CentriX: Ultra-compact drive for e-bikes

E-Bike Technology

Making e-bikes lighter and more compact: This is the goal pursued by the manufacturer ZF with the new CentriX e-bike drive, which is barely larger than a drinks can.

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E-bike drive CentriX — The compact CentriX e-bike drive integrates unobtrusively into the frame.

The automotive supplier ZF presented its new 48-volt drive system for e-bikes at Eurobike 2024. The “ZF Bike Eco System” includes all essential components such as the motor, batteries, control units, an app and a cloud connection. The heart of the system is the ultra-compact “CentriX” mid-engine, which is designed to deliver a torque of up to 90 Newton meters.

CentriX: Compact powerhouse

According to the manufacturer, the e-bike drive weighs CentriX only 2.5 kilograms, making it particularly light. With a diameter of 88 millimeters and a width of 118 millimeters, it is barely larger than a drinks can. This should enable bicycle manufacturers to offer powerful e-bikes that are lightweight and look attractive despite their high performance. The motor can be combined with both derailleur and hub gears and should be easy to maintain.

The ZF drive is available in two versions: The CentriX 90 is said to offer a torque of 90 Newton meters and a maximum output of 600 watts, ideal for mountain, trekking or SUV bikes. The CentriX 75, on the other hand, offers 75 Newton meters of torque and a maximum output of 450 watts and is designed for gravel, commuter or urban bikes.

The “ZF Bike Eco System” is based on a 48-volt architecture and offers a continuous output of 250 watts. The energy supply is provided by lithium-ion batteries with capacities of 504 or 756 watt hours. These batteries can be mounted in the down tube using an innovative rail system and removed for charging.

Intuitive controls and diverse functions

The core controller, integrated in the top tube, is the central control and operating unit of the system. It shows information such as the battery charge level via a circular LED display. A high-resolution color display can optionally be attached to the handlebars. In addition, an interface should enable the charging of devices such as smartphones.

ZF’s own app offers functions such as navigation, route recording and over-the-air updates. The system is to be expanded to include additional comfort and safety features in the future.

The ZF Bike Eco System is an open system with interfaces for third-party suppliers. This should enable a flexible choice of components and easy assembly. Individual components should be able to be replaced in just a few minutes. Dealers can carry out software updates via the magnetic pogo pin connector on the core controller.

First e-mountain bike with CentriX drive

The premium bicycle manufacturer RAYMON Bicycles plans to launch the first e-mountain bike with the new ZF drive in early 2025. The full-suspension e-MTB “Tarot“ is said to have a suspension travel of 160 millimeters and is therefore particularly suitable for demanding terrain.