ZF is introducing new repair kits for electric drives
ZF Aftermarket is expanding its offerings for electric and hybrid vehicles. New repair kits are designed to enable workshops to fix individual components of the electrified powertrain.
ZF will soon offer more spare parts for electric cars from Chinese brands.
Image: ZF
In the coming weeks, ZF plans to make more than 100 variants of repair kits for electric axle drives available. Each kit combines the components needed for specific repairs. ZF frames this offering as part of its so-called Maintain-Repair-Replace strategy. According to the company, refurbishing parts to OE quality also plays an important role: when a repair is not technically or economically feasible, ZF offers refurbished replacement components as well.
The program includes, among other things, a repair kit with rotor and stator for ZF’s second-generation hybrid modules based on the 8HP transmission. For the fourth generation of 8HP, refurbished mechatronics along with a repair kit for the inverter are provided. Another kit allows for the replacement of bearing components in reducers of electric drive units. ZF has not yet specified which vehicles each repair kit covers or at what prices they will be offered.
ZF is responding to the growing number of electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly important for the independent repair market, with its repair solutions. According to the company, its parts program already covers around 92 percent of the European fleet of the 20 most common electric vehicle models. However, the statement does not clarify which models or calculation methods underlie this figure. The portfolio includes components for powertrains as well as parts for brakes, steering, suspension, and damping systems, along with fluids for electric drives.
ZF expands its aftermarket business for electric vehicles
In the future, ZF also plans to give greater attention to vehicles from Chinese brands. By the first quarter of 2027, up to 200 such models are expected to be available in Europe’s parts catalog. By the end of 2027, the supplier aims to cover ten of the most popular models from Chinese manufacturers according to its own estimates, thereby addressing around 30 percent of the related workshop needs. ZF has not yet named specific models.
The expansion of the aftermarket offerings comes amid ZF’s ongoing restructuring of its electric drive business unit. Just in May, after evaluating the make or buy option, the supplier decided to continue developing and producing electric motors and inverters in-house. The E division is less busy than initially expected and is undergoing significant layoffs. The decision to manufacture internally is contingent on a substantial improvement in cost structures.