ZF has introduced a heated seat belt option for electric vehicles that can improve range by up to 15% in cold weather by reducing the energy needed to heat the interior of the vehicle. The seat belt is made of special webbing with built-in heating conductors that only slightly increase the thickness of the webbing, making it easy for vehicle manufacturers to integrate and providing occupants with the same comfort as a regular seat belt.
The heated belt is designed to provide a consistent feeling of warmth close to the body. When used in combination with other contact heaters such as a seat heater, the system can help to further reduce the energy used to heat the vehicle.
ZF’s heated seat belt can provide close-to-body warmth of approximately 36-40 degrees Celsius as soon as the driver starts driving. When used in conjunction with heated seats, it can quickly provide occupant comfort.
In electric vehicles, the climate control system is powered by the vehicle’s battery, so reducing the amount of battery power used to heat the interior can increase range by up to 15% through the use of contact heaters and reduced reliance on traditional climate control systems. The heated seat belt functions like a regular seat belt and is easy to use. These features make it widely appealing to drivers and passengers.
ZF’s heated seat belt was created using a unique textile processing method that weaves heating conductors into the seat belt structure. The electrical heating circuit contact points are positioned so as not to interfere with the belt’s operation or retraction, and no additional special belt retractors are needed at other installation locations.
The heated seat belt maintains all the same characteristics as a regular seat belt and does not require any additional procedures or qualifications for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). It is not inferior to conventional seat belts in terms of occupant protection.
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