ZF Shapes the Future of Bus Mobility with AxTrax 2 LF, Bus Connect and ADAS Technologies

ZF Group showcased its latest technologies for electric, connected and safer bus operations at Busworld Türkiye 2026.

During a video interview at the event, Frank Burkhart, Senior Vice President Sales Bus & Coach at ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions, outlined the company’s strategy for the next generation of public transport.

ZF’s approach brings together electric propulsion, digital fleet services, vehicle motion control and advanced safety technologies within an integrated architecture. The objective is to help vehicle manufacturers develop more efficient buses while enabling operators to increase vehicle availability, improve safety and reduce operating costs.

Electrification Alone Is Not Enough

ZF does not treat electrification, digitalisation and safety as isolated technology areas. Instead, the company is developing coordinated systems that share vehicle data, software functions and control capabilities.

This integrated approach enables electric drivetrains, braking systems, auxiliary components, telematics and driver assistance technologies to work together.

Supported by its global development and manufacturing network and local service capabilities, ZF aims to adapt these technologies to different markets, vehicle platforms and operating conditions.

AxTrax 2 LF Prepares for Series Production

One of the key technologies presented at Busworld Türkiye was the AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle, developed primarily for low-floor city buses.

According to ZF, AxTrax 2 LF delivers average energy-consumption savings of 20% in SORT cycles compared with its predecessor. The efficiency improvement can allow manufacturers to reduce the required battery capacity or help operators achieve greater range with the available battery capacity.

The system is based on standardised components and shared software modules. This structure is intended to simplify vehicle configurations, support different bus applications and improve total cost of ownership.

The 20% figure should not be interpreted as a guaranteed range increase under every operating condition. It represents an average energy-consumption improvement measured by ZF in comparative SORT cycles. Actual results will depend on the route, vehicle configuration, passenger load, climate and driving conditions.

Remote Condition Monitoring for the Electric Drivetrain

AxTrax 2 LF can be combined with ZF’s new digital condition-monitoring software.

Offered through a software-as-a-service model, the system remotely analyses electric-drivetrain data. It is designed to monitor component condition, identify potential faults at an early stage and support predictive maintenance planning.

Early fault detection can help fleets reduce unplanned downtime, improve vehicle availability and lower overall operating costs.

The solution also enables manufacturers, operators and independent fleet-management platforms to access detailed information about the condition of the electric drivetrain.

ZF Bus Connect Brings Vehicle Data Together

Digital fleet management is another central element of ZF’s bus strategy.

ZF Bus Connect, the company’s dedicated telematics platform for bus applications, connects data from several vehicle domains, including the drivetrain, braking system, battery and auxiliary equipment.

Operators can use this information to:

• Monitor vehicle condition,
• Analyse energy consumption,
• Evaluate fleet performance,
• Monitor battery condition,
• Plan maintenance requirements,
• Support predictive maintenance strategies.

The latest applications include battery analytics and condition monitoring for ZF drivetrain solutions such as AxTrax 2 LF.

By connecting physical vehicle systems with digital services, ZF aims to improve fleet uptime and reduce total cost of ownership.

Oil-Free Compressor for Quieter Electric Buses

ZF also presented its e-comp Scroll oil-free air compressor, designed for medium- and heavy-duty hybrid, battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles.

The system uses two interlocking scrolls to generate compressed air while maintaining low noise and vibration levels.

At a nominal operating point of 250 litres per minute, ZF states that the compressor produces approximately 67 dB(A). Noise and vibration performance are becoming increasingly important in electric buses because there is no conventional combustion-engine noise to mask the operation of auxiliary systems.

The technology is therefore intended to support both vehicle efficiency and passenger comfort.

Scalable ADAS Technologies Support GSR Compliance

ZF also highlighted its scalable advanced driver assistance systems for buses, developed to support compliance with the European Union’s General Safety Regulation.

Rather than operating as isolated functions, the company’s ADAS portfolio combines camera, radar and software capabilities within coordinated safety systems.

The portfolio includes:

• Intelligent Speed Assistance,
• Blind Spot Information System,
• Driver Monitoring System,
• Event Data Recorder.

These technologies are designed to improve safety for drivers and passengers as well as vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

The scalable architecture also allows manufacturers to select and integrate functions according to vehicle type, market requirements and regulatory obligations.

Türkiye Is an Important Bus Manufacturing Market

Türkiye’s established bus and coach manufacturing industry makes the country an important market for ZF’s electric, digital and safety technologies.

ZF stated at Busworld Türkiye 2026 that it continues to secure new business from Turkish and international customers across electric mobility, integrated safety, vehicle motion control and digital solutions.

For buses manufactured in Türkiye and exported to European markets, technologies such as AxTrax 2 LF, ZF Bus Connect and GSR-compliant ADAS can contribute to energy efficiency, regulatory readiness and lifecycle cost competitiveness.

From Component Supplier to Integrated Technology Partner

Frank Burkhart’s assessment also reflects a broader change in ZF’s position within the commercial vehicle industry.

The company is moving beyond the role of supplying individual axles, braking components or steering systems. Its strategy is increasingly focused on integrating electric propulsion, vehicle motion control, safety and fleet data within a common technology architecture.

In this model, the value of a vehicle is determined not only by its physical components but also by how effectively data is collected, analysed and used throughout its operating life.

The future of electric and connected bus mobility will therefore depend on the ability of drivetrain, safety and digital systems to operate together—helping manufacturers and operators deliver more reliable, efficient and sustainable public transport.

Technical information was verified against ZF’s official Busworld Türkiye 2026 announcement.