REVIEW II

Daimler Trucks exhibits sustainability credentials at IAA Transportation 2022

The eActros LongHaul truck has a range of around 500km”

Stuttgart headquartered Daimler Truck’s commitment to pursuing the goal of complete CO2-neutral transport was demonstrated at packed press conferences held prior to the official opening of IAA Transportation 2022 in hannover.

Highlighted among a broad portfolio of fully electric vehicles was the heavy-duty, battery-electric MercedesBenz eActros LongHaul long-distance truck, which the manufacturer presented to the public for the first time. With a range of around 500 kilometres on a single battery charge, the new 4x2 tractor-unit is capable of megawatt charging with series production planned for 2024.

Another innovation at the trade show was the battery-electric MercedesBenz eActros 300 in a tractor version, for flexible heavy-duty distribution transport. In addition, Daimler Truck introduced the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eAtego for the medium-duty segment.

The company announced that by 2030, commercial vehicles that are CO2-neutral in driving operation should account for up to 60 percent of Daimler Truck sales in EU30 markets. Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks confirmed: “We are continuously expanding our portfolio of battery-electric trucks. Our focus is on offering clear advantages to our customers. Therefore, our electric trucks are specifically designed for e-mobility, giving them better drivability, energy efficiency and durability.”

eActros LongHaul with over 600 kilowatt hours of battery capacity

The Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros LongHaul series will have three battery packs providing an installed total capacity of over 600 kWh, and two electric motors as part of a new e-axle that generates a continuous output of 400 kW and a peak output of over 600 kW. In addition to the tractor unit, the company will also produce rigid variants of the eActros LongHaul which is designed so that the vehicle and its components meet the same durability requirements as a comparable conventional heavy long-distance Actros. That means 1.2 million kilometres on the road over a period of ten years. The eActros LongHaul will be the first all-electric series-production vehicle from Mercedes-Benz Trucks to be manufactured from start to finish on the existing assembly line at the Wörth plant in Germany. The batteries used in the eActros Long Haul employ lithium-iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) and can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in well under 30 minutes at a charging station with an output of about one megawatt. First prototypes are already undergoing intensive testing and the eActros LongHaul will be tested on public roads this year. In the coming year, near-production prototypes will go to customers for real-world use testing.

IToY Truck Innovation 2023 Award

The development work which has gone into the Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul truck was also acknowledged at the IAA, when the vehicle was awarded the prestigious “Truck Innovation 2023 Award”. It was presented by the International Truck of the Year (IToY) jury, which is made up of 24 experienced commercial vehicle journalists from European trade media (including Fleet Transport editor Jarlath Sweeney). Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks, received the award from Gianenrico Griffini, Chairman of the IToY jury, at a special ceremony at the Hanover Messe. Factors influencing the vote were the innovative overall technological concept with LFP battery technology and the new e-axle, as well as Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ high development speed.

Test drives

Visitors to the impressive Daimler stand had an opportunity to experience e-mobility in practice through 45 minute test drives in the eActros around Hannover. It was hard not to be impressed by the smooth operation, seamless acceleration, and quietness of the vehicle. The single pedal operation, together with an array of driver friendly controls and access to data, combined with exceptional visibility and high-quality mirror cameras, make a very strong case for the transition to battery electric power.

FUSO Next generation eCanter in more variants for multiple applications

5 years of experience with the eCanter combined with feedback from customers worldwide based on more than 6 million electrically driven kilometres were incorporated into the development of the Next Generation eCanter. The result is an electric light-duty truck offering customers more flexibility for various applica-

tions between 4.25 and 8.55 tonnes of permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW). With the two cab variants and a total of six different wheelbases from 2,500 mm to 4,750 mm, the Next Generation eCanter is aimed at use in light construction and horticulture, as well as in inner-city distribution transport and for municipal tasks. To meet different application requirements, a new modular battery concept offers customers three options with a range of up to 70 km, 140 km, or 200 km on a single battery charge. Sales are due to commence in Q4 2022, with series production of the FUSO Next Generation eCanter to follow in 2023.

