European logistics and heavy vehicle sectors undergo technological shifts

The European commercial vehicle and logistics sectors are undergoing significant technological and industrial shifts. Hankook Tire is expanding its European footprint with a 540 million euro investment in Hungary to produce truck and bus tires locally, aiming to shorten supply chains and reduce CO2 emissions.

In the realm of electrification, Scania has introduced a ‘Battery-Behind-Cab’ solution to increase the range of electric trucks, potentially offering up to 720 kilometers of travel. Meanwhile, GAC Group is showcasing autonomous and electric heavy vehicles at the IAA Transportation trade fair, including the T9 Robotruck which utilizes Level 4 autonomous technology.

Infrastructure and testing are also advancing. Strabag has secured a major contract to build 140 fast-charging points for trucks at German highway service areas. In a notable real-world application, Lidl has deployed Germany’s first driverless electric truck for store deliveries in North Hesse, operating under SAE Level 4 autonomy.

However, industry challenges remain. The ACEA reports that only 2.4 percent of new heavy trucks in Europe are currently emission-free, leading manufacturers to request a three-year extension on 2030 CO2 reduction targets due to insufficient charging infrastructure and high energy costs.