This month saw the IAA Transportation show return to Hannover Messe in Germany, following a four-year absence.
The show featured hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers from across Europe, many displaying the latest zero emission vehicles, safety products and components.
TNB looks at some of the highlights.
TRUCKS
As well as its new generation Fuso eCanter (see the TNB news section), Daimler Truck exhibited its Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul “concept prototype” for long-distance transport, which will have a range of about 310 miles on a single charge.
Megawatt charging will enable the batteries to be replenished from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes.
Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “We are continuously expanding our portfolio of battery-electric trucks. Our electric trucks are specifically designed for eMobility, giving them better drivability, energy efficiency and durability.”
Meanwhile, Scania displayed its new battery-electric trucks, available with either R or S sleeper cabs.
These have 624kWh of batteries with a charging capacity of up to 375kW – enough to add up to 185 miles after a one hour charge.
On show was a Scania 45 R, with the equivalent power of a 560hp diesel engine. Scania BEV trucks can initially be ordered as 4×2 tractor units or as 6×2 rigids with production scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023.
DAF exhibited its New Generation XDC and XFC construction vehicles, which feature single or double drive two, three and four axle configurations.
The New Generation XDC with a 10.8-litre Paccar MX-11 engine and the XFC with a 12.9 litre Paccar MX-13 engine offer high payloads thanks to low kerb weights.
MAN also exhibited the close-to-production prototype of the new eTruck which is expected to achieve daily ranges of up to 800 km with original batteries from its Nuremberg factory.
VANS
On the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand were four near-production all-electric ID. Buzz vehicles. These included an electric emergency ambulance, a refrigerated vehicle and a service van for the electrical appliance manufacturer Miele.
Also, Renault unveiled its Trafic Van E-Tech Electric, the first electric model of the best-selling Trafic Van.
The van comes with a 90kW motor with a 750kg towing capacity and can carry up to 1.1 tonne.
Meanwhile, Ford gave the first public showing of its E-Transit Custom which will have a 380km range and supports 125 kW fast charging.
Hans Schep, General Manager at Ford Pro, Europe said: “E-Transit Custom’s ground-up new design, unmatched connected ecosystem and innovative customer experiences will redefine productivity for our customers in the electric, connected era.”
Hannover also saw the commercial debut of the new 100% battery-electric Iveco eDaily and the heavy-duty Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) 4×2 Artic.
The latest version of the eDaily van will be available at up to 7.2 tonnes GVW and there will be crew cab, chassis cowl and minibus body variants as well as single-wheel and twin-wheel versions.
Luca Sra, President, Truck Business Unit at Iveco Group, said the company will move towards net zero carbon by 2040 “through an all-range multi-energy approach.”
ENGINES
Cummins revealed its fourth-generation hydrogen fuel cell engine designed to meet the duty cycle, performance and packaging requirements of medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses.
The fuel cell technology is available in 135 kW single and 270 kW dual modules.
NPROXX hydrogen tanks were also fitted to a medium-duty delivery concept vehicle powered by Cummins’ 216 kW B6.7H hydrogen engine and paired with a 700-bar pressure high-capacity hydrogen storage system, enabling a potential operating range of up to 500 kilometres.
“We continue to demonstrate industry leadership by developing a diverse range of sustainable drivetrains – with hydrogen playing a key role,” said Alison Trueblood, Cummins’s Executive Director, On-Highway Business Europe.
NEW EV MANUFACTURERS
Electric and hydrogen truck OEM Tevva unveiled its 19-tonne hydrogen-electric truck at the show.
As with its 7.5t hydrogen-electric model, the 19t variant benefits from the company’s 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 refill in 10 minutes.
Asher Bennett, Tevva Founder and CEO, said: “By embracing hydrogen, we can rethink the energy mix in transport, reduce strain on our electricity grid and accelerate electric truck adoption.”
At IAA, Volta Trucks presented a roadgoing Volta Zero Design Verification prototype vehicle.
A prototype Volta Zero was also available for a passenger ride evaluation and feedback at IAA Transportation’s Test Track.
SAFETY AND SECURITY PRODUCTS
Visitors to the IAA were able to examine Durite’s Blind Spot Detection System with integrated GPS speed trigger and on-screen display.
This uses a traffic light warning system to alert the driver to vulnerable road users who are close to the vehicle.
It also provides the specific location of the road user, making it especially relevant for fleets with urban delivery and collection operations.
John Nobbs, of Durite, said: “Durite’s established range provides a flexible and cost-effective solution to keeping fleets safe and compliant.”
Maple demonstrated its self-powered Integritas system, an integrated electronic seal and heavy-duty locking application.
It has been designed to aid efficiencies, offer a greater level of control for the operator and it can be tailored to meet individual specific requirements.
The system can be installed internally or externally, can be manual or automatic setting and can even be operated with individual touch keys or via PIN numbers.
TECHNOLOGY
Volvo Trucks unveiled its new, fully electric rear axle – the e-axle.
This allows even more batteries on the truck by integrating the electric motors and the transmission into the rear axle.
“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.
Representatives from Senior Flexonics were also on hand to talk about the firm’s expertise in designing, developing and manufacturing thermal management, fluid conveyance & flexible connector solutions for combustion, hybrid, hydrogen and electric drivetrains.
The company works with many of the world’s leading OEMs to supply products from its global network of companies.