“The Next Generation FUSO eCanter comes in two cab variants with six different wheelbases”

Walking around the halls of the IAA 2022, we see a significant change in focus by many manufacturers from ICE powered vehicles to Battery Electric and other alternative energy sources. Can you tell me where MAN is currently on that journey?

As you say, the show is quite different from four years ago and the commitment to finding sustainable transport solutions is very much to the forefront for everyone, including MAN. The decarbonisation of freight transport, the digitalisation of logistics and the shortage of truck drivers pose fundamental challenges for transport companies. So for future CO2-free and intelligently networked transport we are introducing the prototype of the fully electric large-series truck which will go into production from 2024. With a range of up to 800 kilometres and megawatt charging capability, the new eTruck will have the versatility to cover all common transport segments covered by diesel trucks today. Its production with be in tandem with the conventional trucks on a series production line [which] makes the transition from diesel to electric particularly flexible.

In the conventional ICE product range we are also introducing new vehicles with even lower fuel consumption and emissions. It’s important that we also continue to develop and innovate in this area as there will still be requirement for these vehicles in some geographical and application sectors. Overall however, I would expect to see at least 50% of our production to be e-vehicles by 2030. What additional challenges does the shift to electric vehicles mean in terms of after sales support and training for dealer field technicians?

Obviously sales and service must go hand in hand, so comprehensive training programs will be rolled out to ensure that technicians have the tools and knowledge to support the new vehicles in our customers’ fleets to minimise

Interview with Friedrich W Baumann, MAN Truck & Bus Executive Board Member at IAA Transportation 2022

downtime. The shortage of young people willing to be trained as technicians has been a challenge in recent years, but I would be hopeful that the transition to electrification and digitisation will mean that the requirement to ‘get the hands dirty’ will reduce and encourage more people to see this as an attractive career path. Real time support from our service support departments will also be increasingly important to optimise fault diagnostics and repair time. Charging infrastructure and extended range for e-vehicles are fundamental to the success of this technology. In your view what needs to happen there?

That goes without saying and as manufacturers we are investing heavily in product development, but I think the politicians and legislators needs to do more to help ensure the infrastructure develops at the same pace to ensure our customers have the confidence to make the switch to e-mobility. To achieve the range levels we are targeting, there needs to enough megawatt charging stations throughout the transportation networks.

As announced last year, the joint venture between TRATON (of which MAN is a part), Daimler and Volvo plans to install and operate at least 1,700 high-performance green energy charge points on, and close to, highways as well as at logistics hubs across Europe. The parties are committing to invest €500 million, which is the largest charging infrastructure investment in the European heavy-duty truck industry to date.

However, the MAN Lion City 12 E electric city bus demonstrated the possibilities, with a journey across Europe from Poland to Limerick in Ireland earlier this year for the Bus Euro Tests Can you provide on update on the work MAN is doing with regard to Platooning and autonomous driving vehicles?

Autonomous driving is for the transformation to sustainable freight transport. The potential of fewer accidents due to human error, more flexibility and efficiency by detaching transport processes from statutory driving and rest times, and a reduction in unattractive driving tasks on long distances, are increasingly important.

The platooning technology is primarily based on proven assistance systems that are already successfully used in standard MAN vehicles. These include the ACC adaptive cruise control, EBA emergency braking system, serial radar and a serial camera. The concept enables one vehicle to follow another precisely without the driver of the second vehicle having to do anything. From my point of view Platooning does not offer enough benefits to become globally utilised but is an excellent platform in which to simulate and test the requirements for fully autonomous driving.

Our ATLAS-L4 project, for example, is already working on the concrete implementation of autonomous hub-to-hub transport, and by the end of 2024 Atlas-L4 will be the first truck to drive autonomously on a German motorway. Finally how is MAN progressing with the TGE van range, which is based on the VWCV Crafter?

We’re very happy with the success of the TGE which as you say is basically the VW Crafter with a MAN badge. It fits nicely into our overall product portfolio and enables our existing customers to source their service vans from the same dealers. At the same time it has actually helped introduce some new customers to the wider MAN product range.

The launch of the fully electric MAN eTGE models at IAA, in addition to the conventional drive systems, is a natural progression of the series.

