ZF Bike Eco System: New electric motor with up to 90 Nm!
Slightly larger than a 0.33 liter Coke can and yet stronger than Bosch CX and Shimano EP8: With the CentriX engine, transmission giant ZF is attacking the major engine manufacturers and wants to make light e-bikes with high torque possible.
In a nutshell: ZF Bike Eco System
- 48-volt drive system consisting of motor, batteries and app
- The new ZF engine is called “CentriX”
- and has either 90 or 75 Nm torque
- 600 or 450 watts peak power (continuous power 250 watts)
- Motor weight: approx. 2.5 kilos, 88 x 118 mm installation dimensions
- Batteries with 504 or 756 watt hours, removable
- various peripherals (display, controller…)
Heart of the system: The CentriX engine
With a full 48 volt battery voltage, the CentriX motor from ZF is available in two versions. In addition to the 48 volt technology (Bosch and Shimano still use 36), they all have very small installation dimensions in common: Due to its cylindrical design, the CentriX measures a tiny 88×118 mm, a Bosch Performance Line CX is significantly larger – and at 2.9 kg, it is also noticeably heavier compared to the 2.5 kg specified by ZF.
Anyone who is thinking of a performance level à la light engine is far from it: The CentriX 90 is said to deliver 90 Nm of torque and 600 watts Achieve top performance in “smaller” model CentriX 75 it is still very potent 75 Nm at 450 wattsThe continuous output is, as usual, the legal 250 watts.
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Available batteries: From large to larger
ZF is offering two batteries to launch its “Bike Eco System”. 504 watt-hour capacity is now almost the standard for light e-MTBs, while the 756 watt-hour battery, which has a much longer range, will probably be used for “full-size” e-bikes. It is not yet known whether there will be a small range extender, as is currently the case. What is known, however, is that the batteries will be removable using a rail system.
Photo gallery: This is what the CentriX from ZF looks like!
ZF
Displays, controllers & Co.: Everything available, everything designed for simplicity
As usual, ZF on a modular bike kit from various controllers, displays and batteries. Connectivity is also a top priority, with pogo pin connectors allowing you to charge smartphones and other devices on the go, control the e-bike via Bluetooth, navigate, update the system and more. “In the future,” as the press release states, There will also be “comfort” and “safety features”.
Praiseworthy: ZF sees the system as open – Interfaces and integration options for third-party providers are explicitly provided. The entire drive system should be designed for easy maintenance; individual components should be able to be replaced within a few minutes.
Introducing: This is the first E-MTB with CentriX motor!
This is what the future holds: Where you will find the CentriX engine
According to the Friedrichshafen-based company, one of the first manufacturers to use the ZF Bike Eco System is Raymon, their “Tarok” E-Allmountain should be available in early 2025. Other manufacturers are not yet known. ZF gives a vague outlook on the conceivable model range with CentriX drive: The CentriX 75 is said to be ideal for gravel, commuter or urban e-bikes. The stronger Logically, CentriX 90 is more likely to be seen on Lake Constance in e-mountain bikes, e-trekking bikes or SUV bikes.
Our opinion on ZF’s CentriX engine:
Until now, ZF has served the e-bike market with the massive, brutal Sachs RS motor. Not a bad unit, but the Friedrichshafen-based company has not really been able to gain a foothold with this powerhouse, which only needed firmware updates to teach it manners. With the new “Bike Eco System” that could change. What's more, the CentriX motor and peripherals have what it takes to be a game changer for me, especially in the e-MTB sector! If the manufacturer's information is correct, there has never been so much concentrated power: a maximum of 90 Nm torque and 600 watts peak power in such a compact and, at 2500 g, also light package – wow! Combined with a large battery and display, “full-size” e-MTBs with weights of probably easily under 21 kilos are possible. Without sacrificing power, range or ease of use. If the bike manufacturer uses the small battery with top tube display, the result is a light e-MTB weighing 19 to 20 kilos – but with 90 instead of 50-60 Nm. My weight estimates refer to all-mountain and enduro bikes, i.e. real power machines. How the whole thing will look in reality, how the motor drives, how good the app is, how many bike manufacturers turn to ZF, will only be revealed in the coming months. But for me, the new ZF system is already a highlight of the upcoming Eurobike 2024.
– André Schmidt, Editor-in-Chief