Preview: Electric truck innovations at IAA Transportation

The IAA Transportation trade fair continues to justify its reputation as the most important logistics event in Europe – and arguably, globally. For months, manufacturers worldwide have been preparing for this year’s edition, taking place from 15 to 20 September in Hanover. And, it looks like it’s going to be packed; organisers have confirmed that the fair is fully booked. While interest was already high in 2024, hall occupancy will be even denser this year.

Notably, around one-third of exhibitors are first-time participants (in 2024, it was still one-quarter). The IAA remains highly international: according to the organisers, the proportion of foreign exhibitors stands at 70 per cent – a similarly high level as in 2024. China is the country with the most international exhibitors, followed by Turkey and Italy. The organisers see this as proof of the European market’s significance in the global technology competition.

Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), has already set the agenda for discussions at the exhibition stands. At a press conference held by the IAA organisers this week, she outlined the challenges facing the industry, invoked the innovative strength of domestic manufacturers, and reminded Brussels and Berlin of their political responsibility to enable the ramp-up of alternatively powered commercial vehicles. “The commercial vehicle industry is a powerhouse. It, and the many people working in logistics, keep our country running,” emphasised Müller – adding: “The IAA Transportation will showcase the dynamism of our industry. It will once again be a showcase of innovations.”

A major industry gathering

A central element of the fair is once again the suppliers and bodybuilders: with over 750 exhibitors, suppliers form the backbone of the event. Nearly every other stand belongs to this sector. Bodybuilding specialists, with 240 providers, represent the second-largest group, followed by the OEMs. More than 150 world premieres and new products have already been announced for the nearly week-long event. The organisers also emphasise that, alongside digital and climate-neutral mobility solutions, autonomous driving will occupy significantly more space this year. Generally, the IAA aims to move closer to the road: test drive slots have been expanded accordingly. “On the expo site and in public road traffic, 84 vehicles from 17 exhibitors will be available for test drives – 40 per cent more than in 2024,” the organisers advertise. For the first time, there will be three departure points on-site.

Our IAA preview also begins with a special kind of test drive – one that will take us around the world. Before we proceed, a brief note: our list does not claim to be exhaustive. The complete directory of exhibitors is available on the IAA homepage.

Established manufacturers spotlight

Now, let’s get started: At Daimler Truck (Hall 19, Stand A41), the spotlight is on the second generation of electric trucks, specifically the eActros 600 and the new eActros 400. Both have been on the market for some time. One genuine novelty is that the Stuttgart-based company will showcase the eActros Lowliner, a variant of the 600 series specifically important for automotive logistics. Orders are expected to open in the third quarter of 2026, with the first units rolling off the production line in the second quarter of 2027. Daimler Truck has also announced that its hydrogen truck, the NextGenH2 Truck, will take centre stage at the fair. As previously reported, Dachser will deploy the first small-series unit in Germany in December. In general, starting at the end of this year, 100 units of the NextGenH2 Truck will gradually enter customer operations.

The company also hopes to generate significant attention through a collaboration with content creator Tobias Wagner, known on various platforms as ‘Elektrotrucker’: as reported, Wagner will embark on a world tour from the IAA on 20 September with a modified eActros 600. The motto of this major practical test: ‘Around the World in 80 Charges’. This is our aforementioned comprehensive test drive.

At MAN (Hall 11, Stand D08), the second major German commercial vehicle manufacturer, the now-completed E-truck family ranging from 12 to 50 tonnes gross weight will be on display. In other words: alongside the eTGL, eTGS, and eTGX, MAN will also present the 16-tonne eTGM, which celebrated its world premiere in Milan in May and will now be introduced to the local audience. At the Munich-based company’s stand, there will also be in-depth information on the e-mobility ecosystem and a preview of new applications such as bidirectional charging or depot charging without high-performance grid connections.

Just a few metres away, Volvo Trucks (Hall 11, Stand D09) shines with its second generation of E-trucks. The focus is on the new electric flagship, the Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range, offering up to 700 km of range, which is set to enter production at the beginning of September. The model will be joined on-site by electric trucks of the Volvo FH, FM, and FL Electric types. Curiously, the Swedes will also have the Volvo VNL, a combustion engine truck for the North American market, notable for its US-typical long hood, on display at their stand.

Sister company Renault Trucks (Hall 21, Stand B52) is also rolling out its second generation of E-trucks, using the same technology modular system, and will spotlight the Renault Trucks E-Tech T 780 for long-haul transport at the IAA. The updated E-Tech T 540 and the smaller Renault Trucks E-Tech D14T will also be on display. Additionally, the French manufacturer has announced that a Renault Trucks E-Tech D 16T with a sliding tarpaulin and lifting roof will be showcased at bodybuilder Junge’s stand.

