ZF, a global leader in driveline and chassis technology, has recently opened its third electric drive factory in China—ZF Electric Drive Systems (Shenyang) Co., Ltd. This new facility, located in Shenyang, will produce and sell key components for electric vehicles (EVs), including the three-in-one electric drive axle system for new energy vehicles (NEVs).
The Shenyang electric drive factory’s flagship products include the complete electric drive systems for NEVs, encompassing both front and rear axle assemblies. These assemblies include motors, controllers, and gearboxes. The controllers in these systems are powered by ZF's High 2.0 SiC (Silicon Carbide) technology, designed to continuously upgrade on an 800V platform. This innovation not only enhances safety levels but also optimizes cost efficiency, making it an attractive option for the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
With this new plant, ZF now operates three electric drive factories in China. The company previously launched the ZF Electric Drive Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. in September 2022, which specializes in manufacturing 800V electric drive axle systems and gearboxes. Additionally, the ZF Electric Drive Technology (Shenyang) Co., Ltd. project, which focuses on the production, assembly, and testing of electric motors, electronic controls, and drive systems, was completed around the same time.
Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Strategic Partnerships in EV Development
In the field of automotive silicon carbide (SiC), ZF has been active in building strategic partnerships. In April of last year, ZF entered into a multi-year procurement agreement with STMicroelectronics, a leading semiconductor company, to supply millions of third-generation SiC MOSFET devices starting in 2025. These SiC components will meet the growing demand for high-quality automotive-grade SiC devices required for inverters in electric vehicles.
These SiC components will be integrated into ZF's new modular inverter platform, set to enter mass production in 2025. In June of this year, ZF also partnered with NXP Semiconductors to develop next-generation SiC-based traction inverter solutions for electric vehicles. The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of 800V platforms and SiC power devices, further pushing forward the development of energy-efficient and high-performance EV technologies.
Conclusion
With the opening of the ZF Electric Drive Systems (Shenyang) Co., Ltd., ZF solidifies its position as a key player in China’s electric vehicle market. The integration of Silicon Carbide technology into their electric drive systems and strategic collaborations with industry leaders like STMicroelectronics and NXP Semiconductors underlines ZF’s commitment to advancing the future of electric mobility.
