Latest news with #ZFFriedrichshafen
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
ZF's Modular EV Range‑Extender Set to Launch in 2026
As some automakers retreat from the "all-EV by 2030" battle plan, suppliers like ZF Friedrichshafen are quietly preparing smarter alternatives. Its new modular range-extender systems, dubbed eRE and eRE+, are due to enter production in 2026 - and they could help keep internal combustion alive in a way that actually makes at ZF's technical center in Shanghai and engineered for flexible, scalable integration, the eRE platforms aim to provide automakers with an easier path to longer-range electrification - especially in regions with sparse charging infrastructure or price-sensitive buyers. Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, ZF's range-extenders never use the engine to drive the wheels. Instead, the gas engine powers a generator, which in turn charges the battery or powers an electric motor. The base eRE drives the rear wheels, while the eRE+ adds a planetary gearset, differential, and clutch to support front-wheel assist - or full four-wheel result is a modular, software-defined drivetrain that works with either 400V or 800V vehicle architectures. The eRE produces between 94 and 148 horsepower, while the eRE+ scales to 201 hp. Carmakers supply their own engines and batteries - ZF handles the a concept that echoes similar efforts across the industry. ZF's own range-extender push has been framed as a way to extend EV range without resorting to larger, heavier batteries - a particularly useful idea in midsize crossovers, pickups, and vans where space and weight are major concerns. ZF isn't alone in this line of thinking. Volkswagen recently revised its future EV platform - the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) - to accommodate optional range extenders. While SSP was originally designed as a pure BEV solution, the company now views a generator-equipped fallback as a pragmatic "safety net" against softening EV demand. The SSP will remain electric-first, but the range-extender update shows just how much the industry's tone has Scout Motors - the VW Group-owned electric off-road brand - is developing its own version of this concept. The upcoming Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup will be available with a "Harvester Range Extender" that promises to boost range to 500 miles. As with ZF's eRE setup, the Harvester system uses a gasoline engine strictly as a generator, not as a means of direct they all share in common is intent: extending range through smarter architecture, not just bigger batteries. ZF's system is ready for global adoption. Manufacturing begins in 2026, with the company targeting automakers across Europe, China, and North America. BMW is reportedly trialing range-extender concepts with its iX5 hydrogen test vehicles, while other brands - particularly those not developing ground-up EV platforms - are evaluating ZF's solution as a retrofit-friendly company previously worked on range-extender setups for London black cabs and is now investing heavily in modular, powertrain-agnostic components that help manufacturers adapt without overhauling their entire production consumers, that could mean EVs that charge less often, cost less upfront, and offer better winter performance - all without forcing a compromise on driving feel or emissions targets. The EV narrative isn't collapsing, but it is correcting. Range anxiety hasn't gone away, and infrastructure rollouts are lagging behind adoption rates. Rather than wait for the grid to catch up, companies like ZF are finding ways to meet drivers where they are - with practical, affordable tools that bridge the won't replace pure EVs or hybrids entirely, but as part of a broader strategy, they may prove to be the missing link - a smart compromise in a world that's still figuring out how to plug in. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
ZF's Modular EV Range‑Extender Set to Launch in 2026
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. As some automakers retreat from the 'all-EV by 2030' battle plan, suppliers like ZF Friedrichshafen are quietly preparing smarter alternatives. Its new modular range-extender systems, dubbed eRE and eRE+, are due to enter production in 2026 — and they could help keep internal combustion alive in a way that actually makes sense. Developed at ZF's technical center in Shanghai and engineered for flexible, scalable integration, the eRE platforms aim to provide automakers with an easier path to longer-range electrification — especially in regions with sparse charging infrastructure or price-sensitive buyers. Source: ZF How It Works Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, ZF's range-extenders never use the engine to drive the wheels. Instead, the gas engine powers a generator, which in turn charges the battery or powers an electric motor. The base eRE drives the rear wheels, while the eRE+ adds a planetary gearset, differential, and clutch to support front-wheel assist — or full four-wheel drive. The result is a modular, software-defined drivetrain that works with either 400V or 800V vehicle architectures. The eRE produces between 94 and 148 horsepower, while the eRE+ scales to 201 hp. Carmakers supply their own engines and batteries — ZF handles the rest. It's a concept that echoes similar efforts across the industry. ZF's own range-extender push has been framed as a way to extend EV range without resorting to larger, heavier batteries — a particularly useful idea in midsize crossovers, pickups, and vans where space and weight are major concerns. Source: Volkswagen Others Are Thinking The Same Way ZF isn't alone in this line of thinking. Volkswagen recently revised its future EV platform — the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) — to accommodate optional range extenders. While SSP was originally designed as a pure BEV solution, the company now views a generator-equipped fallback as a pragmatic 'safety net' against softening EV demand. The SSP will remain electric-first, but the range-extender update shows just how much the industry's tone has shifted. Likewise, Scout Motors — the VW Group-owned