ZF CEO calls for government support for hybrid and plug-in trucks
Image: Scania (illustrative)
On the eve of the IAA Transportation in Hannover, ZF CEO Mathias Miedreich called for political support for hybrid and plug-in trucks. According to Automobilwoche, he emphasized that battery-electric trucks alone could not advance the decarbonization of long-haul transport fast enough. Therefore, plug-in hybrids need to be fairly evaluated through regulations and supported financially.
Miedreich identified three specific approaches to promoting plug-in hybrids: a realistic CO2 assessment using the Vecto method, tangible toll benefits, and support programs for European hybrid technologies. According to ZF’s calculations, plug-in hybrid trucks can reduce CO2 emissions by up to around 47 percent compared to conventional vehicles in long-distance transport, depending on their usage profile.
In addition, these vehicles with internal combustion engines and electric drives, along with longer driving ranges and charging ports, rely less on widespread charging infrastructure. For freight forwarders, plug-in hybrids could pay for themselves more quickly due to lower operating costs and potential toll advantages. ZF views this technology as an economically viable bridge solution that does not represent a departure from electric drives.
According to Automobilwoche, this move is part of a strategic reorientation in which commercial vehicles are set to play a more important role in the supplier’s growth plans. The supplier aims for greater independence from the passenger car business and views its Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division as a key element for profitability and growth. CVS currently contributes around 20 percent to the group’s revenue, which amounts to approximately eight billion euros.
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Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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