ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division has earned major industry recognition for its latest hybrid driveline innovation, receiving the “European Transport Award for Sustainability” from HUSS, a prominent German publishing group. The award honours the TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission, a system engineered to significantly reduce emissions while maintaining the performance, range and practical advantages of conventional commercial vehicle powertrains.
According to Winfried Gründler, Product Line Leader for Driveline Systems at ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions, the new hybrid system offers fleets a meaningful step toward decarbonisation. He noted that the technology has shown strong results during testing, demonstrating substantial cuts in emissions alongside notable savings in operating costs. Gründler added that the recognition confirms ZF’s direction in helping transport operators transition toward electrification without sacrificing the efficiency and long-distance capability associated with combustion engines, while at the same time achieving measurable reductions in total cost of ownership.
Part of ZF’s established TraXon transmission family, the plug-in hybrid version of TraXon 2 can achieve up to 47 percent lower CO₂ output in long-haul applications and up to 73 percent in distribution operations when consistently recharged. The system is designed to help fleets meet the 2030 European emissions targets and remains adaptable to evolving toll structures and taxation policies linked to sustainability goals.
Developed for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the technology can function either as a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid and is compatible with a wide range of power units including diesel, CNG, LPG, hydrogen engines and vehicles running on HVO or e-fuels. The electric motor is integrated in a P2 configuration between the clutch and transmission, feeding power through a planetary gear set that connects directly to the input shaft.
This allows the vehicle to operate purely on electric power when required, while also enabling regenerative braking or supporting the combustion engine through boost functions. The electrical system operates between 600 and 800 volts with a continuous output of 190 kW and a considerably higher peak power capability.
The award was determined by a panel of technical experts, journalists and representatives of a leading transport association, reaffirming ZF’s position as a key developer of technologies that address the practical realities of reducing emissions in heavy commercial transport. ZF is a global technology leader delivering next-generation mobility systems for passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, and industrial applications. Its wide portfolio supports automakers, mobility service providers, and emerging transportation innovators.
ZF plays a key role in advancing vehicle electrification across multiple segments, helping reduce emissions, support climate protection, and enhance road safety. Beyond the automotive sector, the company also serves industries such as construction and agriculture, wind energy, marine propulsion, rail transport, and testing equipment. The company employs approximately 161,600 people worldwide and recorded sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal year 2024. ZF’s global footprint includes 161 production facilities across 30 countries.
ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division is at the forefront of transforming the commercial transport ecosystem. The division focuses on making commercial vehicles safer, more intelligent, and more sustainable, supporting the global vision of zero accidents and zero emissions. With a comprehensive technology portfolio, ZF CVS delivers customized solutions that guide OEMs and fleet operators through every stage of their transition, addressing complex operational challenges and driving long-term value.
By accelerating the digitalization of commercial vehicle systems and enhancing vehicle intelligence, ZF CVS is helping shape the commercial vehicle of tomorrow. The division brings together ZF’s former Commercial Vehicle Technology unit and the Commercial Vehicle Control Systems business acquired through ZF’s integration of WABCO in 2020.
