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ZF’s new zero-emission factory for EV power electronics in the Czech Republic

March 20, 2024

ZF has opened its first zero-emission factory in Klášterec, Czech Republic for producing EV power electronics.

The factory, part of the Electrified Powertrain Technology division, supports ZF’s goal of achieving climate neutrality across all value chains by 2040 and will serve as a model for all ZF plants worldwide. The company is gradually transitioning to sustainably generated energy at all locations, improving the energy efficiency of processes, electrifying a significant portion of its products, and utilizing recycled materials.

The factory in Klášterec is equipped with 3,400 solar modules, which meet approximately 20% of the plant’s annual electricity needs. Any additional electricity required is sourced from renewable energy, primarily wind and hydroelectric power. By 2025, all ZF locations will be fully powered by green electricity, either generated in-house or obtained through contracts with renewable energy providers.

The factory’s gas heating system, which was dependent on fossil fuels, has been replaced by heat pumps, reducing the plant’s overall annual heating costs by 50%. During colder months, the plant uses the natural cold of the outside air to cool down the technology within the facility. Various measures for improved thermal insulation and heat recovery complete this local climate concept.

The newly renovated plant employs nearly 700 people and produces power electronic components for electric motors manufactured by ZF plants in Germany and Serbia.