electric off-road brand — is developing its own version of this concept. The upcoming Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup will be available with a 'Harvester Range Extender' that promises to boost range to 500 miles. As with ZF's eRE setup, the Harvester system uses a gasoline engine strictly as a generator, not as a means of direct propulsion. What they all share in common is intent: extending range through smarter architecture, not just bigger batteries. What's Next? ZF's system is ready for global adoption. Manufacturing begins in 2026, with the company targeting automakers across Europe, China, and North America. BMW is reportedly trialing range-extender concepts with its iX5 hydrogen test vehicles, while other brands — particularly those not developing ground-up EV platforms — are evaluating ZF's solution as a retrofit-friendly option. The company previously worked on range-extender setups for London black cabs and is now investing heavily in modular, powertrain-agnostic components that help manufacturers adapt without overhauling their entire production line. For consumers, that could mean EVs that charge less often, cost less upfront, and offer better winter performance — all without forcing a compromise on driving feel or emissions targets. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Why It Actually Matters The EV narrative isn't collapsing, but it is correcting. Range anxiety hasn't gone away, and infrastructure rollouts are lagging behind adoption rates. Rather than wait for the grid to catch up, companies like ZF are finding ways to meet drivers where they are — with practical, affordable tools that bridge the gap. Range-extenders won't replace pure EVs or hybrids entirely, but as part of a broader strategy, they may prove to be the missing link — a smart compromise in a world that's still figuring out how to plug in. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
Bloomberg
11-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
FountainVest Is Said to Be Last Bidder for ZF's Lifetec Unit
Asian private equity firm FountainVest Partners is the last remaining suitor for ZF Friedrichshafen AG 's airbags and seat belt business, according to people familiar with the matter. FountainVest is trying to hammer out key terms of a deal for the ZF Lifetec unit, the people said, declining to be identified because the information is private. There's still a wide gap on price expectations and there's no certainty they will be able to reach an agreement, according to the people.
Reuters
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Germany's ZF to cut costs even more if car production declines, says CFO
July 10 (Reuters) - Germany's second-largest automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen ( plans to take even more stringent cost-cutting measures in the event that global car production declines further, finance chief Michael Frick told WirtschaftsWoche magazine. "We are below our projections," the CFO said in an interview published on Thursday, and there are indications that even fewer cars will be produced worldwide in the second half of the year. "Of course, ZF will then have to take additional cost-cutting measures," he added. ZF, which helps automakers develop gearboxes and hybrid drivetrains, has been grappling with falling sales and profits driven by weak demand and high costs associated with the shift to electric vehicles. Apart from tariffs, Europe's auto sector faces multiple hurdles, including high production costs, falling demand, rising competition from China and the shift to electric vehicles. As part of its ongoing restructuring efforts, ZF plans to cut up to 14,000 jobs in Germany by 2028, which would amount to one in four jobs.
Reuters
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
ZF blames 'enormous pressure' on auto industry as it plunges to 1 bln euro loss
BERLIN, March 20 (Reuters) - German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen plunged to a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) loss last year as it set aside hundreds of millions of euros for a restructuring to address what it called the "enormous pressure" facing its industry. Europe's auto sector is struggling, opens new tab with weak demand, the high cost of shifting to electric vehicles, cheap competition from China, and rising trade tensions. Stay up to date with the latest news, trends and innovations that are driving the global automotive industry with the Reuters Auto File newsletter. Sign up here. ZF, which helps automakers develop gearboxes and hybrid drivetrains, said on Thursday it had set aside 600 million euros for restructuring costs last year, primarily for staff reductions. Its debt rose to 10.5 billion euros in 2024. "The year 2024 has clearly demonstrated the enormous pressure our industry, and thus our company, is under," said CEO Holger Klein. ZF is planning to cut up to 14,000 jobs in Germany by 2028, which would amount to one in four jobs. Several smaller plants have already been closed. Last year, the workforce in Germany shrank by around 4,000 positions. "The measures initiated are necessary to position us for future growth," said Chief Financial Officer Michael Frick, adding that the restructuring would start to result in savings in 2025. ZF lowered its annual sales forecast twice last year. Sales shrank by around 11% to 41.4 billion euros, partly due to the divestment of its axle assembly business. Its return on sales fell by 1.5 percentage points to 3.6%. Adjusted for special items, operating profit fell by more than a third to 1.5 billion euros. This year will bring no improvement, with revenue expected to come in above 40 billion euros amid "continued transformation pressure and uncertainty caused by geopolitical and protectionist influences". The company's adjusted operating profit margin is expected to come in between 3% and 4% in 2025, with free cash flow at more than 500 million euros, ZF said. "The outlook for the 2025 financial year remains cautious. Economic growth is once again expected to be weak, particularly in the euro zone and Germany, and vehicle markets could remain below the previous year's levels," ZF said.