Turkish electric trucks to make their debut

What else? Ford Trucks (Hall 21, Stand C02) – i.e. Ford Otosan’s heavy commercial vehicle brand – is bringing an XXL electric truck to Hanover for the first time. The F-Line E, which the manufacturer first presented in Lyon in November 2025—and will now showcase its first foray into the electric 19- and 26-tonne classes to the German trade fair audience.

At Scania (Hall 12, Stand C60) and DAF (Hall 21, Stand B31), there is still no specific information about the electric lineup at the exhibition stands. However, it is already clear that Scania will have at least four E-trucks available on the outdoor area or for test drives, including the Scania BEV 40 R, the BEV 36 R XT, and the BEV 30 P crane truck. Dutch OEM DAF is also expected to bring trucks from its electric family, ranging from the smaller DAF XB Electric to the full-sized XG Electric. DAF will also present the current ‘International Truck of the Year 2026’ with the XD and XF.

One notable absence at the fair is Iveco. The Northern Italian manufacturer was present two years ago with the S-eWay, among other things – but this year, they have cancelled their participation.

Tesla aims to stand out at IAA Transportation

Next up is Tesla (Hall 12, Stand B01): the US electric vehicle manufacturer was already present at the IAA Transportation two years ago with its E-truck, the Semi. This year, there will be a revival – but this time with concrete data: Tesla promises to announce its market launch in Europe during the fair—and to bring along the specification sheet. In addition to the exhibition stand, Tesla has registered the Semi for test drives – departure point: Hall 14/15, TD07.

A whole range of Chinese OEMs will also be vying for attention at the fair as they prepare to enter the German and European markets. Leading the charge is Sany (Hall 12, Stand C40): the manufacturer, which operates under the name Sany eTrucks supported by Putzmeister in this region, will present its E-tractor unit, the e263, in the spotlight of the fair. Sany announced the start of deliveries in Germany in June. At that time, the Chinese manufacturer had already announced plans to “make a big splash with new models and a 2027 outlook” at the fair. On its website, Sany is now also listing electric three- and four-axle trucks for the European market. It is a given that these will also be on display in Hanover: Sany says it will be bringing a total of four electric truck models to the show.

Chinese enter the spotlight

With Sinotruk (Hall 19/20, Stand A10) and SuperPanther (Hall 12, Stand D46), two manufacturers that have already begun producing their E-trucks at Steyr Automotive in Steyr, Austria, will also be presenting themselves. As the centrepiece of its presentation, Chinese OEM Skyworth Auto (Hall 21, Stand B32) is then set to unveil its heavy-duty E-truck, the Skyworth Z9, which will feature Level 4 autonomous technology. Other Chinese brands we will encounter at the IAA include FAW Trucks, Dongfeng, Foton, Geely’s subsidiary Farizon, Wisdom Motor, and DeepWay. On the supplier side, the stand of CATL (Hall 19/29, Stand B36) will be particularly interesting: the Chinese battery giant plans to showcase its new battery innovations tailored for commercial vehicles.

German and European suppliers have also announced several key components and innovations for the IAA. Here are a few examples:

Bosch (Hall 19/29, Stand A31) is showcasing its new rigid eAxle, which integrates key electric powertrain components such as the electric motor and gearbox into a rigid axle for commercial vehicles weighing 18 to 49 tonnes. Also on display are Bosch’s new high-voltage blower module for 800-volt architectures and fuel cell systems for buses and trucks, covering a power range of 100 to 300 kW.

ZF (Hall 21, Stand B42) will showcase its TraXon 2 Hybrid drivetrain, designed for full hybrid and plug-in hybrid architectures. In addition, the supplier is focusing heavily on software and connected system intelligence.

Mahle (Hall 11, Stand D07) is presenting a new range extender system for heavy-duty trucks. It can be installed in battery-electric trucks, effectively turning them into plug-in hybrids. The range extender consists of a high-voltage generator combined with a compact combustion engine.

With a focus on E-trailers, the Aachen-based company Trailer Dynamics will present this year as part of the Krone Nutzfahrzeug Gruppe (Hall 27, Stand C40).

The British startup Advanced Electric Machines (Hall 27, Stand F41) specialises in electric motors without rare earth materials – and will unveil the 3D model of its largest and highest-torque motor, which will be available as a prototype for heavy-duty applications starting next year.

The startup Munich Electrification (Hall 19/20, Stand D42) is presenting an innovative battery disconnect device for high-voltage systems in commercial vehicles. Unlike the currently used mechanical or pyrotechnic fuses, the Munich-based company’s solution is based on a chip circuit.