FORVIA, Ford Pro, Hina Battery, Nissan, Imagry, UNVI

In just a few weeks, IAA TRANSPORTATION kicks off in Hanover under the motto "We Deliver." Starting today, you can check out the IAA TRANSPORTATION Innovation Report—produced in collaboration with HUSS-VERLAG GmbH—to discover what world, European, and German debuts await you in Hanover, ranging from fuel cell vehicles and innovative trailers to digital infrastructure products and much more. The report will be continuously updated and expanded right up until the start of IAA TRANSPORTATION. Be sure to check back regularly!

FORVIA plans to significantly expand its commercial vehicle business and double its revenue in this segment by 2030. At IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, the supplier is presenting a joint commercial vehicle strategy across its five business groups for the first time, featuring technologies for decarbonization, digitalization, safety, and cost efficiency. 

Innovations include a 77 GHz radar system for driver assistance and automated driving, intelligent power distribution, and driver and interior monitoring systems. Additional highlights include new seating and lighting solutions, as well as a camera-based mirror replacement system designed to improve aerodynamics and all-around visibility. 

For fuel cell commercial vehicles, FORVIA is showcasing Type IV hydrogen storage tanks for trucks and buses. The largest 700-bar tank holds 563 liters or 22.7 kilograms of hydrogen. The portfolio is rounded out by lightweight and recycled materials designed to reduce weight and resource consumption while simplifying interior repairs and future upgrades. 

Ford Pro is expanding its Transit lineup with the new Transit City. The fully electric van is available to order now and was developed specifically for urban commercial use. It is offered as a panel van in various lengths and heights and, for the first time in the 1-ton payload class, as a chassis cab for custom body configurations. 

The 110 kW (150 hp) electric motor is powered by a 56 kWh LFP battery. This gives the Transit City a range of up to 254 kilometers (158 miles), with Ford reporting up to 381 kilometers (237 miles) in city driving. At a DC fast-charging station, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 33 minutes.

Depending on the configuration, the van offers a cargo length of over three meters (nearly 10 feet), up to eight cubic meters (282 cu. ft.) of cargo volume, and a maximum payload of 1,275 kilograms (2,810 lbs). The chassis cab can be outfitted with flatbed or box bodies, among other options. Prices start at 35,990 euros net, and Ford estimates maintenance costs to be 40 percent lower compared to a similar diesel model.

According to Hina Battery, the world's first fully electric mining truck powered by a sodium-ion battery has been delivered in China. Co-developed with Shaanxi Tonly Heavy Industries, the vehicle is built on the 120E platform and utilizes a 676 kWh battery system from Hina's Haixing series.

The cells achieve an energy density of over 165 Wh/kg and can be fully charged within 20 to 25 minutes, according to the manufacturer. Hina Battery also claims a service life of over 8,000 charge cycles. High cycle stability, fast-charging capability, and a wide operating temperature range make the technology particularly compelling for demanding mining operations.

Hina Battery is already testing sodium-ion batteries in other heavy-duty commercial vehicles. An electric semi-tractor developed in partnership with FAW Jiefang completed over 15,000 kilometers (9,300 miles) with a 339 kWh battery. Even at minus 40 degrees Celsius (-40°F), the battery reportedly retained over 90 percent of its usable capacity.

Nissan and camper converter Eifelland have unveiled the Eifelland Relax, a fully electric camper based on the Interstar-e. The foundation is the electric van equipped with an 87 kWh battery, 105 kW (143 hp) output, and a WLTP range of up to 410 kilometers (255 miles). Fast charging is supported at up to 130 kW, with AC charging at 22 kW. Nissan has not disclosed range figures for the fully outfitted camper.

The camper features a fixed bed, a kitchenette with a 90-liter (3.2 cu. ft.) refrigerator, an induction cooktop, and a sink, as well as nearly 2.6 cubic meters (92 cu. ft.) of storage space. With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3,500 kilograms (7,716 lbs), the maximum payload is 435 kilograms (959 lbs). Two additional removable single seats allow seating for up to four people.

Through its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, the Truma Eezy auxiliary heater is powered directly from the high-voltage battery. Standard features also include automatic climate control, smartphone integration, a rearview camera, and various driver assistance systems.

Imagry and Spanish bus manufacturer UNVI are jointly developing a fully integrated autonomous electric bus. Imagry's AI-driven driving technology will be integrated into a 10.3-meter Class M3 electric bus. The first vehicle is scheduled to hit the road in Germany in Q3 2026 and is pre-certified for European Whole Vehicle Type Approval under GSR2.

The autonomous driving technology operates without high-definition (HD) maps, combining AI-based perception, motion planning, and vehicle control. This allows the system to be deployed on new routes relatively quickly. Beyond traditional public transit, the companies see potential applications at airports, university campuses, and medical centers.

By introducing autonomous buses, the partners aim to address the growing driver shortage while enabling transit agencies to extend operating hours and service offerings. The specific location and operator for the initial German project have not yet been announced.