Press Release, 17 September 2025
From software-defined vehicles to AI-powered heat management and retractable steering wheels, ZF is turning futuristic concepts into production-ready realities.
Driving Tomorrow: Beyond Just Electric
“We have consistently aligned our product range with the future of passenger car mobility,” said ZF CEO Dr. Holger Klein, emphasizing the company’s role in shaping the next generation of vehicles.
Three global megatrends anchor ZF’s vision:
- Software-defined vehicles
- Automated driving
- E-mobility
And ZF isn’t just talking about the future—it’s delivering it.
Chassis 2.0: Where Intelligence Meets the Road
ZF’s Chassis 2.0 concept goes beyond mechanics—it’s about intelligence at the wheel.
- Steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems already have global customers from Europe to China.
- The AKC rear axle steering, active damping, and electronic roll stabilization allow for smoother, safer rides.
- ZF’s cubiX software unites all actuators, regardless of brand, to unlock advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
This isn’t just about stability—it’s about creating a chassis smart enough to adapt to how you drive.
SELECT Platform & TherMaS: Power Meets Efficiency
Electric vehicles face two big hurdles: efficiency and range. ZF’s answer?
- SELECT e-drive platform – a flexible, modular system combining motors, inverters, gears, and software.
- TherMaS thermal management – propane-based cooling that boosts EV range by up to 30% in extreme winter conditions.
In real-world terms, that’s fewer charging stops and more confidence when temperatures drop.
AI That Keeps Your Car Healthy
Imagine a car that predicts its own problems before they happen. ZF’s digital health monitoring makes this real, offering:
- Forecasts on potential system failures
- Repair recommendations
- Performance optimization
With AI-driven TempAI, ZF even measures motor temperatures without extra hardware—improving prediction accuracy by 15%.
ProAI: The Brain Behind the Wheel
As cars adopt more driver-assist features, they need serious computing power. Enter ZF ProAI, a scalable central computer built for every car type:
- From budget models with simple parking assist
- To all-in-one supercomputers capable of handling fully autonomous driving
Manufacturers also gain flexibility with over 30 modular safety, comfort, and parking functions, available as software products.
Comfort Meets Safety: ZF LIFETEC
What if your seatbelt could warm you up on a winter morning? ZF’s Heat Belt 2.0 does just that, reducing air conditioning load by up to 1000 W and extending EV range by 6%.
And the retractable steering wheel? A game-changer for flexible interiors—freeing up space when parked or in autonomous mode. Perfect for the growing trend of cars as “living spaces,” especially in Asia.
Why This Matters
ZF isn’t just innovating—it’s reshaping the DNA of cars. From extending EV range to making interiors more human-friendly, these advancements signal a clear shift: the car of the future is less machine, more companion.
