ZF heated belts
So far, cozy warmth in sub-zero temperatures has often cost a lot of electricity.
A pleasant interior climate and still as much range as possible: This combination poses problems for many electric car drivers. Because cozy warmth at sub-zero temperatures costs a lot of electricity. This is exactly where the heated seat belt from ZF comes into play: It ensures a feeling of warmth close to the body – and saves energy. ZF is presenting the innovation at the CES in Las Vegas.
The heat belt consists of four heating strands that are 3.3 centimeters wide and 1.43 meters long, which are connected to form two parallel heating circuits. The thickness of the webbing of around 1.3 millimeters differs only slightly from that of an unheated seat belt, while the wearing comfort and operation are identical.
Buckle up, switch on, drive off – and then it’s pretty quick: Within two minutes, ZF promises, the seat belts are heated from minus five to 40 degrees and ensure pleasant, even warmth where they are placed.
According to the developers, the energy-intensive interior air conditioning can be significantly reduced through the combination with seat, belt and steering wheel heating. Up to 15 percent gain in range is possible. And that without any restrictions on occupant protection.
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In addition, ZF refers to two other advantages of its innovation: Reaching for the belt is a matter of course – this ensures that the heating is always available with the belt. And: Because of the warmth on the body, the thick winter jacket is no longer necessary. As a result, the belt fits closer to the body and can hold back more precisely and provide better protection in the event of a crash.
ZF has not yet commented on the costs of the heating system that is ready for series production. Incidentally, the idea of heating wires over the solar plexus and abdomen is not entirely new. Ford already patented a similar development in 2018. And a year later, Mercedes presented a heating belt in an experimental safety vehicle.
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