ZF offers a broad spare parts portfolio for electric vehicles

Public perception of electric vehicles can often focus on the electric drivetrain, which is considered quite reliable, requiring little maintenance.
The brakes and chassis systems of these cars, however, can be more susceptible to damage and wear than conventional vehicles due to the stresses exerted by the extra weight of the battery.
ZF Aftermarket supports automotive workshops working on electric vehicles with an extensive range of spare parts under its Lemförder, Sachs and TRW brands.

Chassis and brake noises are more annoying in e-cars
A common question to workshops around electric vehicles is how great is the need for maintenance and repair? After all, the energy storage and drive technology of practically all e-cars have so far proven to be extremely durable and low-maintenance.
ZF explains that due to the high mass of the traction battery being 300 to 500 kilograms heavier than conventional vehicles of comparable size, significantly more strain can be put on springs, dampers and support joints. The high torque of the electric motors also puts greater stress on the chassis parts and increases tyre wear. Workshops should therefore take a close look at the chassis of these vehicles.
And the brakes? Here, too little load is more likely to cause problems. Because these vehicles decelerate electrically in many driving situations, the service brakes are hardly used which can result in the brake discs corroding and the pads glazing over. As electric cars are very quiet, owners quickly notice any rattling suspensions or grinding brakes which can limit driving comfort much more than with petrol or diesel cars, because the engine typically drowns out these noises.

Low-noise brake pads for electric cars
With an extensive range of spare parts from its Lemförder (steering and suspension components), Sachs (shock absorbers) and TRW (brakes) brands, ZF Aftermarket says it supports automotive operations in many chassis repair cases.
The range extends from the Nissan Leaf to the Tesla S and X models. A special brake disc for the Tesla Model S is available under the TRW brand and the low-noise brake pad branded TRW Electric Blue is suitable for practically all electric cars in the local market.
ZF Aftermarket is set to expand its portfolio for electric cars even further with suspension and steering components for the VW ID.4, ID.3 and Skoda Enyaq models, which are projected to be released in 2022. ZF is also an original equipment supplier for the Volkswagen electric models.

For further information on ZF in Oceania, please visit www.zf.com/au or call 1800 ZF SALES (1800 93 72537).