ZF Board Member Mathias Miedreich, responsible for the Electrified Powertrain Technology division, with the SELECT platform
At its eMobility Tech Day ahead of IAA Mobility 2025, ZF took a bold step forward in reimagining the future of electric mobility. With global EV adoption on the rise—even as momentum slows in some European markets—the technology group unveiled a sweeping realignment of its electrified drivetrain portfolio, placing modularity, speed, and system integration at the heart of its strategy.
The centrepiece of ZF’s showcase was the SELECT e-drive platform, a comprehensive system architecture designed to support the industry's increasing technical complexity. It is built to accommodate an extensive variety of electric drive configurations and includes key components such as electric motors, inverters, converters, gear systems, and software—all engineered for seamless integration across vehicle classes. The platform is engineered not only for fully electric vehicles but also for hybrids and high-efficiency combustion engine applications, allowing ZF to flexibly meet a wide array of global powertrain needs.
Modularity For Speed, Scale
According to ZF board member Mathias Miedreich, SELECT represents the group’s commitment to offering a tailored, fast-to-market response to an increasingly fragmented global mobility landscape. Modular design enables customers to rapidly configure electric drive solutions to match regional requirements, market dynamics, and cost expectations—without compromising on performance or integration.
By consolidating multiple hardware and software functions into a single system, ZF’s high-integration approach enables significant savings in material, space, and weight, while also slashing development time.
TherMaS: Reinventing Thermal Efficiency
Complementing its hardware innovations is TherMaS, ZF’s next-generation thermal management system designed specifically for electric vehicles. Developed to market maturity, it uses propane as a refrigerant to improve thermal performance and range. In cold climates, the system increases vehicle range by up to 10%—and under extreme winter conditions, by as much as 30%—through intelligent utilisation of waste heat and efficient battery conditioning.
A Platform Built For The Present, Future
The EVselect concept vehicle, unveiled at the event, embodies this fusion of high-performance engineering and modular adaptability. Featuring pre-series components from the SELECT platform and powered by ZF’s thermal innovations, it offers a tangible demonstration of the company’s vision for next-generation e-mobility.
Hybrid Tech Still in Play
While electric mobility is surging, ZF continues to innovate in hybrid drivetrains. Its new 8HP evo automatic transmission offers greater efficiency and flexibility for hybrid systems, while its electric range extender concept addresses range anxiety by pairing a compact combustion engine with a generator to maintain battery charge on the move—offering a practical solution in regions with underdeveloped charging infrastructure.
A Tailored Global Approach
In an era defined by volatile market conditions and region-specific regulations, ZF’s product strategy signals a deep understanding of global diversity in mobility needs. Whether it's urban EVs in Europe, hybrid SUVs in Asia, or extended-range solutions in North America, ZF is delivering a broad and scalable portfolio built on common architecture and global insight.
As Miedreich summed up, “No matter where in the world people are driving or what energy sources are available, ZF provides the right solutions to ensure a comfortable and relaxed driving experience.” Through SELECT and its wider suite of innovations, ZF is not just adapting to mobility’s transformation—it’s helping define it.
Also Read:
ZF Launches SUMS Service Suite To Help Trailer OEMs Meet Global Software Compliance Standards