This week, the IAA Transportation show returned to Hanover in Germany following a two-year break.
Stands featured hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, many showcasing the latest zero-emission vehicles, safety products and components.
TNB looks at some of the highlights:
BYD
BYD launched its ETT 44 flagship heavy-duty electric tractor unit which combines high performance, ultra-fast charging capability and advanced battery technology.
With 1.5 Megawatts of charging power, it can charge from 20% to 80% in about 20 minutes – delivering up to 248 miles of range.
Its Blade Battery is also backed by a 10-year/1.2-million-kilometre warranty as standard.
BYD’s Total Cost of Mobility (TCM) approach manages vehicle, energy consumption, electricity pricing, charging infrastructure, operations and financing as a single, optimised system.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD said: “We have already put Flash Charging into practice in passenger vehicles.
“Today, we are bringing this technology to commercial vehicles, starting with our trucks.”
MAN
The highlight on the MAN stand was the new eTGX, which, with improved aerodynamics, higher recuperation and a new battery generation offering ten per cent more usable energy, results in a range of up to 410 miles for the 4×2 tractor unit.
MAN said a range of up to 447 miles is possible with the new 6×2 tractor unit variant featuring a seventh battery.
Its new design also gives the driver improved direct visibility, meaning greater safety for other road users, particularly in urban traffic.
MERCEDES-BENZ
Mercedes-Benz presented its new eActros Lowliner designed for high-volume transport applications.
The eActros Lowliner is based on the eActros 600, which has been in series production and customer operation since the end of 2024.
It is available for order, with series production at the manufacturer’s plant in Wörth starting in the second quarter of 2027.
The truck is offered as a 4×2 tractor unit with a 4,000 mm wheelbase and a 2.50-metre-wide cab.
RENAULT
New Renault Trafic E-Tech electric was named Van of the Year 2027 at the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) awards ceremony held during the show.
The vehicle was a unanimous choice for the panel of 26 trade journalists from 26 European countries.
It offers a range of 292 miles WLTP, the ability to go from 15-80% battery charge in 20 minutes, as well as the benefits of being Renault Group’s first software-defined vehicle.
KIA
Kia launched the passenger-carrying version of its new PV7 van at the show, which is able to accommodate up to nine people
The PV7 Passenger, designed for shuttle work, rental, tourism, crew transport and private use, combines the PV7’s electric platform with a configurable rear cabin.
There are Standard length, High Roof and Chassis Cab variants, along with a wide range of conversion models.
Initial specifications for the Passenger Long put overall length at 5,350mm, width at 1,995mm and a height of 1,990mm, with a 3,500mm wheelbase.
The vehicle has a choice of 71.5kWh and 96.2kWh battery packs, with a maximum range of more than 285 miles for the long-range cargo model.
A 10 to 80% battery charge is predicted in the mid-20-minute range with a 350kW DC charger.
SCANIA
Scania unveiled its new long-haul electric truck configuration, which offers a range of up to 447 miles.
The vehicle uses two extra MP20 battery packs mounted behind the cab of a 6×2*4 tractor, providing up to 356kWh of additional installed capacity.
These work alongside batteries mounted on the chassis and under the cab, allowing operators to increase capacity without using more chassis space.
It is designed to support Megawatt Charging System (MCS) charging, allowing operators to replenish the batteries more quickly during long-haul operations.
Lars Gustafsson, Senior Vice President and Head of Solutions Management at Scania, said: “With this solution, Scania is showing how those pieces can come together in a practical way for customers who want to electrify demanding long-distance routes.”
DAF
DAF showed off its electric truck range at IAA with new XG and XG+ Electric models, a range of additional axle configurations and a revised battery layout that can increase available payload by up to 2.5 tonnes.
The company also launched TruckIQ – a package of connected services using Paccar Connect.
Remote Software Updates mean updates can be installed by the driver without a workshop visit, while PreDiagnostics gives the dealer information about required work before the vehicle arrives.
FORD
Ford displayed the Transit City chassis cab, its first entry in the one-tonne chassis cab segment.
The vehicle is designed for workers carrying out anything from high-capacity delivery work to grounds and maintenance vehicles for municipal fleets.
Designed to be simple and cost-effective, it comes in the most common conversion types – box body and dropside, plus a racked panel van – as part of Ford Pro’s One-Stop Shop range.
The chassis cab features optimised chassis rails, standardised bolt patterns and clear no-drill zones to simplify conversion.
STONEBRIDGE
Supplier of electronic technologies for commercial vehicles, buses, coaches and off-highway equipment Stoneridge, debuted its EVO ECU platform and demonstrated it aboard its innovation truck.
The EVO ECU platform provides a flexible, high-performance electronic control solution that helps OEMs reduce system complexity while enabling Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), diagnostics and future software-driven capabilities.
Natalia Noblet, President and CEO at Stoneridge said: “Connectivity, automation and changing regulations are reshaping commercial transportation, and Stoneridge’s EVO ECU helps our customers adapt, delivering a flexible platform that evolves with their needs.”
DELIVAN
Delivan, the commercial vehicle brand from Chery Commercial Vehicle, unveiled its European-developed L1H1 and L2H3 electric models at the show.
It also showcased four specialist conversions – crew van, fridge box, tool storage and 3-Way tipper.
The range includes battery options from 50.4kWh to 97.4kWh, and charging from 15% to 80% in about 22 minutes.