Scania premiered its new electrified tractor-unit for regional transport operations, together with solutions for digital and connected services as well as its charging programme.

The Swedish brand’s purpose is to drive the shift to a sustainable transport system heading for 100% electric transport. Fourteen vehicles, largely zero-emission catering for most applications, were exhibited.

“In our electrification journey, we are leaving city limits behind us and heading onto intercity motorways. We have recently delivered an electrified timber truck to a customer in northern Sweden.

Scania outlines the future of transport – Sustainable & Electric

And that is a very real token of the fact that we now can electrify all heavy transport applications,” stated Christian Levin, CEO Scania Group. To enable these long-distance motorway transports, Scania is preparing for megawatt charging to charge trucks for 45 minutes per 4.5 hours of travel. In the coming years the electrified share of Scania’s vehicles is expected to grow significantly, to the extent that by 2030, 50 percent of its total vehicle sales volume will be electrified.

“As we ramp up vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions we are increasingly focusing on other sources of emissions. Scania once again shows the way by setting the most ambitious supply chain decarbonisation targets in our industry. We’ve identified four “hotspots” – batteries, steel, aluminium and cast iron – which together account for more than 80 percent of carbon emission emanating from the supply chain. By 2030 we will cut emissions from these hotspots with 60-85 percent,” he added.

“Scania Super, the new (and final) powertrain for combustion engines, (demonstrated) delivers fuel savings that typically will reach eight percent for long-haulage customers. We can hereby both deliver on our decarbonising targets and create value for our customers. Driving the shift entails assisting customers in taking steps towards transitioning to electric fleets. Therefore, a complete system of services is on display here - from analyses to complete charging solutions. Going forward, we offer a total turnkey solution for our electrified customers. A solution that is scalable for the future. There are no longer any excuses not to start the transition to zero-emission vehicles,” concluded Christian.

DAF Trucks demonstrates industry leadership at IAA 2022

DAF Trucks has introduced the next phase of its product renewal programme with the launch of the New Generation DAF XD & XDC distribution and construction trucks, together with a completely new range of fully electric powertrains for the New Generation DAF XD & XF series, offering over 500 kilometres on a single charge.

“With the all-new modular EV-powertrains, DAF once again takes the lead in zero emission transport, offering premium fully electric truck solutions to its customers,” stated Harald Seidel, DAF Trucks’ President.

DAF Trucks had a dominant position in Hall 21 creating a podium for its all-new award winning product line-up, including the DAF XF, XG & XG+ (IToY 2022) and the newly crowned DAF XD series (IToY 2023).

DAF is also expanding the product range of the successful New XF model line-up. New within the range are a Day Cab and a Sleeper Cab, which complement the existing Sleeper High version.

“With the expansion of a full range of chassis and cab variants for the New Generation XD, XF, XG and XG⁺ trucks, DAF offers the most advanced trucks on the market for distribution, vocational, heavy duty and long-haul applications,” added Harald.

The innovative DAF XD and XF Electric trucks will be assembled on a brand-new production line in Eindhoven. The advanced DAF Electric Truck Assembly will start series production in 2023. *More details on the newly launched XD & XDC series are featured as the Cover Story in this edition.

SAIC MAXUS debuts D7.5 Electric Light Truck at the IAA Transportation 2022

SAIC MAXUS continues to make a big impact across Europe. The Chinese automotive manufacturer had a strong presence at IAA Transportation 2022 Show showcasing its latest line-up of electric vehicles, including one of its newest additions, a new D7.5 Light Truck.

Speaking about the brand’s inaugural presence at IAA Transportation, Jack Zhu, SAIC’s General Manager for the Europe Region said: “IAA Transportation is the leading trade show for transport, commercial vehicles and logistics and the focus on innovation and climate-neutral logistics at this year’s show is an important conversation to contribute to. For MAXUS’ debut at IAA Transportation, we are placing our expanding range of EVs in the spotlight with a fully electric

stand. As one of the most innovative and progressive electric commercial vehicle brands in Europe right now, SAIC MAXUS takes its leadership role in the sector seriously. We are committed to making MAXUS the leading commercial EV brand in Europe and our strong presence at trade shows across Europe is evidence of this ambition. Our stand at IAA Transportation 2022 comes at an important time for the MAXUS brand and signals the growth of MAXUS across Europe.”

