Automotive colossus ZF presents its first proprietary motor system. The ZF Bike Eco System comes not solely with thrilling key knowledge, but additionally with some sudden options. We had the unique alternative to check the brand new motor system to seek out out what it’s able to, and what it has in widespread with a can of coke.
ZF are primarily identified for being one of many largest elements suppliers to the automotive sector. Nonetheless, only a few individuals know that the German producer additionally has an ebike division referred to as ZF Micro Mobility. At Eurobike 2018, ZF offered their first ebike motor as a part of a three way partnership between Magura, BFO and BMZ: The Sachs RS. Again then, it prompted a stir with some spectacular key knowledge, with a whopping 110 Nm of torque and 700 watts peak energy. Nonetheless, the drive was solely utilized by a handful of motorcycle producers, together with NOX. Now, six years later, ZF strike once more, however this time on their very own. For the 2025 season, the German model presents its new ZF Bike Eco System, which incorporates not solely the motor, but additionally batteries, remotes, shows and connectivity options. The brand new ZF ebike motor goals to impress with a mix of excessive torque, low system weight and compact dimensions. We visited R RAYMON in Schweinfurt and had the unique alternative to fulfill with the builders and product managers of the brand new ZF Bike Eco System, ebike pioneers Susanne and Felix Puello. Right here’s all probably the most related data, and our first journey impressions of the brand new ZF Bike Eco System.
The brand new 2025 ZF Bike Eco System intimately – what’s so particular concerning the new ZF CentriX ebike motor?
On the coronary heart of the brand new ZF Eco System lies the ZF CentriX motor. Identical to its predecessor, the Sachs RS (which was the results of the previously-mentioned three way partnership) and the 2023 Brose Drive³ Peak motor, it operates at 48 V. In principle, this could provide the potential to scale back the present because of the greater voltage. Consequently, much less warmth is generated, particularly within the cables close to the battery, permitting for the set up of energy cables with a smaller cross-section. With its cylindrical form, the motor is paying homage to a Coke can, solely barely bigger and a tad heavier. At first look, 90 Nm of torque, 600 watts energy peak and a couple of.5 kg system weight sound very promising. For comparability’s sake: The Bosch Efficiency Line CX and the Shimano EP801 each ship 85 Nm of torque and a most output of 600 watts. However watch out: we’re not going to check the motors based mostly on sheer numbers: if we’ve learnt something over time, it’s that particular person parameters seen and in contrast in isolation say nothing about the true path efficiency of a drive system – however extra on that later. The ZF ebike motor can also be accessible in a slimmed-down model with 75 Nm of torque and 450 watts peak energy, which is aimed primarily at city and gravel bikes.
To make the cylindrical form attainable, the ZF’s engineers opted for a single drive axle design. To attain this, they used a shaft gearbox, which consists of only a few parts and is extraordinarily compact because of the single-stage building. A malleable sprocket transmits the facility with nearly no play, thus making certain exact energy switch on the crankshaft. The good speciality of the ZF ebike motor: the engineers developed a torque limiter – a form of particular clutch – to soak up load peaks and defend the motor from overloads, thus making certain an extended service life. Load peaks can happen, for instance, when shifting gears underneath excessive hundreds uphill. or when the rear wheel locks up for a brief second when hitting a step or larger impediment.
A motor with out mounting factors? Yep: ZF’s engineers are additionally breaking new floor when it comes to motor integration. Slightly than bolting on to the underside of the body like a traditional mid-drive motor, the CentriX suits right into a recess within the backside of the body, and is cradled by a bracket which wraps round and holds the motor into place, fairly like the way in which a stem faceplate holds a handlebar. A small locator tab within the body holds the motor within the right orientation and prevents it from twisting. This could make it fast and simple for licensed sellers to take away the motor for servicing.
The ZF ebike motor could be paired with batteries in two completely different sizes: 504 Wh and 756 Wh. The small-size ideas the scales at 3.2 kg and the largest one 4.2 kg, in line with the producer’s specs. The batteries click on into place within the down tube through a specifically developed rail system, which ought to all the time guarantee a agency reference to the body. This could stop system failures and annoying rattling noises attributable to repeated or incorrect set up, which is usually the case with different producers. As well as, the battery is secured to the body with a key lock, which prevents thieves from eradicating the battery. ZF additionally give bike manufacturers the choice of utilizing peripheral parts like batteries, shows and remotes from third-party suppliers.
The shows and remotes of the 2025 ZF Bike Eco System
ZF additionally provide the remainder of the Bike Eco System’s {hardware}, just like the show, distant and controller. The highest tube-mounted ZF Core Controller acts because the mind of all the system and is due to this fact indispensable. It’s used to modify the system on and off, and it additionally means that you can swap between using modes whenever you’re not utilizing a distant. Sadly, the LED show solely supplies restricted using knowledge, just like the battery cost standing and chosen help stage – a bit like a Bosch controller. Specialised’s MasterMind show has the sting on this regard! A magnetic plug means that you can cost your smartphone on the go on longer rides.
