From Hanover to the World: "Electric Trucker" Tobias Wagner Kicks Off Global eActros 600 Expedition

Sunday morning got off to a flying start as Tobias Wagner, better known as the "Electric Trucker," set off on his round-the-world journey right from IAA TRANSPORTATION in a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 overland expedition vehicle.

Over the course of roughly a year, the experienced truck driver and content creator aims to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe in a battery-electric long-haul truck. The planned route spans around 28,000 miles (45,000 km) across 30 countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America—all completed in no more than 80 charging sessions.

The goal of the expedition is to showcase the real-world performance of battery-electric long-haul technology across diverse geographic, climatic, and infrastructural conditions, while driving the global conversation on expanding charging infrastructure for road freight transport.

Fun and Action for the Whole Family

Families and kids had plenty of interactive attractions to look forward to throughout the day. Highlights included the IAA bouncy castle, an XXL tubing slide, a bungee trampoline, giant foosball, and an Aerotrim astronaut trainer.

Outside Hall 26, kids got another chance to hop on dedicated mini-forklifts to playfully learn how to operate them and earn their very own "forklift driver's license." Meanwhile, over at the Blicki giant foosball arena, Sunday saw another round of "Kids vs. Mascots."

Live music, entertainment, panel talks, and informative presentations kept the energy high on the outdoor stage. Right next door, a beer garden and a relaxed chillout area equipped with seating, lounge chairs, and throw pillows offered the perfect spot to take a break.

Willi Weitzel Explores Racing Trucks and High-Tech Vehicles

TV host and reporter Willi Weitzel once again guided families on an exciting tour through the world of commercial vehicles on Sunday.

This time, his journey took him to the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship paddock. During a pit stop, he got an insider's look at the racing trucks, their underlying technology, and the hard work of the pit crews.

Next up, he tackled the question: What does the future feel like to drive? Willi checked out cutting-edge high-tech trucks, bringing new vehicle technologies to life in an approachable, easy-to-understand way. He then took visitors on a trip back in time through the evolution of commercial vehicles with a tour of the vintage truck section.

Sunday's program also highlighted special-purpose trucks that bring together community engagement and fun for kids.

Experience Megawatt Charging Live—Three Times Over

In Hall 14/15, moderation-led live demonstrations of megawatt charging took place for the final three times. Four teams from the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship showcased their racing trucks once again in the IAA Experience Area and paddock. Visitors gained unique insights into aerodynamics, telemetry, safety features, and the day-to-day operations of the racing teams.

Vehicle technology met art once more with the Actros L Art Edition. Visitors were invited to step inside and explore the artistically designed truck. Hanover-based artist Sven Liesy worked live on-site on new designs and invited the audience to help style a ProCabin.

Hands-On Experience with the Latest Commercial Vehicles

At the IAA Test Drives, visitors took to the road to test out current commercial vehicles and alternative drivetrain concepts firsthand.

Throughout the halls and outdoor display areas, attendees got an up-close look at a wide range of state-of-the-art commercial vehicles. Many truck cabs were open for exploration, while advanced powertrains, driver assistance systems, digital features, and automated concepts demonstrated how the future of transport is taking shape.

For professional drivers, the Driver Area—hosted by BGL, PROFI, and DocStop—provided a dedicated space to connect, gather information, and chat with peers. The focus was on practical support, professional recognition, and key topics affecting commercial drivers today.

Historic Trucks and Miniature Worlds

Along the Showtruck Mile in front of Hall 26, more than 20 historic commercial vehicles were on display. Classics from Büssing, ERF, Hanomag, Henschel, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Neoplan, and Volvo showcased decades of truck evolution. Historic photographs from past IAA events and conversations with vehicle owners added rich context to the exhibition.

Over in Hall 22, the International Truck of the Year 50th Anniversary Exhibition presented around 20 award-winning trucks spanning five decades, highlighting major milestones in the development of modern commercial vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Automania model car collector market in Hall 14/15 invited visitors into the world of miniatures, featuring scale model cars and trucks, construction machinery, slot cars, pins, automobilia, and specialized literature.

A Grand Horn-Honking Finale

As IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 drew to a close, attendees shared one last special moment: starting at around 3:30 PM, demo vehicles across the halls and outdoor grounds sounded their horns in unison.

This collective horn-honking provided a loud and festive finale to six days packed with innovation, networking, and memorable experiences shaping the future of transport and logistics.