SAIC MAXUS is currently available in 73 countries globally and has established over 400 sales dealers across Europe, helping MAXUS’ growing presence in the European market. SAIC has sold over 390,000 EVs globally in H1 2022 with more than 10,000 electric van orders achieved this year to date.

The MAXUS impressive stand featured five of its electric vehicles including the popular eDELIVER 3 and eDELIVER 9 eLCVs, and the MAXUS MIFA 9 (MPV), the T90 EV (electric pickup) as well as SAIC’s latest project, the MAXUS D7.5 Electric Light Truck. With a driving range of up to 213km (full loaded), the currently named D7.5 EH300 Electric Light Truck features a three-seater single cabin, with a GVW of 7490Kg. A 127.74 KwH CATL Lithium battery provides the vehicle with a maximum speed of 90km/h, a peak power of 60/110Kw and a peak torque of 635/1200Nm. This latest MAXUS commercial also has a maximum charging power of 102Kw for a DC charge and 22Kw for an AC charge. Charging times will vary, with a DC charge taking 1.5 hours and an AC

charge taking 11 hours. As yet the D7.5 chassis/cab is only available in LHD.

Speaking about the new vehicle and future goals for MAXUS, Jack Zhu said: “As evidenced by our ever-expanding range of EVs, the MAXUS brand is extending beyond LCVs and our long-term goal is to be as relevant to the passenger and heavy goods vehicle markets as we are right now to the light commercial fleet market. To achieve this, innovation, R&D and design will remain the cornerstones of our ambition and we will continue to invest significantly across all three areas.”

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), the name behind the MAXUS brand since 2010, is the largest automotive group in China and is ranked 68th in Fortune’s Global 500 list. Senior representatives from SAIC Motors flew into Hannover for the event and were joined by dealers and partners from key markets within Europe.

eDAILY IAA Transportation 2022 was the perfect platform for Iveco to launch the new zero-emission battery-electric eDAILy and its sister flagship, the heavy-duty Nikola Tre 4x2 tractor-unit battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The brand also featured a preview of its fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) for urban, regional and long-haul missions – the eDAILy FCEV light commercial vehicle and the Nikola Tre FCEV 6x2 heavy-duty truck.

Luca SRa, President, Truck Business Unit, Iveco Group, commented on the extensive 4,300 sq.m stand: “We at IVECO want to drive the road of change. We have strengthened our commitment to move society forward by partnering with our customers and powering the transformation of our industry. To do so, we have refocused our strategy, expanded our skills and reinvented our product and service approach. We have the ambition to be the most reliable partner

Nikola

and full-line player for our customers. We want to provide them with trustworthy, sustainable and intelligent transport solutions so they can run their business efficiently and profitably while respecting our environment. To drive the road of change, we committed to a precise roadmap to sustainability, which will see IVECO move towards net zero carbon by 2040 through an all-range multi-energy approach. And today, with the eDAILY we take another step towards our goal by further broadening the perspective of zero-emission transport”. 17 vehicles represented the Italian brand’s latest alternative propulsion solutions and dedicated integrated services. A further 29 vehicles were exhibited in the outdoor area, showcasing Iveco Group’s full line-up covering all light, medium and heavy commercial vehicle applications as well as people mobility. eDAILY, the electric version of the iconic DAILY, is offered with the full range of body variants – van, cab and minibus, from 3.5t to 7.2t. It features a 37kWh fully modular battery with the opportunity to install different types of ePTOs up to 15kW. This means that it can power refrigeration units, cranes and other applications such as waste collection and aerial platforms. IVECO shared the stage with two strategic partners in its path to decarbonisation: Nikola Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company. The Nikola Corporation announced the official opening of orders for the European 4x2 tractor-unit version of the Nikola Tre BEV and presented a prototype European-spec Tre FCEV 6x2 tractor. These first-generation vehicles, are capable of ranges of approximately 500km and 800km respectively.