Whereas the Core Controller is greater than sufficient for many ebike situations, ZF additionally provide a show and distant for many who need extra using knowledge and simpler operation. The two.8 inch color show reveals the battery standing, pace and help mode, and is connected to the handlebars through a bracket. Utilizing the contact perform on the show, you’ll be able to swipe by way of the varied show views such as you would on a smartphone, and click on to regulate the person data tiles.
The distant sits on the handlebars and has a complete of 4 buttons, which can be utilized to modify between using modes, activate stroll help and function the show. The rubberised buttons guarantee glorious haptic suggestions.
The connectivity options of the 2025 ZF Bike Eco System
Our world is extra linked than ever, and connectivity has additionally change into an integral a part of the ebike phase. The interface to the world of the ZF motor system is the Core Controller within the prime tube, which lets you join your bike to a smartphone through Bluetooth utilizing the app. This can be utilized to regulate the motor’s traits and the sustained help of the 4 help modes, Eco, Energetic, Sport and Increase. Sport is a dynamic mode that adapts the help to the respective using scenario and, in contrast to the opposite modes, has an extended sustained help after the pedals cease turning.
Alongside the help mode changes, there will even be a navigation perform, which reveals arrows and primary instructions on the ZF Color Show – although the navigation perform all the time requires an energetic smartphone connection. ZF are additionally planning to launch over-the-air updates within the close to future so as to add new options to the Bike Eco System.
Availability of the brand new 2025 ZF Bike Eco System
In the intervening time, the brand new ZF Bike Eco System will solely be accessible on the brand new R RAYMON Tarok eMTB, which is because of be launched in 2025. The cylindrical motor form permits seamless, trendy integration. The ZF CentriX motor attracts its energy from an enormous 756 Wh battery, which is built-in into the down tube and could be eliminated for charging with a downward movement by way of an enormous opening. R RAYMON went for the total ZF {hardware} bundle, with the ZF Core Controller within the prime tube, ZF Color Show in entrance of the handlebars and ZF Pure Distant on the handlebars. The Tarok shall be accessible in 4 completely different spec ranges, with costs ranging between € 6,299 and € 10,499. There will even be a light-weight model weighing 20.5 kg (producer’s specification) with a smaller battery.
Producer’s web site
New 2025 ZF Bike Eco System first take a look at – what’s the new ZF ebike motor able to?
We had the unique alternative to check journey the brand new ZF Bike Eco System to realize a primary impression of the bike. Keep in mind, the efficiency of an e-mountainbike depends upon numerous components, so it is best to by no means take into account the motor’s efficiency in isolation. Any motor is barely nearly as good because the bike it comes with – in our case, a prototype of the brand new R RAYMON Tarok.
Setting off from a standstill, the ZF ebike motor impresses with a pure journey feeling and doesn’t really feel too abrupt. Nonetheless, it delivers loads of energy in all help modes, and it’s straightforward to modulate. The CentriX reaches its most energy between 60 and 90 rpm and, particularly within the highly effective Sport and Increase modes, pushes you to the trailhead with out an excessive amount of effort, even on steeper ramps. The dynamic Sport mode is especially appropriate for technical climbs, because it adapts the help to swimsuit the using scenario. It’s additionally the one mode which supplies an extended sustained help, which helps you overcome obstacles. This lets you strategy larger roots or steps with only a few pedal strokes, and let the motor’s sustained help do the remainder when you’ll be able to’t pedal. Nonetheless, this requires some warning on slim, technical trails, the place the lengthy overrun may present an excessive amount of energy, pushing you out round tighter hairpin switchbacks. When placing your foot on the pedals at a standstill, the motor responds immediately, which might take you without warning should you’re not ready. Nonetheless, it’s far much less abrupt than the Yamaha PW-X3. Driving uphill, the ZF CentriX works discreetly within the background with a delicate hum. Downhill, it’s completely quiet and doesn’t hassle you with any annoying clunking noises typical of motors just like the Bosch Efficiency Line CX and Shimano EP801 – superior!
Our conclusions concerning the 2025 ZF Bike Eco System
ZF have fun a profitable return to the ebike world with the Bike Eco System. Compact design and low system weight meet loads of energy. ZF are breaking new floor in growth and rethinking ebike motors. On the path, the CentriX motor impresses with loads of energy and good modulation. The remainder of the {hardware}, together with the batteries, remotes and shows, spherical off the general constructive impression. We’ll let you know extra about how the ZF Eco System performs as quickly as we get our fingers on a manufacturing bike for a complete, detailed take a look at of all of the capabilities.
Tops
- Compact dimensions
- Quiet downhill
- Highly effective
- Revolutionary motor mounting system
Flops
- Sustained help in Sport mode requires a vigilant using type on technical trails
For extra data go to zf.com
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Phrases: Mike Starvation Pictures: Mike Starvation, Producer
