International Press Workshop, Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and more

The International Press Workshop in Frankfurt/Main from June 10-11, 2024, looked at the central themes and highlights of IAA TRANSPORTATION. Various manufacturers provided insights into the future of the transport and logistics sector. In her opening speech, VDA President Hildegard Müller highlighted the current challenges and opportunities in the commercial vehicle, transport, and logistics sectors, emphasizing the need for more consistent implementation of sustainable mobility in the commercial vehicle industry. Industry leaders, including Daimler Truck, Ford, Kia, MAN Truck & Bus, Michelin, Quantron, and Schmitz Cargobull, shared their visions and ambitions for a sustainable future in the transport and logistics sectors. 

Daimler Truck has introduced a new brand, TruckCharge, in Europe to consolidate all its existing and future offerings related to electric infrastructure and charging of electric trucks. This includes consulting, hardware, and digital services. TruckCharge is designed for truck fleet operators and industrial companies with owned or third-party operated truck fleets. The services offered by TruckCharge are brand-agnostic and aim to provide a comprehensive solution from energy production to vehicle operation. The consultancy services include support in planning, establishing, and designing the charging infrastructure and network connection. TruckCharge will be officially unveiled at the IAA Transportation event in Hannover this September. 

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has commenced an extensive testing series with the eActros, described as the largest trial run in the company’s history. The "eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024" will see two near-production prototypes of the new electric flagship eActros 600 traveling through over 20 European countries, each carrying a total combined weight of 40 tons and covering more than 13,000 kilometers. Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to ensure that the eActros meets the daily operational requirements and serves as a reliable alternative to diesel-powered trucks. 

The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has released a study examining the adoption of electric vans in the commercial sector across Europe. Focusing on the five major European van markets—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom—the study reveals that the EU's transporter sector generated around 860 billion euros in 2023, with electric vans accounting for 1.6% of this value. The study utilizes an Electrification Index that considers factors such as electric van sales, the cost of charging stations, government incentives, and the number of environmental zones in cities. In 2023, Germany led with 9.5% of new van registrations being electric. The United Kingdom experienced the most significant growth in electric van sales, rising from 0.3% to 6%. France is identified as the market with the highest potential for electrification, supported by incentives, low electricity costs, and a relatively good stock of electric vans. Spain showed the most substantial improvement in the Electrification Index since 2018. Respondents who have switched to electric vans cited lower operating costs as the primary reason for transitioning. On average, the annual costs for charging an electric van were 3,700 euros, compared to 12,400 euros for gasoline or diesel vehicles.  

MAN Truck & Bus has reported a successful market introduction of its new eTruck. Since its launch seven months ago, MAN has received almost 2,000 inquiries and orders. The MAN eTGX and MAN eTGS models are particularly in demand, available in over a million configurable variants. The largest single order came from Jacky Perrenot in France, who ordered 100 eTrucks. The demand for these electric commercial vehicles reflects growing customer interest and confidence in electromobility. 

MAN plans to deliver the first special series of the eTruck, with only a few remaining vehicles, within this year. Full-scale production is set to start in 2025 at the MAN plant in Munich. By 2030, MAN expects that half of all new trucks in Europe will be electrically powered. 

Daimler Truck, Paccar, and Accelera by Cummins have founded the joint venture Amplify Cell Technologies to begin production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells in the USA. The 21-GWh factory, to be located in Marshall County, Mississippi, is expected to start production in 2027. The goal is to create around 2,000 jobs and shorten transport routes to benefit from U.S. incentives. 

Iveco and Foton have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on electric commercial vehicles. The goal is to develop and market electric vans with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 tons. These vehicles are intended to complement Iveco’s existing models and expand the range of light commercial vehicles. Specifically, these vehicles will focus on a permissible total weight of under 3.5 tons, while Iveco’s current classic, the Daily, varies from 3.5 to 7.2 tons depending on the model. In addition to partnering with Foton, Iveco has also signed a supply agreement with Hyundai to develop an electric cabin with a total weight of 2.5 to 3.5 tons. 

Tesla will showcase its electric tractor-trailer, the Tesla Semi, at the IAA Transportation in September. Tesla has now released new details about the Semi truck. The Tesla Semi will have an empty weight of about nine tons and will be offered in two variants with ranges of 500 and 800 kilometers. According to the manufacturer, it will be about 65 percent more efficient than comparable diesel trucks when fully loaded. Series production is scheduled to start in 2026, with an annual output plan of 50,000 electric trucks.  

To facilitate the transition to electric trucks, Scania has founded a subsidiary, Erinion, to drive private and semi-public truck charging solutions. Erinion plans to install about 40,000 charging points at customer locations, focusing on depot charging and destination charging points, which allow for predictable charging schedules and stable energy costs. According to Scania, fleet operators can expect operational savings of up to €15,000 per truck per year. Initially, Erinion will operate in Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. 

Daimler Truck and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop key technological components for the liquid hydrogen (LH2) supply chain. This collaboration aims to promote the use of liquid hydrogen in road freight transport. The initiative includes examining the entire supply chain, including LH2 terminals, overseas shipping, and the storage of large quantities of liquid hydrogen.