At the IAA 2025, ZF is presenting the further developed ‘8HP evo’ automatic transmission – a response to the global boom in hybrid drives. Based on the benchmark 8-speed transmission and equipped with numerous further developments, the 8HP evo is designed for a wide range of hybrid platforms and manufacturer requirements. ZF is thus creating the technological basis for the even more extensive electrification of future model generations.

The market for hybrid vehicles is booming. Driven primarily by rising demand in the US and the Asia-Pacific region, forecasts predict a global growth rate of around 10 percent by 2032. Vehicle manufacturers are responding to this stable trend and expanding their hybrid model range to meet different customer requirements. "Manufacturers today need fast, flexible and scalable solutions for a broad drive portfolio. The 8HP evo delivers exactly that and covers the full range. This combination is currently unique," said Mathias Miedreich, Member of the Executive Board and responsible for the Electrified Drive Technology Division. "Hybridization is not an interim solution, but part of the answer. The 8HP evo combines range, efficiency and flexibility. Our technology suits the diversity of the markets."  The 8-speed automatic transmission is one of ZF's most successful products. Right from the start, the current generation was also designed for use in hybrid models in addition to conventional combustion drives in accordance with the modular principle. In the further development of the current 8HP evo, ZF is pushing the electrification and efficiency of the transmission even further. The 8HP evo uses fewer components than its direct predecessor. It is therefore lighter and less complex to assemble.  All components must take account of the desire for greater electric range, which is why the further developments concern the electric motor, the power electronics and the mechanical components. Higher processor performance enables advanced software functions for customers. At the same time, the software structure has been changed so that manufacturers can now dock onto the transmission control software with little effort.