IVECO and Hyundai unveiled a working prototype of eDAILY FCEV equipped with Hyundai’s 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell system and 140 kW e-motor, and a battery pack by FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of Iveco Group. The 7.2 tonne GVW prototype has been tested in Europe, confirming a range of 350 km, maximum payload of 3 tonnes, and a refuelling time within 15 minutes. While the eDAILY BEV is best suited to short journeys, the eDAILY FCEV will be ideal for deliveries requiring a

long range with high payload.

The IVECO S-WAY offering now comes with a new Cursor 13 490 hp Euro 6D diesel said to improve overall fuel efficiency by up to 4%.

Also on display were three Special Edition vehicles which brought together IVECO’s heritage and innovation to interest today’s customers. The Turbo Star Limited Edition of the IVECO S-WAY pays homage to one of the brand’s most iconic, innovative and commercially successful trucks, while two rather special Dailys offer a unique combination of past and future as they take inspiration from two iconic OM vehicles from the ‘50s & ‘60s - the Tigrotto and the Leoncino. The Leoncino special edition is a vintage interpretation of the new eDAILY, while the Tigrotto is a variant of the 4x4 Daily.

IVECO innovates in alternative propulsion to lead drive towards zero emissions in road transport

eDaily H2

At the IAA, Volvo Trucks took the wraps off a completely new, fully electric rear axle, one that will free up space for more batteries allowing for longer range capabilities for Volvo’s battery electric trucks.

The Swedish manufacturer has the widest offering of battery electric trucks

Volvo Trucks has unveiled a new, fully electric rear axle

in the industry, with six different models in serial production. Depending on the model, the range is up to 440 km on one charge. The new e-axle allows even more batteries on the truck by integrating the electric motors and the transmission into the rear axle. More batteries mean longer range, which creates opportunities to provide electric solutions for even long-distance transport. On the fuel cell electric trucks that will be introduced in the second half of this decade, the additional space comes in handy for installing other components.

“This is a breakthrough for electric trucks and a clear signal that there will be a huge demand for public fast-chargers for heavy trucks in the near future, not least along highways,” said Jessica Sandström, SVP Global Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

Volvo Trucks has a three-path strategy to reach zero emissions; battery electric, fuel cell electric, and combustion engines that run on renewable fuels like biogas, HVO or even green hydrogen.

“Different technical solutions are needed to tackle climate change, since the availability of energy and fuel infrastructure differs between countries and regions and also between different transport assignments,” concludes Ms. Sandström.

Tevva launches 19-tonne hydrogen-electric truck

Electric and hydrogen truck producer Tevva unveiled its 19-tonne hydrogen-electric truck and announced its strategy for Europe at the IAA Transportation show. The company partnered with some customers to showcase its range of full-electric and hydrogen-electric medium-duty (7.5t to 19t) zero-emission truck solutions designed for the European market. As with the 7.5t hydrogen-electric model, the 19t variant benefits from the company’s revolutionary dual energy system, combining lithium-ion batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell range extender. The truck is expected to have a range of up to 500km depending on the number of hydrogen cylinders specified, and can be refilled in 10 minutes.

Tevva is pioneering a practical hydrogen fuel cell application that is unique to medium-duty trucks. By adding a hydrogen fuel cell range extender that replenishes the battery throughout the day, Tevva eliminates range anxiety and this technology can replace diesel trucks on all routes. The dual energy system also futureproofs Tevva and its customers as Europe transitions away from fossil fuels and looks to decarbonise the transportation sector. Tevva Founder & CEO Asher Bennett explained: “We are on a mission to make sustainable trucks accessible at scale, and believe our technology will empower the transport sector and the governments of Europe to meet their net-zero goals. By embracing hydrogen, we can rethink the energy mix in transport, reduce strain on our electricity grid and accelerate electric truck adoption. Through Tevva, the future is within range.”

