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ZF has developed the High Revolution Drive, a 3-in-1 electric drive system that combines the electric motor, power electronics and transmission in a single unit and reaches motor speeds of up to 30,000 rpm. According to the Friedrichshafen-based company’s announcement of 5 November 2026, the high speed makes it possible to use a smaller and lighter motor for the same power output, while the torque required at the wheel is provided by a high-ratio two-stage gear transmission.
A two-stage transmission that converts high speed into torque
According to ZF, the principle is simple: for the same power output, a higher speed reduces the torque required from the motor. Because torque is closely linked to rotor volume, the electric motor can be designed smaller and lighter. To convert this high speed into usable torque, a two-stage helical spur gear transmission with a ratio of around 18:1 is used. The version presented offers 200 kW peak power and 3,500 Nm peak wheel torque.
Gear geometry addressed at system level for noise and vibration
High speeds make noise and vibration harder to control. ZF says it draws on decades of gear and transmission experience in this area. Thomas Meiser, Head of ZF’s E-Mobility Division, says robustness and low noise and vibration levels were strict development targets from the outset, which is why the electric motor, gears, bearings and tooth geometry were treated as an integrated system. According to Meiser, 30,000 rpm is the economic and technical sweet spot for the configuration presented.
Almost 25 percent smaller, with half the magnet mass
The High Revolution Drive is almost 25 percent smaller and almost 25 percent lighter than a comparable SELECT drive operating at 18,000 rpm. The magnet mass required falls by 50 percent; ZF says this lowers costs and reduces dependence on critical supply chains. Despite the high speed and high gear ratio, system efficiency is on the same level as the comparable SELECT system, at almost 93 percent. The focus is the high-volume passenger car market with drive power of around 150-200 kW; the architecture can be scaled to different power levels and to both 400-volt and 800-volt systems. The drive was designed as a variant of the modular SELECT platform and uses existing technologies. ZF said it is already in talks with several vehicle manufacturers and aims to reach series production by 2030.
Sources
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG, “ZF High Revolution Drive: Higher Speeds, Less Space”, press release, 05.11.2026 – press.zf.com
Image: ZF
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