IAA fair: China's electric trucks take on European giants

Electrifying heavy-duty trucks is a major step on the path to transport decarbonization, and the latest zero-emission lorries are lined up in the packed halls of the IAA Transportation show in Hanover until September 20.

The vehicles on display range from powerful tractor units for hauling cargo trailers over long-distance routes through to delivery vans and even refuse trucks.

Alongside Tesla's European version of its futuristic semi, there are a host of new tractors from Chinese manufacturers. Both compete against rival products from European manufacturers such as Daimler Truck, MAN, Scania, Volvo, Iveco and Renault.

New this year is a test track for electric trucks, and the Tesla - going on sale in Europe next year - could be seen whirring past the exhibition halls, making its distinctive sci-fi roar.

One of the boldest exhibits is the TLX 2036 concept truck from China's FAW. It took centre stage at a huge stand, although the model name hints that we won't be seeing it on roads for a few years.

The makers are tight-lipped about technical details such as the power output and range, which makes it hard to compare the new model with the Tesla, the eActros 600 from Mercedes-Benz or the Skyworth Z9.

The concept is designed to preview a series of future development directions, and FAW is hedging its bets here since the model can support battery-electric power, diesel, plug-in hybrid, natural gas (CNG/LNG) and hydrogen fuel cell power.

The TLX includes a full drive-by-wire system with predictive diagnostics and energy management features, which also align with the planned route. This may extend to fully transcontinental journeys since the data provided previewed a trip from China to Europe.

Assistance through to fully autonomous driving is also anticipated. This will include so-called platooning, where multiple trucks run together in a convoy to save fuel.

The Skyworth Z9 also had its world premiere in Hanover. The Chinese company is little known in Europe, and this is its first heavy tractor unit with 400 kWh of battery capacity on tap.

The truck is designed for Level 4 automated operation, provided the infrastructure is there, although this is not yet the case in many countries. Level 4 means a vehicle can operate completely without a human driver, but only within certain geographic areas or under predetermined conditions.

The Skyworth is a classic example of the self-confident manner of Chinese makers presenting their wares at a show usually dominated by home players Daimler and MAN, who had plenty on offer too.

The Mercedes eActros 600 is close to entering production and is designed for regular daily haulage trips with high mileages. Mercedes said the tractor unit has three packs of LFP batteries with a combined power output of 621 kWh.

It can operate for 500 km between charges and should cope with daily journeys of up to 1,000 km, provided there are enough chargers along the route. The vehicle is also prepared for so-called Mega charging, which would juice up the battery to 80% in around 30 minutes.

BYD is best known for cars and buses, but it manufactures electric trucks as well. The ETH28 is designed for large haulage fleets and promises advantages in terms of availability, purchase price and efficiency since all the components are made in-house. Its presence in Hanover shows that BYD is not willing to rest on its laurels in Europe.

The Maxus eDeliver 420L is another futuristic contender with a host of sensors and cameras visible from the outside. The platform has been designed with digital assistants and automatic functions in mind and is expected to include manoeuvring aids and blind spot monitoring.

The Foton Cavan C1, with its imposing chromed grille, is aimed initially at the British haulage market and also uses a custom-made platform.

Buyers of this Chinese product, designed for the demanding logistics delivery market, will expect a comprehensive service network on a par with that offered by European makers. Cheaper purchase prices are, however, of little use to eco-minded hauliers if the trucks are often idle owing to a lack of maintenance and repair parts.

The Chinese trucks in Hanover show the serious intent of their producers to make inroads into the European electric truck market. However, since many of the details of the vehicles have not yet been disclosed, it is hard to say if they will be able to compete with the major European players.

A word of warning about the future of battery-powered haulage comes from James Widmer, chief executive of UK-based electric drive company Advanced Electric Machines, which has come up with the Titan, a powerful new 700-kW magnet-less electric motor for trucks that uses aluminium for the rotors instead of much rarer copper.

"It's going to take a lot longer than people think," said Widmer, who believes there are many challenges to tackle before an electric haulage industry can banish noisy and polluting diesel trucks from the highways.