ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division and Volta Trucks, an all-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider, have announced a long-term agreement for some of the core systems and components in the all-electric Volta Zero.
Chassis and Safety Technologies
ZF technologies fitted to the Volta Zero have been designed and configured specifically for commercial vehicle use and form part of the key systems, the company says. These systems include the OnGuardACTIVE Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Electronic Braking System (EBS) including the brake pedal box, ESCsmart Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and OnHand Electro-Pneumatic Handbrake (EPH).
The OnLaneALERT Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which enhances safety and helps to prevent unintended lane drifts, is also sourced from ZF as well as components in the steering system including the steering column and the steering gear.
In addition, ZF’s OptiRide Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) system fitted to the Volta Zero supports daily vehicle operations including docking and loading procedures through automatic and manual chassis height adjustments for improved driver safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Front Axle System with Independent Suspension for Trucks
Volta’s all-electric truck is also equipped with ZF’s axle system with independent front suspension (IFS). Having been proven in thousands of bus applications, ZF says it recently made this axle technology also available for truck applications. ZF’s IFS axle system provides a smart ‘turnkey’ solution for new automotive customers that outsource their vehicle axles. In support of the architectures of manufacturers’ electrification strategies, IFS maximizes space for electric components and batteries.
With its compact and optimized design, it supports the low cabin for ease of ingress and improved driver vision. A wide range of RL 82 ET IFS with varied control arms, enables vehicles with a width of 2,300 mm to 2,600 mm and up to 8,200 kg axle load to be supported. ZF’s RL 80 ET IFS is also available to meet the specific vehicle width and wheel sizes of the North America market.
