ZF has announced the 8HP evo, an updated eight-speed automatic transmission engineered for mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids . The 8HP evo advances its predecessor in multiple technical aspects. The transmission uses fewer components, resulting in reduced weight and assembly complexity. Key technical upgrades focus on the electric motor, power electronics, and mechanical parts to support longer electric range. ZF says that the new model’s control software structure now allows manufacturers to more easily interface with and customize the transmission control architecture. Enhanced processor performance enables a wider array of advanced software features.
The 8HP evo benefits from integration with its SELECT platform, a modular and scalable electrified drivetrain system. In the PHEV configuration, the transmission offers up to 200 kW electrical output and 600 Nm of maximum electrical torque, compared to the previous 160 kW and 500 Nm. Improvements in input shaft design have reduced mechanical losses by approximately 28 percent. These advancements, along with further functional development, deliver up to 10 percent more vehicle range at a given battery capacity versus earlier models, while reducing reliance on heavy rare earth materials.
Applications for the 8HP evo include 48 V mild hybrids 400 V PHEV systems and dedicated full-hybrid platforms.
“The 8HP evo hybrid transmission has a modular design and therefore cost-effectively meets a wide range of requirements – for both mid-range and luxury vehicles,” said Dr. Otmar Scharrer, Head of Development for Electrified Drive Technologies. “This experience has been directly incorporated into the further development of our established benchmark product. In this way, we are ensuring that we can also fully exploit the possibilities of electrification in hybrid drives.”
Source: ZF