ZF will use this year’s NUFAM commercial vehicle trade fair in Karlsruhe, Germany, to introduce new technologies for trailers, including an electrification system, a next-generation electronic braking system and a modular service for managing software updates. The event runs from 25–28 September.
The headline development is TrailTrax, an electrification system that integrates an electric drive into the trailer. ZF aims to reduce emissions in freight transport. Trailer electrification is being explored in Europe as a potential way to support decarbonisation without the need to fully replace tractor units, and could also contribute to fuel efficiency gains.
ZF will also present its new Intelligent Electronic Braking System (iEBS). Electronic braking systems are standard on modern trailers, and ZF says its latest version enhances electronic control of braking functions. Safety systems remain a key concern for hauliers and regulators, particularly as road freight volumes grow.
A third area of focus is digitalisation. The company is launching its SUMS Service Suite, a modular platform designed to manage software updates for trailers. As more trailer components are controlled by software, the ability to perform and monitor updates is expected to become increasingly important for operators seeking to minimise downtime and meet regulatory requirements.
