E.ON Drive, MAHLE, BPW, Fliegl and more

Just in time for IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, E.ON Drive is setting new standards in electric mobility for heavy-duty transport. On September 5th, eleven teams will depart from the E.ON Drive TestingLab in Essen, driving electric and hydrogen trucks to the IAA grounds in Hannover. The 300-kilometer route, which covers highways and federal roads, will showcase the real-world viability of electric heavy-duty transport. The eTruckathon features a cross-section of the latest electric truck technology, with vehicles from leading manufacturers.

Visit the E.ON Drive booth during IAA TRANSPORTATION to experience the future of electric freight transport and explore new business opportunities in this innovative sector.

MAHLE is introducing a bionic high-performance fan at IAA TRANSPORTATION, designed specifically for battery-electric vehicles and with vehicles with fuel cells. Inspired by the feathered wings of an owl, these bionic fan blades are engineered to reduce truck fan noise by up to 4 dB(A)—more than halving the sound power level. This is particularly important for noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas and rest stops, where loud fan noises can be disruptive.

In addition to being quiet, the new MAHLE fan is highly efficient, offering a 10% increase in efficiency and a 10% reduction in weight. This contributes to improved vehicle performance and reduced energy consumption. MAHLE plans to offer this fan across a wide range of power capacities, making it suitable for both small electric passenger cars and large, temperature-sensitive fuel cell trucks. It is part of a showcase that highlights MAHLE’s systemic approach to fuel cell trucks. Alongside a fully functional fuel cell, the system includes fuel cell peripherals, thermal management (fans and battery cooling), and a heavy-duty electric axle. The E-axle is a technology demonstrator that integrates two of MAHLE’s SCT E-motors with a total output of 520 kW and complete liquid management, all in a compact design. All products are developed, tested, and ready for mass production.

In addition to the fan, MAHLE will also present a new evaporative cooling system for fuel cell vehicles, designed to deliver higher cooling performance while reducing hydrogen consumption by up to 1.5%.

BPW is unveiling its latest chassis generation, iC Plus, at IAA TRANSPORTATION. This innovative chassis solution comes standard with telematics from idem telematics and leverages artificial intelligence to optimize the transport process. With this technology, vehicle operators can enhance utilization, analyze brake performance, and more efficiently manage the entire transport process, including driver, fleet, and maintenance management.

Additionally, BPW is showcasing the ePower generator axle. Its energy recovery system is designed to capture energy during the driving and braking of the trailer, which can then be used to power electric or hybrid refrigeration units. Depending on usage and mileage, this system could save up to 4,000 liters of diesel and reduce CO2 emissions by ten tons per trailer per year, according to BPW. Another solution for reducing diesel consumption is presented by BPW subsidiary Hesterberg. Their aerodynamic solution for trailers is designed to reduce the diesel consumption of the towing vehicle by up to 0.4 liters per 100 km with minimal effort.

At IAA TRANSPORTATION, Fliegl is emphasizing lightweight construction to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the transport sector. The company is showcasing a range of vehicles that stand out for their low weight and high payload capacity. Highlights include the Tandem Swap Body Trailer TWP 180 and the Three-Axle Container Semi-Trailer SDS 380, both of which are designed to impress with their low tare weight and high payload.

Another key feature is the Vario V3+ container chassis, which offers flexibility thanks to its front and rear extensions as well as middle telescoping capabilities. This chassis is designed to accommodate containers of various sizes, providing high flexibility for everyday logistics operations.

Fliegl is also demonstrating practical details on a three-axle curtain-sided semi-trailer, showing how a vehicle can be equipped to enhance functionality and convenience.

Maxion Wheels will be unveiling its latest developments in truck wheels at IAA TRANSPORTATION. The company specializes in designing lightweight yet durable wheels that enhance both performance and efficiency in commercial vehicles. One of the highlights at the Maxion Wheels booth will be a new line of wheels specifically engineered for heavy-duty vehicles. These wheels feature optimized weight distribution, leading to improved fuel efficiency and a reduction in CO₂ emissions. Additionally, the wheels offer increased durability, which helps lower overall operating costs and extends the lifespan of vehicles.

Maxion Wheels will also introduce its latest innovations in aluminum wheels, known for their lightness and strength. These wheels not only help reduce vehicle weight but also improve driving performance and safety.

Cummins will showcase its latest Euro 7-compliant solutions at IAA TRANSPORTATION. The focus is on powertrain systems designed to meet the stringent requirements of the upcoming Euro 7 and EU CO2 regulations.