Volta Trucks’ Volta Zero debuts in Germany

Following a number of invitation-only customer events, the full-electric Volta Zero was on public display in the significant German market for the first time. Volta Trucks presented a road-going Volta Zero Design Verification prototype vehicle in its own sustainable city environment booth and a Volta Zero was also available for customer evaluation and feedback. On hand were a number of Volta Trucks experts covering the product and the ‘Truck as a Service’ subscription model, including vehicle charging, together with experts covering the subsidies and incentives available for customers moving to zero-tailpipe emission fleets across European markets.

Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, Essa Al-Saleh, said; “We see significant commercial traction in Germany for the full-electric Volta Zero thanks, in part, to the progressive mindset of German fleet owners and generous subsidies and incentives from the government to motivate the transition to zero tailpipe emission trucks.” *See page 8 for exclusive interview with Volta Trucks’ founder Carl-Magnus Norton

40 | REVIEW II IAA Transportation 2022 A-Z of Exhibitors at the IAA Transportation – Hannover Messe, Germany Part I

Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh and Joe O’Brien reporting

ALLISON

Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional, electric hybrid and fully electric vehicle propulsion solutions, presented the new eGen Power 130S, adding to the eGen Power family of fully electric axles. Key components of the 130S including the new suspension systems, V-rod brackets, brakes, wheel ends and axle spindle, designed specifically to support the heavier 13-tonne gross axle weight rating, which is often required by commercial vehicles. The 130S uses a single motor to generate 225 kilowatts of continuous power, with a peak power of 325 kilowatts, and 26,000 Nm of torque at the wheels. It also features a two-speed parallel axis gear.

BOSCH

Founded by Robert Bosch in Stuttgart in 1886, the company now employs over 400,000 people worldwide. Looking to the future, Bosch says that carbon reduction is not the only challenge that the transport industry will face in the coming years - freight volumes will likely increase by 40% at the end of this decade and could triple by 2050. Bosch is focused on the products - hardware and software - to help improve efficiencies and reduce cost while at the same time reducing carbon in the atmosphere.

BYD – Build Your Dreams

Two new all-electric trucks from Chinese manufacturer BYD have been introduced into Europe - the ETM6 7.5-tonne urban delivery truck and the ETH8 19-tonne truck designed for logistics and waste collection, designed with European customers in mind. BYD welcomes strategic localised European partnerships to deliver high levels of regionalised customer service and support, bringing products that suit individual markets.

CUMMINS

A combination of small steps and leaps is how best to deal with the elimination of carbon from the atmosphere according to Cummins. A number of new technologies featured included the fourth generation hydrogen fuel cell medium and heavy duty trucks and buses. Cummins, which has a manufacturing base in Darlington, England, is working closely with truck manufacturers to bring concept trucks to serial production. In the meantime, the USA headquartered technology leader continues to develop and improve its diesel engine line-up.

DAIkIN

Daikin Transport Refrigeration revealed the Exigo Electric, an engineless drive system specifically designed to be future-ready, with the intention of delivering clean and flexible engineless drive capability. The units can be powered by an external electrical supply coming from either trailer systems equipped with energy storage (batteries), or generation systems like e-axles, hydrogen fuel cells and solar panels.

DEkRA

For almost 100 years, DEKRA has been striving for more safety and security on the road. The German organisation’s portfolio ranges from vehicle inspections to claims settlement, industrial and construction inspection, safety and security consulting, and the testing and certification of products and systems. A recent survey by the organisation revealed that 1 in 5 commercial vehicle drivers are still not wearing a seat belt.

DHOLLANDIA

In order to support future growth in the UK and Irish markets, Dhollandia has invested in an 81,000 sq ft production facility on a 5.5-acre site in Wrexham where dedicated lifts for these countries are now produced. Among the upgraded products on display at IAA, was the Luton spec lift (500-750 kg). It features a new-style aluminium platform with optional anodised finish, galvanised columns, a toggle switch at the top of the column, and roll stops.

ENgINIUS

ENGINIUS presented a world first at the IAA in the form of ‘CITYPOWER’ which is the name of its new hydrogen truck based on the MercedesBenz Atego. With a payload of 9-tonnes, a range of 500 km and a refuelling time of thirty minutes, the CITYPOWER is an emission-free, low-noise replacement for diesel vehicles without having to sacrifice installation space, performance, and range.

