IAA Transportation 2024 ended successfully with record numbers

Nearly 1,700 exhibitors from 41 countries came to Hannover this year, representing an increase of over 21 percent compared to the 2022 event. The number of visitors was around 145,000, approximately ten percent higher than in 2022. The exhibitors also demonstrated with 145 world and European premieres that there is no shortage of ideas for decarbonized logistics and CO2-neutral transport of people and goods.

“We deliver. Our industry is driving the transformation,” said VDA President Hildegard Müller. “The biggest obstacle to a rapid, successful, and widespread ramp-up of climate-neutral drives is the necessary infrastructure – this particularly applies to charging infrastructure and anticipatory grid expansion, as well as to hydrogen refueling stations.”

Decarbonized Transport

Delivery and distribution traffic over short and medium distances have been able to be managed electrically with batteries for some time now. Meanwhile, the corresponding long-haul trucks are also in series production. From Mercedes-Benz Trucks, this is the eActros 600, which was also awarded the “International Truck of the Year 2025” by an expert jury of commercial vehicle journalists from 24 European countries at the trade fair. In their reasoning, the jury particularly praised the technological overall concept of the heavy long-haul truck.

“Mercedes-Benz Trucks conceived the eActros 600 as an electric truck from the very beginning. The result is a highly modern battery-electric vehicle capable of mastering various long-distance applications,” said Gianenrico Griffini, Chairman of the ITotY jury.

The aerodynamics of the new ProCabin driver's cab were also praised. Especially for battery-electric long-haul trucks, improved aerodynamics are of critical importance, as air resistance is one of the main factors influencing energy consumption. Additionally, the reduced air resistance can recuperate more energy during braking, leading to a longer range.

Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, accepted the award at a festive event from Gianenrico Griffini.

“We are proud and very happy that the jury has chosen our eActros 600 as the "International Truck of the Year 2025." Almost all jury members have already tested the eActros 600 behind the wheel on roads across Europe and have been personally convinced of its performance. This is a very special day for our team because we owe this leading position of the truck to the tireless efforts of our colleagues," said Karin Rådström.

Specifically for use in heavy long-distance transport, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has developed a new e-axle designed for 800 volts with two electric motors and a four-speed transmission. The e-motors generate a continuous power of 400 kW and a peak power of 600 kW. In addition, the eActros 600 features the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) cruise control and transmission control system, which is explicitly tuned to the e-drive. The predictive powertrain regulation automatically takes into account topography, road layout, and traffic signs for the most efficient driving possible.

BEV, H2 and HVO/eFuel

With an eye to the future, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is also working on a hydrogen fuel cell truck. The GenH2 Truck is now in practical use with five selected customers. With liquid hydrogen as fuel, it is expected to decarbonize routes beyond the 600-kilometer mark in a few years.

The commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus also focused on sustainability in its trade fair presentation. The Munich-based company presented, among other things, trucks with electric and hydrogen drives. For battery-electric long-distance transport, MAN offers the eTGX. The world premiere at the fair, however, was the electrically powered 12-ton MAN eTGL. With this vehicle, MAN now offers a complete portfolio of electric trucks from twelve to 50 tons, including consulting and service offerings. The battery-electric trucks at MAN are complemented by the hydrogen combustion engine MAN hTGX. This complement the zero-emission portfolio "for special applications." A small series is to be set up from 2025.

Scania showcased a new range of electric and biofuel trucks at IAA TRANSPORTATION. The focus is on a new battery-electric tractor unit, which is part of an expanded range of electric vehicles. Scania has optimized its electric series for high charging capacity, fast charging, and an improved driving experience. The vehicle range includes various models offering different battery packs, chassis, auxiliary drives, cab variants, and axle configurations. This enables customized solutions, with the selection comprising three different electric vehicles in nine performance levels to ensure optimal payload.