The 2024 IAA Transportation Show concluded in Hannover, Germany, on September 20, drawing an impressive crowd that filled the Hannover Convention Center throughout the event. Show organizers reported a record attendance of 145,000, marking a 10% increase from the previous event in 2022 and signaling a robust revival for the North American trucking industry, which has faced challenges in recent years. Industry leaders are hopeful that this resurgence will translate into positive developments in North America in the coming year.
Key announcements at the show highlighted significant technological advancements poised to reshape the future of trucking.
Clarios Unveils New Battery Solutions for Heavy-Duty Trucks
Global low-voltage battery supplier Clarios revealed plans to address the evolving power demands of heavy-duty trucks. According to Brian McKay, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, there is a rising need for integrated electrical devices, including:
- Enhanced heating and cooling systems for driver comfort.
- Transitioning auxiliary systems from hydraulic and air pressure to electric power.
- Increasingly prevalent “by-wire” technologies, such as brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire systems.
Additionally, the growing demand from drivers for amenities like microwave ovens, TVs, and gaming systems is straining the low-voltage power network in commercial vehicles. In response, Clarios announced an agreement to develop 24-volt lithium-ion batteries for heavy-duty applications in collaboration with a leading European truck manufacturer. The company is also exploring innovative technologies, including a new sodium-ion battery that could eventually replace traditional lithium-ion batteries.
ZF Introduces Cutting-Edge Hybrid Truck Transmission
With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions regulations on the horizon, ZF is reintroducing hybrid-electric transmissions to the market. These transmissions, which first appeared in the trucking industry two decades ago, provide electric power to a truck’s drivetrain at low speeds, typically up to 30 mph. This technology addresses the challenge of high NOx emissions produced by cold diesel engines operating at low speeds, where exhaust aftertreatment systems are less effective.
Peter Laier, a member of ZF’s board of management, announced the launch of the new TraXon 2 hybrid transmission, which enables purely electric driving functions for both fully hybrid and plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles. Laier explained that ZF’s extensive global scale and product range facilitated the rapid development of this technology, originally designed for passenger cars and adapted for commercial vehicles.
He noted, “The movement from combustion to battery-electric vehicles is progressing at a slower pace in some markets than anticipated. Thus, there is a need for bridging technologies between diesel engines and zero-emission powertrains to help reduce CO2 emissions, and we believe this hybrid transmission offers an excellent solution.”
Cummins Launches Integrated HELM Drivetrain
Cummins also made headlines by introducing a new integrated drivetrain centered on its HELM engine platform, which includes a hybrid transmission option for fleets. The HELM platform consists of a fuel-agnostic series of engine versions derived from a common base block. Each engine features similar components below the head gasket, while the components above it vary according to fuel types, including advanced diesel, natural gas, and zero-carbon hydrogen.
Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins’ Chair and CEO, emphasized the advancements in powertrain technology that accompany this new platform. The integration of aftertreatment systems and innovations from Accelera by Cummins, the company’s zero-emissions brand, reflects a commitment to comprehensive solutions for fleets. Rumsey highlighted the significance of recent acquisitions, stating that they position Cummins to deliver fully integrated powertrain solutions moving forward.
As the industry faces evolving demands and regulatory pressures, the innovations showcased at the IAA Transportation Show signal a transformative period for the trucking sector, with advancements in battery technology, hybrid systems, and integrated powertrains leading the way.
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