At the Eurobike trade show in Germany, ZF Group has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 48-volt drive system for e-bikes, branded as the ‘ZF Bike Eco System’. This comprehensive system integrates all essential components including motor, batteries, control units, app connectivity, and cloud integration, aiming to redefine the e-bike market with its innovative features.
Central to the system is the ZF ‘CentriX’ drive unit, featuring a compact design and capable of delivering up to 90 Newton meters of torque. Daniel Haerter, Head of ZF’s Micro Mobility business unit, highlighted the significance of this innovation, stating, “With our CentriX e-bike drive unit, which weighs just 2.5 kilograms and is uniquely compact, we are setting a benchmark in the power class up to 90 Newton meters of torque.”
The system operates on a 48-volt architecture, providing 250 watts of continuous power. It includes options for 504- or 756-Wh batteries, designed for easy removal and charging. The Core Controller, located in the top tube, serves as the central operating unit, displaying crucial information such as battery status to cyclists.
Furthermore, ZF emphasizes the system’s flexibility as an “open system,” offering interfaces and integration options for third-party providers. This approach allows bicycle manufacturers like RAYMON Bicycles, ZF’s first customer for the system, to tailor components according to specific preferences and installation requirements.
The ZF Bike Eco System is slated to debut with the launch of RAYMON Bicycles’ ‘Tarok’ e-bike in early 2025, promising consumers high-performance e-bikes that maintain a lightweight and aesthetically pleasing design akin to traditional bicycles.