FPT Industrial

FPT Industrial, the powertrain arm within the Iveco Group, showcased its advanced technologies and components for IVECO’s new electric vehicles. They included the Battery Pack

and Central Drive featured in the new eDAILY, and the eAxle for the new Nikola Tre, which has entered production at the Iveco factory in Ulm, Germany. It also promoted its full powertrain offering on a dedicated stand in Hall 21.

gOLDHOFER

Along with the STEPSTAR semi lowloader, Goldhofer presented its new TRAILSTAR air-suspension trailer at the ‘22 exhibition. The three to five-axle air-suspension trailer offers transportation companies maximum flexibility and top-quality engineering combined with minimum deadweight. The new design allows optimal use of the loading area length and low loading centre of gravity.

gOODYEAR

Goodyear, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, will have a 100% sustainable tyre by 2030. In fact it is well on its way to that, as currently its tyres are 63% sustainable. Goodyear has just completed a 30,000 km tour of Europe, visiting customers and gaining feedback. Having spoken to a broad range of customers on various topics, Goodyear discovered that 80% of large transport operators would match any Government funding, euro for euro. Most operators were putting KPI’s in place to be able to measure and demonstrate their carbon reduction. Goodyear are.

MAN TRUCk & BUS

Munich’s MAN Truck & Bus has not been slow or shy about laying out its position when it comes to future development of its electrically powered commercial vehicles. Like some other manufacturers, it is further ahead with development of bus models than truck models. Currently there are 350 City electric buses in service with a further 1,300 on order. In terms of trucks MAN sees a substantial rise in demand for e-trucks from 2025 . It is confident that the TCO of an electric vehicle will be similar to that of today’s diesel powered vehicle.

qUANTRON

QUANTRON unveiled its longest-range hydrogen and electric trucks based on newly developed platforms. A world premiere was given to the QUANTRON QHM FCEV Heavy Truck, a tractor unit based on a MAN TG designed for long-distance transport with a range of up to 1500 km. The unit stands out with exceptionally large hydrogen tank capacities of up to 116 kg, which are fully integrated in the chassis behind the cab.

SORTIMO

One highlight was an innovation on the popular Sortimo 5th generation racking system (SR5), which will be available from spring 2023 as an extremely lightweight and robust aluminium variant, (SR5A for short). It is made from 100% recyclable aluminium, which is also used in the aerospace industry to withstand even the highest stresses, as well as being particularly corrosion resistant.

SONO

In cooperation with its various partners, Sono Motors presented a state-of-the-art solar solution for refrigerated trailers, E-Buses and E-Transporters for the first time. The Solar Bus Kit which reduces CO2 emissions and fuel consumption was highlighted. In addition to CHEREAU, three new Sono partners displayed different trailer prototypes with SONO’s solar integration.

THERMO kINg

Among the many new products on the Thermo King stand was the fully electric (E-Series) refrigeration unit designed for battery electric vehicles in the 3.5 to 7.5 tonne sector, which is powered directly by the LCV’s battery. The patented power distribution and management controls optimise the supply and demand of power to deliver optimal temperature-control performance and minimise the impact on the vehicle’s autonomy.

VALEO

Valeo, which has a research centre and factory in Tuam, has fully embraced the challenge to reduce and eliminate carbon from the atmosphere, claiming that never before has the automotive industry known such a rapid pace of innovation. At the IAA it introduced a new inverter for heavy vehicles and an upgraded system for ‘last mile’ vehicles, including e-bikes and scooters. Details of a new air-con systems that will help extend the range of electric vehicles were also outlined.

ZF

Having purchased Wabco in 2020, ZF’s Commercial Vehicle activity now accounts for 20% of its business. While confident about the future, challenges remain, such as semi-conductor supply, continued lockdown in China and the war in Ukraine. The South Germany based hi-tech firm made two predictions about the future of road transport, namely that fuel cell development will be a game changer, and secondly that the importance of trailer operation will become critical to savings for companies. It suggested that up to 18% fuel savings can be achieved by more targeted tractor/trailer connectivity.