It’s electric at the IAA. However, conventional powertrains are still part of the program. But electric drives play the leading role at this year’s commercial vehicle trade fair. Smaller transport options were also presented.
Hydrogen was also present, which represents a very interesting alternative to electric drives for me.
Again: Nothing New
Most of what was shown has already been displayed in recent years thanks to Facebook, and certainly, it is something different to see the vehicles live in color and even get to “touch the paint.” Nevertheless, manufacturers did not miss the opportunity to showcase their new electric vehicles for the press in a grand and exciting manner. Iveco made a huge show of it; Mercedes, despite having a significantly smaller trade fair stand this year, also didn’t let itself be deprived of its share of the spotlight.
However, if one has paid attention to the pages on social networks from all manufacturers over the past two years due to Corona, one will have a Déjà-vu at the IAA. One or another truck has already been seen, and many are already driving around on the roads.
Hydrogen? Cool Thing
Talking about electric drives with many providers was already interesting. Even with vehicle builders who were less enthusiastic about manufacturers offering an electric truck that wasn’t even fully charged, there was discussion. So even a vehicle builder from Bielefeld had to think about how to get the e-truck from here to Hanover. First, drive through Bielefeld with the unit and find a charging station.
In contrast, providers of hydrogen drives were different. While electric mobility was often mocked, one could also have technical discussions with the people there. Particularly interesting was a company from Ostfriesland capable of building a complete hydrogen refueling system starting from power generation, through hydrogen production, to the finished refueling station, both for depot operation and as a ready-to-sell station for supplying hydrogen to others.
It’s Not All Gold That Glitters
Or perhaps nothing glittered at all. As in 2018, on press day, foreign exhibitors were still busy setting up or had just finished:). For example, thoroughly cleaning the vehicle windshields and removing the tools used for this seemed to be too much of a good thing here.
However, finding a conversation partner on the outdoor grounds, especially with crane manufacturers like Palfinger, was not necessarily possible, as many were busy filming their IAA presentation clips. Instead, I was able to take a look through the VR glasses at Hiab Loglift to see what field of view this system offers for viewers.
Me on the crane. Where else?
I find this concept particularly great because one doesn’t necessarily have to drive into the mud in bad weather, get out, and climb onto the crane, thereby getting dirty for the first time. Here, it’s better to drive something like this on a bad road, move over to the passenger seat, load up, and secure the load outside.
And of course, one can also take a seat on an ergonomically redesigned crane 😀
At BG-Verkehr
Yes, the Berufsgenossenschaft (BG) responsible for our industry is also present at the IAA in Hall H27, Stand B25. One should go there, as they have many important pieces of information for us. In particular, the brochure shared by some over the past few months regarding the removal of snow and ice should be taken away.
My wife and I had a long conversation with a present employee, especially about the topic “I’m not allowed on the roof, I’m not insured…” We were able to discuss this extensively. And what should I say: It’s foolish that the BG does not insure someone and won’t pay in case of damage.
The BG pays in case of damage as a rule. Only afterwards is it checked whether everything was done correctly and where one can recover the money. That means, if self-inflicted fault can be proven, costs must be repaid. Otherwise, no payment.
God Be With Us - A Visit to Trucker Church
Yes, even though I have nothing more to do with the church association, I can still talk to Raphael Haller from Trucker Church . He will be there all week and not only he will have an open ear for your topics.
You can find Trucker Church in Hall H21, Stand B16. And once again, thanks for the coffee :)
Conclusion
Ingos new truck
All in all, it was quite interesting, even though there weren’t really any novelties that would have knocked me off my chair. Much was already known, simply because much could be seen on Facebook or other media.
That so much emphasis is placed on electric drives seems personally regrettable to me, because in my opinion, this does not cover everything. In distribution traffic, it’s okay; in long-haul transport, it works if the range fits. However, charging duration becomes an issue again. I saw vehicles there that need about 2 hours to reach 100% again if the charging station supports it. One can also get slightly informed about autonomous driving; occasionally, a few solution approaches are visible.
At Continental, they are also currently experimenting with a smartphone app so that drivers no longer need keys and trucks can be assigned to drivers. For me, this is rather uninteresting, but it might be interesting for those where the driver does not have a fixed truck. In that case, the truck could be parked at a point, the driver would be picked up or leave somehow otherwise; no key needs to be stored since the new driver has access via their smartphone.
Whether this is sensible or not, one can debate about that.
