ZF CentriX motor test: Small, like a can of Coke - powerful, like Bosch and Shimano

With the ZF CentriX, another automotive supplier wants to shake up the E-MTB scene. Compared to most bike companies, the "Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen" is a really big player. Nevertheless, automotive supplier ZF is also currently navigating stormy economic waters. The company from Lake Constance sells transmissions, axles, clutches and much more around the world. The company entered the e-bike motor market for the first time back in 2019 with a stake in Sachs Micro Mobility. A completely new, production-ready unit is now available under its own label: the ZF CentriX. We didn't spare the newcomer and tested it extensively both on the test bench and on the trail.

What's behind the new CF CenriX motor

At 88 millimetres in diameter, the circular motor unit of the ZF CentriX is barely larger than a drinks can and yet, on paper, delivers a similar performance to other established full-power solutions. The key to the dream dimensions is a cylindrical, ultra-compact shaft gearbox that requires only a few small parts. To ensure that the power can keep up despite its miniature size, the ZF ecosystem is not operated with 36 volts, as is the case with classic e-bike motors, but with 48 volts. The impressive promise: 90 Newton metres and 600 watts at peak power with only 2.5 kilos. This would enable ZF to achieve a power-to-weight ratio, which is only surpassed by the new DJI Avinox.

The new ZF CentriX offers a choice of two battery packs with 504 or 756 watt hours. Bike manufacturers should also be able to use third-party manufacturers. The charge status and support level are displayed on a control unit in the top tube. There is also an interface for powering a smartphone. The system also includes additional displays. Like the handlebar remote, these are also wired. The fact that the motor is particularly easy to install should please specialist dealer workshops. With the e-bike project, ZF wants to expand its position in the field of micromobility. ZF presented the new mid-motor in a sample frame at Eurobike 2024whose layout has been adopted by the Swiss bike manufacturer Bergstrom. However, the very first production bike with ZF CentriX comes from Raymon and is a full-blown E-Enduro.

>> We have compiled even more information on the ZF CentriX here.

Facts about the CF CentriX E-MTB motor

• Extra-small motor size with 88 mm diameter
• Low motor weight of 2.5 kg
• System voltage: 48 V
• Maximum torque: 90 Nm (manufacturer's specification) / 83 Nm (BIKE measurement)
• Peak power: 600 W (manufacturer's specification) / 544 W (BIKE measurement)
• 4 support levels: Eco, Active, Sport, Boost
• 756 or 504 Wh battery options
• Planned innovations for 2025: U-level customisation, over-the-air updates, theft protection, app and display features

Performance and power delivery

If you look at the bare figures, the ZF CentriX delivers a similar peak performance to the main competition. However, the motor itself has a not insignificant weight advantage of 320 grams over Bosch and 120 grams over Shimano. On the test bench, the CentriX is uncomplicated and builds up its power very evenly. It is nice that the power is maintained even at cadences of a good 120 revolutions per minute. an advantage over Shimano. However, the power packs from Bosch and DJI, for example, keep going at full power for much longer.

¹ Measured in the BIKE test lab

Without support, a slightly increased resistance in the ZF is noticeable when pedalling. Bosch's CX in particular performs significantly better here. On the other hand, an important practical impression from the trail was confirmed: the CenriX develops its power more evenly, i.e. less progressively, than the latest Bosch and pushes hard even at 110 watts of input. If a lot of load was required on the trail at a low cadence, the motor made itself noticeable with a scraping noise. We also noticed a slight stuttering on extremely steep cobblestones. According to ZF, this is a function of an internal clutch that protects the drive against overload. The developers still want to fine-tune this. Once you have got used to these side effects, they do not detract from the driving flow.

It's a pity that the good news from the ZF CentriX on the test bench has a somewhat bland flavour due to the unsatisfactory ratio of battery weight to range height. In our standardised practical test², the heavy 756 watt-hour battery only delivers enough juice for 1560 metres of climbing. The competition, above all Bosch's CX, can clearly do better. And the also new and comparably light DJI clearly trumps the ZF in terms of range.

² Determined during test rides on asphalt with a gradient of 12.2 per cent. Highest support level, rider power 150 W, rider weight 90 kg.

The ZF engine off-road

The ZF CentriX pulls away from the spot with a bang. The forward pull sets in quickly, but the initial behaviour remains within the control limits. This works much better with the close-to-production control system than with the prototype, which we were able to test around the Eurobike. Dreaded by learner riders, but no problem with the ZF: starting off on a hill. Across the entire riding spectrum, the ZF doesn't lack any power, pushes powerfully throughout and is not stingy with support on trails, neither at high cadences nor at the lower limits.

>> We put the CF Centrix through its paces in the new Raymon Tarok.

If you let the powerful caster of the ZF CentriX work for you, you will also be pulled up over nasty sections. However, the thrust is noticeably uniform. The e-drive is accompanied by a loud hum that even drowns out the Shimano competition. Discreet is different! Nice: Unlike the EP801 or even a Bosch Performance SX, the motor is absolutely rattle-free on descents.

When it comes to modulation, the ZF CentriX unfortunately does not achieve the sensitivity of the best in class. This is where the emphasised even thrust becomes a problem, as the unit pushes stoically regardless of the driving situation. Even lower gear ratios only bring a slight improvement. It doesn't feel like a natural extension of your own leg power. It is correspondingly difficult to pick up momentum from a low or medium speed before a key section. When things get technical, the new motor prefers to be ridden with brains. In tame terrain, the reliable forward thrust is pleasing.

Noticeable, but probably only relevant when manoeuvring in the garage with the ZF CentriX: When manoeuvring in reverse, the motor often generates an unusually high resistance. More relevant, and also noticeable in practice in special scenarios, is the slightly increased pedalling resistance above 25 km/h, or when the motor is switched off. Here, the ZF is on a similar level to DJI's Avinox. Neither runs as freely as Bosch's new Performance Line CX.

Conclusion from BIKE editor Adrian Kaether

The ZF Centrix is an interesting newcomer from Germany. Consistent, powerful and loud, the wonderfully compact newcomer drives the E-MTB forward. In terms of dynamics, the uniform thrust dominates. The CentriX generates reliability but also a rather artificial drive feeling. It's a shame that the battery offers little range despite its decent weight. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE Editor