcoming enhancements will add higher power levels, broader application coverage and Power Take-Off availability, widening the range of commercial vehicle applications the platform can serve.
The AxTrax 2 electric axle family serves dedicated electric vehicle platforms. ZF says the family is evolving toward higher output torque levels, which allow increased gross combination weights and broaden application coverage. AxTrax 2 recently entered production in China, which the company points to as evidence of global demand for electric axle solutions in commercial transportation.
Trailer Electrification and Air Management
ZF is extending the decarbonization approach beyond the tractor. Electrified trailer concepts draw on the company’s work in e-axles, braking systems and vehicle integration, and are currently being demonstrated in development and pilot projects rather than series production.
Air management is the other adjacent area. The e-comp Scroll air compressor uses an oil-free design that ZF says improves compressed air quality and reduces maintenance requirements. Low noise levels make the unit suited to applications such as urban bus operation.
Software Ties Driveline and Braking Together
“Hybrid and electric driveline technologies are key building blocks for decarbonization,” says Dr. Johannes Heseding, Manager Innovation Electrification & Efficiency. “Further significant efficiency gains can be unlocked through the intelligent interaction of ZF systems across the vehicle, especially through the synergies between driveline and braking systems.”
Integrated control functions coordinate driveline, braking and energy management to optimize energy use, which ZF says produces reductions in emissions and operating costs that individual components cannot deliver on their own. The company frames the scalable portfolio as a way for OEMs and fleets to meet regional regulatory timelines, including emissions standards such as Euro 7, while retaining flexibility for future requirements.
ZF at IAA Transportation 2026
ZF will show its commercial vehicle decarbonization technologies at IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany, in Hall 21, Booth B42, including enhancements to its hybrid and electric driveline systems.
