ZF and Tevva have collaborated to create an advanced regenerative braking system for Tevva’s 7.5-tonne battery-electric truck, enabling the recuperation of up to four times more energy compared to traditional air brake systems. By integrating ZF’s Electronic Brake System (EBS) with Tevva’s regenerative system, the partnership optimizes the truck’s range and paves the way for efficient driving.
Heiko Eggers, Head of EMEA Application Engineering for Braking and ADAS at ZF, expressed the significance of this partnership for new market players like Tevva, highlighting ZF’s diverse product portfolio and systems expertise that expedited the development process. Uzair Jilani, Lead Engineer at Tevva, emphasized the collaborative effort, mentioning how the regenerative system, combined with the conventional brake, enhances safety and efficiency.
Tevva’s engineers successfully met rigorous testing criteria by fine-tuning the vehicle control unit (VCU) and enhancing compatibility with ZF’s EBS. This achievement led to a system that recovers up to four times more energy than traditional air brake systems, boosting the electric truck’s range. The integration of EBS allows safe regenerative braking up to 180 kW, compared to the previous 40 kW limit due to safety concerns. Rigorous testing took place at ZF’s facility in Germany, encompassing various conditions and gradients.
Modern EBS technology enables precise control over friction braking and e-motor blending, reducing wear and tear on brakes. The system efficiently manages braking components, ensuring quick response time and balanced brake forces.
Tevva’s 7.5-tonne battery-electric vehicle (BEV) has entered mass production at its London facility, offering a range of up to 140 miles (227 kilometers) on a single charge. The company also plans to introduce a 7.5-tonne hydrogen-electric truck with an extended range of 354 miles (570 km), thanks to a hydrogen range-extender. These vehicles cater to last-mile and urban delivery fleets, showcasing the practicality of electric solutions in commercial transportation.