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Company evaluates that the electrification of trucks will follow different paces between markets and points out hybrids as an alternative to reduce emissions in heavy transport.
ZF, one of the largest global suppliers of technologies for commercial vehicles, argues that the decarbonization of heavy transport should occur in different ways around the world. During the presentation of new technologies held in Hanover, Germany, the company stated that there is no single solution for the electrification of trucks.
Furthermore, the company highlighted that factors such as infrastructure, costs, regulations, and regional characteristics directly influence the pace of this transformation. Thus, the strategy began to consider different technologies to meet the specific needs of each market.
Markets advance at different paces
According to ZF, the electrification of commercial vehicles remains the long-term goal. However, this process is being impacted by the limited availability of charging infrastructure, regulatory differences, and economic viability.
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Moreover, Ivan Brajdic, senior vice president and global head of Research and Development of the company’s commercial vehicles division, stated that the current scenario requires flexibility.
According to the executive, China maintains strong expansion of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Europe continues to be driven by environmental goals. The United States is revising part of its technological strategy. On the other hand, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and other South American countries are seeking their own paths for energy transition.
Therefore, Brajdic explained that global platforms need to accommodate this technological and regulatory diversity.
Infrastructure remains one of the main challenges
While urban applications show significant advances, long-distance road transport still faces significant obstacles.
According to Fabian Schlegel, responsible for the global strategy of ZF’s commercial vehicles division, the implementation of infrastructure for truck charging requires high investments.
Moreover, large parking areas and high availability of electric power are necessary. Thus, the expansion of electrification occurs more slowly in this segment.
On the other hand, the company considers that urban buses and distribution trucks are already advancing in electrification in various markets.
Hybrid technology gains ground
In this context, ZF has also started to invest in hybrid solutions.
The company developed a hybrid version of the TraXon 2 transmission, which combines the conventional combustion system with an integrated electric motor.
According to Schlegel, the technology sparked interest after its initial presentation in 2024. Since then, manufacturers from different markets have shown interest in the solution.
According to the executive, the system offers benefits such as reduced fuel consumption, lower pollutant emissions, and the possibility of electric operation in certain situations. Additionally, the technology reduces the exclusive dependency on charging infrastructure.
Brazil is among the markets with potential
For ZF, countries with large territorial dimensions, such as Brazil, China, and the United States, may find hybrid trucks an alternative during the energy transition.
According to Schlegel, Brazil has a large volume of long-distance operations. Thus, hybrids can represent a solution to reduce emissions without fully relying on the autonomy of electric trucks.
Additionally, the company reported that it identified receptivity in the Brazilian market and intends to expand discussions with manufacturers and operators during Fenatran, scheduled for November.
Transition will be gradual
Finally, ZF reinforced that electrification remains a strategic objective. However, the company assesses that the transition will be gradual and will require intermediate technologies.
Thus, hybrid trucks become part of this strategy. At the same time, markets like Brazil will need to balance environmental goals, available infrastructure, and economic viability before the widespread adoption of fully electric vehicles.
