Knorr-Bremse, Daimler Truck, CATL and more

Knorr-Bremse is making a major investment of approximately €125 million to expand its largest European commercial vehicle plant, located in Aldersbach (Lower Bavaria), with support from the EU Innovation Fund. Ground was broken in early July to launch the ambitious “Aldersbach 2030” initiative, which includes the construction of a new 12,000-square-meter high-tech area. The expansion is scheduled for completion by spring 2027.

At the heart of the project is the preparation for manufacturing electric power steering (EPS) systems. According to Knorr-Bremse, this energy-efficient steering technology could help reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 5.8 million metric tons over the first ten years. The company is also investing in automated, digital, and energy-efficient production processes, aiming to position the site as a leading location for high-tech manufacturing by 2030.

As part of its “Electrify Inbound Logistics” project, Daimler Truck has deployed 14 battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks. These new vehicles join the existing fleet of eActros 300 and 400 models and are now being used for long-haul routes of up to 500 kilometers (approx. 310 miles).

The eActros 600 trucks will be operated by logistics partners on routes ranging from 150 to 600 kilometers (approx. 93–373 miles), some of which extend across borders into Italy, the Czech Republic, and Luxembourg, according to Sustainable Truck&Van. They will rely on public fast-charging networks, company-owned depots, and in some cases, semi-public charging hubs. In parallel, Mercedes-Benz Trucks began delivering the first batch of 75 eActros 600 units to Dutch logistics company Simon Loos in July—two of which are already in service with Lidl.

In China, CATL and JAC have launched a battery swapping system for commercial vehicles that reduces the swap time to just 150 seconds (2.5 minutes)—nearly as fast as refueling a diesel truck. Their modular “Chocolate Battery Swap” system is slated for rapid expansion in 2025, with 1,000 swap stations planned by year’s end and a long-term target of 10,000 to 30,000 stations. Currently, 27 cities are reportedly already equipped with the new infrastructure.

On July 8, Stellantis kicked off series production of the all-electric Fiat E-Ducato Cargo Box BEV at its Atessa plant in Italy. The van features a 110 kWh battery, 200 kW motor, and a WLTP range of 323 kilometers (approx. 200 miles). Cargo volume ranges from 18.3 to 20.5 cubic meters, depending on configuration, and it comes standard with a 22 kW AC charger.

A key innovation: for the first time, a factory-produced version of the E-Ducato will serve as a base not only for cargo vans but also for motorhomes, thanks to Stellantis’ CustomFit program. The E-Ducato is designed to bring greater sustainability to the long-range RV segment.