Five cutting-edge advancements in commercial transportation showcased at the IAA event
The Commercial Vehicle Show IAA Transportation (until September 22) primarily focuses on reducing carbon emissions and showcases electric drive concepts for trucks like tractors, vans, and pickups. Besides electrification, diesel trucks can also become more efficient with innovations from the supplier industry.
ZF TrailTrax
Diesel-operated semi-trailer tractors will continue to be in use for some time, but with the aid of electric drive technology, they can significantly improve fuel efficiency. ZF showcases partial electrification with TrailTrax, a trailer concept that can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16%. A semi-trailer is fitted with ZF-developed electric axle AxTrax2. This system recuperates energy during braking, converts it into electrical energy, and stores it in a battery. The powerful 210 kW electric axle can be driven using the recovered energy, thereby relieving the tractor's main drive and reducing fuel consumption. This technology also works with electrically-driven semi-trailer tractors, increasing their range. Leading trailer manufacturers like Kässbohrer and Krone, as well as trailer running gear and axle supplier BPW, have started implementing TrailTrax technologies, according to ZF.
IM Efficiency SolarOnTop
The Dutch company IM Efficiency covers truck trailer roofs with solar panels. These panels charge an additional battery that provides power to the on-board network. Consequently, the alternator does not have to generate power for auxiliary consumers during the journey. Even when stationary, the panels can charge the truck battery, thereby preventing the engine from running. The claimed fuel savings are over 5%. Approximately 2,000 liters of diesel can be saved per year. The return on investment for such a solar installation is estimated to be achieved within three years.
Michelin X Line Energy 3 and X Multi Energy 2
Michelin, a tire manufacturer, presents two new truck tire types, the X Line Energy and the X Multi Energy, at the IAA. They stand out due to their reduced rolling resistance and help in reducing fuel consumption. The X Line Energy 3, designed for long-distance transport, has been awarded the energy efficiency class A. Michelin claims a fuel saving of up to 0.62 liters per 100 kilometers. With a mileage of 150,000 kilometers, up to 3 tons of CO2 can be saved compared to competitors' averages. The Multi Energy 2, designed for trucks and heavy commercial vehicles on motorways, federal and country roads, can save up to 0.5 tons of CO2 per year with a mileage of 100,000 kilometers.
Bosch Retrofit Efficiency Module
Bosch presents a retrofit solution at the IAA, which aims to provide a more intelligent speed control. Bosch promises easy installation and integration into existing transportation and fleet management systems. The system adjusts the vehicle's speed in real-time without requiring the driver's intervention. Unlike a cruise control, the system is said to dynamically adjust the speed based on the situation and choose the optimal speed depending on the situation. This can save up to 4% fuel, on average.
Maxion Wheels Lightweight Steel Wheel
Maxion, the wheel specialist, is presenting a new lightweight steel wheel at the commercial vehicle show, weighing less than 30 kilograms. The company aims to reduce CO2 emissions during production by 60% through methods like using green steel, among others. Moreover, Maxion claims to have achieved significant weight reduction in truck steel wheels with a leaf-shaped ventilation hole design. This results in a savings of approximately 3 kilograms per wheel, allowing for an increase in payload of 40 kilograms, which subsequently improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions.
The implementation of ZF's TrailTrax technology in semi-trailers can help reduce CO2 emissions from the transport of goods by up to 16%, as it uses electric drive technology to improve fuel efficiency in diesel-operated semi-trailer tractors. The novel lightweight steel wheel presented by Maxion at the show aims to decrease CO2 emissions during production and in transportation, as it reduces wheel weight, thereby improving fuel efficiency and allowing for an increased payload.
