ZF Opens Innovative 800V Test & Validation Facility in the UK
First published onLondon EV Show ↗
15 October, 2024: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a global technology company, officially inaugurated its cutting-edge 800V Test & Validation facility at its R&D Hub near Solihull, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing EV technology.
This new facility, the first of its kind for ZF in the UK, is designed not only for in-house testing of ZF's own inverter architecture but also to provide validation testing services to third-party organisations. As the automotive industry increasingly shifts toward electric mobility, ZF aims to facilitate the transition from traditional 400-volt systems to the more efficient 800-volt architecture.
The benefits of this transition are clear: by adopting an 800V system, EVs can achieve significantly reduced charging times, enhancing the overall user experience. ZF's integration of Silicon Carbide MOSFETs into this architecture could also lead to potential battery size reductions, with efficiency gains of up to 10 percent, according to the company.
Spanning 46 square metres, the facility is equipped to accommodate a range of components, from small modules to full E-drive truck axles. Enhanced safety measures include interlocked and monitored doors, creating a secure testing environment. ZF has also indicated that the facility can be expanded in the future to accommodate larger components, with the power supply currently capable of handling 1,500 VDC at 45 kW, with potential increases to 90 kW.
In the company press release, Adrian Mitcham, Head of Special Applications at ZF, stated, “OEMs want the compelling benefits of 800V but finding facilities capable of validating these higher-rated systems has not been easy, Just like our world-class EMC and climatic chambers on the same site, we plan to offer 800V validation services to external organisations so that more of the benefits can be realised in the wider mobility sector.”
ZF’s investment in this facility underscores its commitment to driving innovation in the EV space and supporting the broader industry in the transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions.
