ZF introduces TherMaS, an innovative thermal management system designed to increase the range and efficiency of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Among its advantages are increased range and a compact, modular design: it takes up little space, making integration into various platforms easier and allowing greater flexibility in the positioning of main components, such as the heat pump and the fluid control unit.
Other advantages highlighted by ZF include quick installation and three performance classes. TherMaS will be available in three versions, adaptable to different needs and types of vehicles. It uses less than 150 grams of natural propane (R290) as a refrigerant, a solution free from PFAS restrictions and significantly more sustainable compared to the approximately 900 grams of R1234yf used in traditional systems.
ZF emphasizes that TherMaS offers the possibility of increasing the range of electric vehicles without the need for larger batteries or more efficient motors.
The company added that according to Global Market Insights, the global market for thermal management systems for electric mobility is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 16% between 2025 and 2034, confirming the strategic importance of solutions like TherMaS for the future of electric automotive.
As early as 2023, ZF engineers presented the first version of their TherMaS system in the EVbeat prototype vehicle. “Since then, we’ve made significant technological leaps,” says Dr. Otmar Scharrer, Head of Development for ZF’s electric mobility product portfolio. He adds, “Thanks to its superior capabilities and easy-to-integrate design, our OEM customers can expect better performance from the electric driveline and increased electric range.
