ZF PowerLine is ‘transmission evolution’ for CV
Vehicle technology provider ZF says its PowerLine transmission satisfies the current shift towards the greater automation of commercial vehicles, and marks the start of a small revolution in the medium-heavy truck, pickup and bus segments.
With eight gears and a design principle adopted from world leading passenger car system, the ZF 8HP, the new automatic transmission surpasses systems currently available, the company claims.
Essentially, for these segments, PowerLine has the potential to help generate fuel savings of up to 10 per cent, says ZF. Additionally, with a shift quality on a par with premium passenger cars, gearshifts without traction interruption are around 30 per cent quicker than automated transmissions.
The company adds that in the future, an electric version of the transmission – as a mild or plug-in hybrid – will be available.
“With its modular design featuring several launch control elements, PowerLine is the ideal solution for many vehicles with engine torque of up to 1,200 Nm, including medium trucks up to 26 tons, buses, coaches and pickup trucks,” said ZF.
“In terms of segment-related weight, PowerLine sets few limits for manufacturers. The transmission system is suitable for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (gm) of up to 26 tons. Weighing only approximately 150 kg without heat exchanger, this innovative system sets new standards in terms of power-to-weight ratio.
“With a consumption reducing overall ratio spread of 7.64 and early closing of the torque converter, when equated to current comparable systems, the transmission can help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent.”
Reduced operating costs are achieved through lower fuel consumption and extended oil change intervals, says the company; with the use of modern ZF-Ecofluid Life Plus transmission oil, wear-free driving can be achieved.
Performance and efficiency of the transmission in daily use can be increased by using well-known ZF software functions such as the predictive shifting strategy PreVision GPS, rocking free function, stop-start assist, hill-start assistance and low-speed manoeuvring.
“In the commercial vehicle segment, reliability and operating costs are central to business success,” said the company.
“The same is true for ZF, with PowerLine using as many synergies with the proven ZF benchmark 8HP passenger car transmission as possible. This begins with the basic, though appropriately dimensioned gearset concept, and ranges from mechatronics and electronics, including control software, to production know-how.”
