Tesla, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, KH-Kipper, Cespira, Imbema, Voltempo

Giving visitors the opportunity to experience commercial vehicles firsthand – that is once again the promise behind the Experience Offerings at IAA TRANSPORTATION. Both the range of vehicles on display and the level of interest from our exhibitors are greater than ever before. A total of 84 vehicles from 17 exhibitors will be available for Test Drives this year. Compared with 2024, when 60 vehicles were on offer, that represents a 40 percent increase in the vehicle lineup and a new record.

The majority of the commercial vehicles available for Test Drives will be fully electric, but visitors can also test hydrogen vehicles and the latest low-emission diesel models.

The following exhibitors will offer test drives during regular opening hours: DAF, Daimler Truck AG, Ford, Ford Trucks, Junge Fahrzeugbau, KIA, Maxus, MAN Truck & Bus, Phinia, SANY Truck, Renault Trucks, Scania, Superpanther, Tesla, Volkswagen, Volta Trucks, and Volvo Trucks.

Interest in the ADAS & Telematics demonstrations has also risen sharply compared with IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024. Five exhibitors – Aptiv, Brightskies, MicroVision, Neolix, and Stellantis – are taking part.

Along Expo Allee, visitors can get a look at the latest developments in automated driving features. Robo vans without a driver's cab will also be presented for the first time.

Daimler Buses, MAN Truck & Bus, and BYD will make getting around the exhibition grounds even more convenient. With a total of six new vehicle models, the manufacturers will offer a free shuttle service for exhibitors and visitors.

Tesla is returning to Hannover with the Tesla Semi for IAA TRANSPORTATION. The US automaker plans to announce specifications and launch details for the European market at the trade show. A Tesla Semi will be displayed in the exhibition halls, and Tesla is also participating in the IAA Test Drives with the electric heavy-duty truck.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is offering a first look at a limited-run anniversary edition at IAA TRANSPORTATION. The "130 Years Trucks Edition" honors Gottlieb Daimler's invention of the truck in 1896. With this special edition, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is offering an edition model with both diesel and battery-electric powertrains for the first time. Under the motto "Legacy meets Passion," the special model combines the history of Mercedes-Benz Trucks with current vehicle technologies. The edition is aimed at customers and drivers who share a strong connection to the brand and their truck.

Even before the premiere, key details are set: Limited to 400 vehicles, the "130 Years Trucks Edition" is based on the Mercedes-Benz Actros with a ProCabin driver cab and will be offered with both diesel drive and as a battery-electric truck. Around 30 special equipment features incorporate historic colors, materials, and design elements, integrating them into a modern vehicle concept.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks will share further details regarding design, equipment features, and available vehicle variants at IAA TRANSPORTATION.

KH-Kipper will present two new tipper solutions at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 in Hannover. With the Mini Bull and the new generation of the thermally insulated Bitum Bull+, the manufacturer targets different applications in construction site and asphalt transport.

The Mini Bull is a new W3FL three-way tipper designed for 7.49-ton chassis. In addition to bulk materials, the body can also haul a mini excavator. For this purpose, it features eight lashing rings recessed into the floor—each with a load capacity of two tons—and a floor made of HARDOX steel. Flexible side walls are intended to offer additional operational flexibility.

The new Bitum Bull+, by contrast, is designed for the temperature-sensitive transport of bitumen mixes. Mineral wool and stainless steel insulate the floor and walls, while the special Omega geometry is designed to reduce cargo adhesion and make unloading easier. According to the manufacturer, the high-strength HARDOX steel body meets the requirements of DIN 70001 and comes equipped with features such as an electric tarp, a spray system, and a HYVA front tipping cylinder.

Cespira is debuting the next generation of its HPDI fuel system at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026. HPDI 3.0 enables the use of LNG and bio-LNG in heavy-duty internal combustion engines while maintaining the performance and efficiency characteristics of a diesel engine. Series production is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.

The system operates using compression ignition and features a new fuel pressure management architecture. Looking ahead, the platform is designed to accommodate hydrogen, ethanol, and methanol in addition to LNG and bio-LNG. Cespira provides the complete system solution, ranging from fuel storage and pressure management to injection.

Volvo Trucks is the first customer to adopt HPDI 3.0, using it in its next-generation 13-liter gas engines. Corresponding trucks are expected to hit the market in early 2027. According to Cespira, previous HPDI generations are already in use across more than 10,000 LNG trucks, which have logged a combined total of around 3.3 billion kilometers (approx. 2 billion miles).

Imbema will present an expanded safety concept for light commercial vehicles at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026. The highlight is a new gas detection system that continuously monitors air quality in the cargo area and automatically detects dangerous gas concentrations.

Combined with the Easy Aero Electric roof fan, the system can automatically activate ventilation when critical levels are reached. Warning alerts can optionally be forwarded to drivers or dispatch centers. For battery-electric vans, Imbema is also developing a compact extraction unit for heavy gases that collect at the bottom of the cargo floor and cannot always be safely vented through traditional floor outlets due to the traction batteries installed there.

The product lineup is rounded out by the Easy Aero roof ventilation system alongside additional safety and ergonomic solutions. These include Gatelock van locks offered in cooperation with BlockShaft and Easy-Step running boards for safe entry and exit.
 

British e-mobility specialist Voltempo is developing a driverless, cab-free electric truck designed to offer greater payload capacity than conventional heavy commercial vehicles. The five-axle straight truck is planned to measure 15.6 meters (approx. 51 feet) in length with a gross vehicle weight rating of 42 metric tons. A first prototype is scheduled for completion by September 2027.

By eliminating the driver's cab, Voltempo expects to gain around 15 percent more cargo volume and an additional five to seven metric tons of usable payload compared to a conventional semi-trailer truck. For average transport tasks, the company estimates cargo capacity could reach around 18.6 metric tons instead of 16 metric tons. At the same time, the vehicle would be about 1.5 meters shorter than a full-size semi-truck.

Berkeley Coachworks is building the prototype, while the electric powertrain will be supplied by an established truck manufacturer that has not yet been named. Testing on an autonomous vehicle test track in South Wales is scheduled to begin in late 2027, followed by public road tests. Voltempo anticipates initial deliveries starting in mid-2028.
 

Mexico is expanding its young electric vehicle brand, Olinia, with an electric compact van. The Olinia Carga is expected to offer a range of over 120 kilometers (approx. 75 miles), carry up to 650 kilograms (approx. 1,430 lbs) of payload, and launch in late 2027 at a target price of around 150,000 Mexican pesos. The primary target audience includes small businesses, tradespeople, and delivery services.

The two-seater is designed to charge via a standard household outlet. Details regarding battery capacity and charging power have not yet been released. A key focus is low operating costs, which project leaders estimate will be about a quarter of the cost of running a conventional light commercial vehicle.

Mexico is currently seeking a majority-Mexican industrial partner for series production. Plans call for 10,000 units in the first production year, with potential capacity scaling up to 50,000 units annually. Alongside the Carga, the planned Olinia lineup includes the Olinia Uno electric city car and an Olinia Van with an enclosed cargo area.