Among the highlights will be the X10 engine, which is already prepared to meet Euro 7 standards. This engine is equipped with an advanced exhaust aftertreatment system that significantly reduces emissions while enhancing the engine's performance and efficiency. Additionally, Cummins will present the X15H hydrogen combustion engine, offering a zero-CO₂ alternative to traditional diesel engines. These products will be displayed alongside the latest exhaust aftertreatment systems, an Eaton-Cummins transmission, as well as the Meritor MIS-10 front independent suspension, the 17X HE rear axle, and the ELSA 225 H disc brakes.

At IAA TRANSPORTATION, elexon will showcase how E-Truck charging can be both practical and economically viable. The focus will be on solutions that meet the specific needs of freight companies and delivery fleets. elexon will present a wide range of charging solutions, from 11 kW AC to 700 kW DC. One highlight is the 43 kW AC charging box, designed to enable cost-effective and grid-friendly overnight charging. This solution is ideal for electric trucks, vans, and construction machinery, helping businesses efficiently charge their vehicles while reducing operating costs.

In addition to charging stations, elexon will demonstrate customized installation concepts and seamless cable management solutions that optimally adapt the charging infrastructure to the specific needs of each location. elexon will also host a panel discussion titled "E-Truck Charging: Setting the Course for Climate-Neutral Logistics," where experts from politics and industry will discuss the future of charging infrastructure.

TireCheck is taking advantage of IAA TRANSPORTATION to showcase its latest developments in tire monitoring technology. The centerpiece of their display will be the Flexi Gauge tread depth measuring device, which also offers a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) reading function.

The Flexi Gauge is designed to provide precise tread depth measurements, helping fleet managers keep their vehicle tires in optimal condition. The integrated TPMS reading function allows for direct tire pressure data reading and analysis.

The goal of these solutions is to reduce downtime and extend tire life.

Chinese tire manufacturer Zhongce Rubber is introducing its new second-generation Westlake truck tires at IAA TRANSPORTATION. The WAM2, WSL2, and WDL2 models have been specifically designed for the European market and are said to offer significant improvements in performance, safety, and environmental friendliness.

These tires are expected to feature significantly improved rolling resistance, leading to better fuel efficiency. Additionally, they are 3PMSF-certified, making them suitable for winter use.

U.S. transmission manufacturer Allison Transmission will be unveiling the latest model in its eGen Power electric axle family for commercial vehicles at IAA TRANSPORTATION. With the introduction of the new eGen Power 85S model, Allison expands its line of fully electric axles. This new axle is specifically designed for use in battery-electric, fuel cell-electric, and hybrid commercial vehicles. The eGen Power 85S features a powerful electric motor and a two-speed transmission, delivering a continuous power output of 225 kW and a peak power of 325 kW.

Allison Transmission's eGen Power axles replace the conventional driveline in commercial vehicles, offering significant space savings for the battery. Designed as a "drop-in" solution, the axle can be easily integrated into existing vehicle chassis, simplifying the retrofit process and reducing development costs. The eGen Power 85S has already attracted early adopters; it has been integrated into Anadolu Isuzu’s fully electric Novo Volt midibus platform and is already in use in light refuse and distribution vehicles.

At IAA TRANSPORTATION, Valeo is set to showcase its latest innovations in E-Bike technologies. While specific product details are not directly available, it is known that Valeo will present smart and connected solutions tailored for the growing E-Bike market.

A highlight is the Valeo Cyclee™ technology, an innovative system designed specifically for E-Bikes and E-Cargo bikes. This system includes a powerful 48V electric motor, an automatic transmission, and predictive software. Additionally, Valeo will demonstrate solutions that extend beyond electrification, including battery thermal management, the Valeo FlexHeater—a smart heating system that uses interior surfaces to keep the driver comfortable with minimal energy consumption—and the Driver Monitoring System (DMS), which is designed to enhance road safety.

Oil giant Shell has unveiled its latest concept vehicle, the Mega-Truck Starship 3.0 Hybrid, for the first time in Europe. This version of the Starship truck, developed in collaboration with Chinese truck manufacturer FAW, builds on the previous Starship 1.0 and Starship 2.0 models, both known for their significantly improved fuel efficiency and high freight-ton efficiency. The newest version of the truck is equipped with FAW Advanced Hybrid Power and runs on Shell Bio-Diesel to further reduce carbon emissions. A demonstration drive of the Starship 3.0 Hybrid has already taken place in China, where the truck showcased its performance capabilities.