ZAwheel wins Environmental Technology Prize

Ziehl-Abegg's ground breaking gearless electric drive technology ZAwheel takes the major prize in the emission reduction category.

Ziehl-Abegg, a family-owned German manufacturer known for its electric motors, has been awarded an environmental prize for developing a new electric bus technology entitled ZAwheel.  

ZAwheel is an electric wheel-hub drive, essentially meaning that the motor is confined within the ultra-wide wheels, removing the need for efficiency-sapping transmissions and differentials.

By having the drive directly in the wheel, torque is generated and used at the same location, a feat which Ziehl-Abegg claims results in not simply an environmental advantage, but an improvement in driver comfort.

Zawheel

Regenerative braking is also included for further efficiency gains.

Ziehl-Abegg claims that compared to a diesel bus on a typical city cycle, the Zawheel offers 50 percent lower energy consumption and emissions, as well as a 90 percent reduction of noise.

Installation space and fitting dimensions are said to be compatible with common standard portal axles for low-floor buses, meaning that retrofitting is possible without requiring extensive modifications to the bus undercarriage.

Environment Minister Franz Untersteller (left) and CEO of Ziehl-Abegg, Peter Fenkl

Peter Fenkl, CEO of Ziehl-Abegg, says that “The fact that the sixth-largest European bus manufacturer, VDL Bus & Coach, has been equipping new vehicles with our drive since May highlights its practical scope.”

Over 100 entries were submitted for the emission reduction category of Baden-Württemberg’s Environmental Technology prize, and the ZAwheel took third place.

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