ZF Introduces the 8HP evo Transmission for Hybrid Vehicles

Next-generation automatic transmission aims to deliver greater efficiency and extended range. ZF has unveiled its new 8HP evo automatic transmission, developed to meet the growing demands of the global hybrid vehicle market.Building on the company’s benchmark 8-speed automatic gearbox, the new version features a modular design, enhanced efficiency, and flexible scalability to suit a wide range of hybrid platforms.

As hybrid vehicles continue to expand rapidly worldwide, ZF says the 8HP evo provides the technological foundation needed to support the next decade of vehicle electrification.Industry forecasts predict that the global hybrid segment will grow by more than 10% by 2032.

ZF CEO Mathias Miedreich commented:“Manufacturers today require fast, flexible, and scalable solutions across their powertrain portfolios. The 8HP evo delivers exactly that—combining range, efficiency, and adaptability in a single transmission. We see hybrid technology not as a temporary bridge, but as a key part of the solution.”

A Single Transmission for the Entire Hybrid Range

The 8HP series is one of ZF’s most successful products and has been modular by design since its inception.The new 8HP evo takes this concept even further:

• It features fewer components than its predecessor,

• It is lighter and easier to assemble,

• It offers greater electrification capability and improved software integration.

Engineers focused on optimizing the electric motor, power electronics, and mechanical components to boost overall efficiency and extend range.Higher processing performance also enables advanced software functions and smoother integration with vehicle control systems.

Built on ZF’s SELECT platform for electric drivetrains, the 8HP evo achieves up to 200 kW of electric output and 600 Nm of torque in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configurations.Reductions in input shaft losses by around 28% result in up to 10% more electric range with the same battery capacity compared to the previous model.

ZF’s Head of Electric Drive Development, Dr. Otmar Scharrer, explained:“With its modular architecture, the 8HP evo can meet a wide variety of requirements for both mid-size and premium vehicles, while maintaining cost efficiency.”

A New Era for Hybrid Powertrains

The new 8-speed transmission is compatible with 48V mild hybrid (MHEV), 400V plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and full hybrid (HEV) systems.For HEV platforms, the 8HP evo enables battery recharging through regenerative driving without the need for external charging infrastructure.This design makes the transmission lighter and more cost-efficient than PHEV alternatives.

With the launch of the 8HP evo, ZF aims to redefine the balance of efficiency, performance, and sustainability in the hybrid vehicle segment.