Decarbonising Road Freight: MAN Truck & Bus Showcases Zero-Emission Solutions
In preparation for IAA Transportation 2024, MAN Truck & Bus offered a glimpse of its September trade fair appearance that will focus on decarbonising road freight transport. The test drives, held near the Austrian Alps, provided 200 journalists the opportunity to test the latest in electric, hydrogen, and advanced diesel truck technologies. 
MAN eTruck: A Game-Changer in Electrification
At the forefront of MAN’s showcase was the new MAN eTruck. This innovative vehicle boasts over a million configuration variants thanks to its modular battery concept, varied wheelbases, cabs, PTOs (power take-off), and industry-specific equipment. The eTruck is also prepared for the upcoming megawatt charging standard (MCS), which allows recharging up to 1,000 kW within a driver’s break, supporting a daily range of up to 800 kilometers making it suitable for long-haul applications. This versatility has already attracted significant customer interest, with 2,000 order requests and orders, including a notable 100-vehicle order from France.
Commitment To Electromobility And Hydrogen Technology
Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, emphasised the company’s commitment to electromobility as the primary drive technology. He acknowledged the potential of hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cells for specialised applications.
“Even though the transition to CO2-free freight transport is characterised by several drive technologies, our focus is clearly on electromobility as the main drive technology. The hydrogen combustion engine can be a useful addition for special applications, as can the fuel cell drive, which is currently still under development. In addition, the diesel drive will continue to play an important role throughout the entire transformation until it is completely replaced. That’s why we’ve made it significantly more efficient, economical and lower in CO2 with our new D30 engine. It is based on the common engine platform of the Traton Group and is the tangible result of intensive cooperation between our development departments. In future, we will be producing combustion engine and electric trucks on the same production line in order to be able to react flexibly to the shift in demand towards electric trucks. However, for the drive revolution to succeed, the expansion of the charging infrastructure must be an absolute priority for politicians, infrastructure operators and manufacturers,” he explained. 
Vlaskamp stressed the importance of expanding charging infrastructure to support the transition to electric trucks. By 2030, MAN aims for every second truck registered in Europe to be battery-electric. The charging infrastructure joint venture Milence, formed by Traton Group (of which MAN is part of), Daimler Truck, and Volvo Trucks, recently opened a large truck charging park in the Port of Antwerp, with plans to establish 1,700 charging points in the coming years, contributing to the goal of 50,000 charging points by 2030. MAN is also working on the electrification of its own service network.
Hydrogen Combustion Engines For Special Applications
Alongside its electric truck advancements, MAN is also pioneering hydrogen technology as a complementary zero-emission solution alternative for special applications. During the Austrian test drives, MAN unveiled a prototype hydrogen-combustion truck. The MAN hTGX, set for small-series production of 200 vehicles starting in 2025, will serve customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, and select non-European countries. This hydrogen truck meets stringent zero-emission vehicle criteria and addresses heavy-duty transport needs where charging infrastructure may be lacking.
Advanced Diesel Engines and Safety Systems
MAN continues to support the transition phase with highly efficient conventional diesel engines. The new Power Lion driveline for MAN TGX and TGS series semi-trailer tractors achieves significant fuel and CO2 reductions. Combined with the MAN TipMatic 14 gearbox, a new generation brake system, and aerodynamic improvements, these trucks offer cost savings, particularly in regions with CO2-based tolls.
Safety remains a top priority for MAN, highlighted by the introduction of advanced assistance systems. The MAN TGE van, unveiled at the Transpotec trade fair in May, features the Cruise Assist Plus system with Emergency Assistant. This system ensures continuous driver activity monitoring, bringing the vehicle to a safe stop and securing it (activate hazard warning lights, initiate eCall, unlock doors) if necessary.
MAN Truck & Bus’s efforts in electrification, hydrogen technology, and conventional engine efficiency underscore its commitment to a zero-emission future for road freight transport. The transition is well underway, with significant milestones expected in the coming years.
