At the Eurobike 2024 cycle fair, the ZF Group is presenting its new 48-volt transmission system for electric bicycles for the first time. The “ZF Bike Eco System” integrates all drive components including motor, batteries, control unit, app and a cloud connection. The main component is the ZF “CentriX” transmission unit equipped with an ultra-compact central motor that provides a power of 90 Newton meters. Press release.
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ZF CENTRI’X AT THE HEART OF ZF BIKE ECO SYSTEM OPERATIONS
The center of the ZF transmission system is the new CentriX drive unit, which is unique on the market with its high torque density with reduced weight and space requirements. CentriX consists of a central motor and a cylindrical transmission stage. With a diameter of only 88 millimeters and a width of 118 millimeters, the unit is just larger than a 33 centiliter barrel and can be combined with hub gears or chain.
The ZF drive is available in two variants: the CentriX 90 and the CentriX 75. The CentriX 90 has an assistance torque of 90 Nm and a maximum power of 600 watts making it ideal for mountain bikes or touring bikes. The CentriX 75 has an assistance power of 75 Nm and a maximum power of 450 watts. It is designed for example for racing bikes, city bikes or urban bikes.
ZF BIKE ECO SYSTEM: ALL THE PIECES OF THE INTEGRATED PUZZLE
The “ZF Bike Eco System” drive system is based on a 48 volt architecture and provides a continuous power of 250 watts. For power supply ZF offers lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 504 or 756 watt-hours (Wh) that are mounted in the downtube using an innovative and removable rail system for recharging.
The Core Controller integrated in the upper tube is the central control and operating unit of the entire system. It communicates with the rider via an intuitive circular LED display that provides information such as battery charge status. Optionally, a remote control or a 2.8-inch high-resolution color display with touch function can be connected to the handlebar.
The Core Controller offers an innovative interface for charging devices such as smartphones via magnetic spring contacts called Pogo Pin connectors.
A Bluetooth connection allows the bike to communicate with the ZF app on a smartphone, which offers functions such as navigation, route recording, bike status tracking and software updates via the cloud. In the future, the ZF Bike Eco digital system will be expanded to include other comfort and safety features.
The ZF Bike Eco System is an open system that offers interfaces and integration possibilities for third-party suppliers. Bicycle manufacturers therefore have the choice of other components and benefit from an easy installation, especially thanks to the simplified wiring and the quick installation of the motor in a few minutes.
The entire ZF drive system is designed for easy maintenance and replacement of individual components is usually possible within minutes. Resellers can quickly and easily upgrade software via the Core Controller’s magnetic Pogo Pin connector.
