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Photo credits @ Trans.iNFO/ Gregor Gowans

IAA 2024: MAN presents new eTGL and hydrogen truck

At the IAA Transportation 2024, MAN Truck & Bus presented several key innovations aimed at decarbonising road freight transport, including the world premiere of its new eTGL truck.

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With a strong focus on electromobility, hydrogen technology, and improved diesel efficiency, the company showcased a range of developments that mark a significant step in the transformation of the commercial vehicle sector.

World premiere of the MAN eTGL

The highlight of MAN’s presentation was the world premiere of the MAN eTGL, an electric 12-tonne truck designed for light distribution transport.

MAN eTGL – photo credits @ Trans.iNFO/ Gregor Gowans

This vehicle completes MAN’s electric truck portfolio, which now covers a weight range from 12 to 50 tonnes. The eTGL offers a range of up to 235 kilometres, can charge in around 30 minutes, and supports payloads of up to 6,600 kilograms, depending on the body type.

The truck is positioned as a solution for quiet and emission-free urban logistics, particularly in sectors such as food delivery, retail, and catering.

Hydrogen combustion engine

In another key development, MAN announced that it will be the first European HGV manufacturer to launch hydrogen combustion engine trucks, starting in 2025.

Photo credits @ MAN

 The hydrogen-powered MAN hTGX will be produced in an initial small series of 200 vehicles, which will be delivered to customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, and selected non-European markets.

This technology is seen as an alternative zero-emission solution for heavy transport and areas with limited charging infrastructure, complementing MAN’s electric offerings.

Expanded eTruck portfolio and battery innovations

MAN also revealed expansions to its eTruck portfolio, specifically the heavy-duty MAN eTGX and eTGS models.

These lorries, with capacities from 18 to 28 tonnes, now feature modular battery configurations, with an option to add a seventh high-voltage battery, significantly increasing their range. The eTGX, equipped with this additional battery, offers a usable capacity of 560 kWh, resulting in a potential range of around 650 kilometres.

Photo credits @ Trans.iNFO/ Greg Gowans

This new configuration is designed for demanding transport tasks that require longer ranges and increased flexibility.

Preparation for megawatt charging standards

The MAN eTGX and eTGS are being prepared for the upcoming MCS megawatt charging standard, which will allow rapid recharging with up to 1,000 kW. This technology could enable these vehicles to achieve a daily range of up to 800 kilometres, making them suitable for long-distance freight operations.

To support the increasing number of electric trucks on the road, MAN is making significant investments in charging infrastructure. Through a joint venture called Milence, in collaboration with Daimler Truck and Volvo Trucks, MAN aims to establish 1,700 truck charging points, including a major charging park already operational at the Port of Antwerp.

In partnership with E.ON, MAN is also developing a network of 170 public charging locations across Europe, with 125 sites planned for Germany alone. This initiative will create the largest nationwide public charging network for heavy commercial vehicles in Germany, with further locations planned in countries such as Austria, the UK, Denmark, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

New PowerLion Drivetrain and diesel innovations

While the focus remains on electric and hydrogen technologies, MAN is also enhancing its diesel offerings.

The company introduced the PowerLion drivetrain, featuring a newly developed D30 diesel engine. This engine, which is part of the TRATON Group’s shared component platform, promises to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 4%. Over the vehicle’s service life, MAN estimates savings of over €20,000 in fuel costs and a reduction of up to 35 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The new engine will debut in MAN TGX and TGS models from 2025.

Safety systems and decarbonisation focus

In addition to its drivetrain innovations, MAN highlighted advances in safety and assistance systems, including pedestrian and cyclist detection, emergency braking assistants, and turning assistance systems aimed at protecting vulnerable road users. These systems are already in use in MAN trucks and will be featured in the company’s van line-up.

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