The line-up for one of the world’s largest industry exhibitions for the transport and logistics sectors, to be held in Hanover, Germany, reveals the depth and breadth of the push towards electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe.

Formerly known as IAA Commercial Vehicles, which focused on light and heavy commercial vehicles, the new post-Covid event talks to the entire transport and logistics spectrum.

The fair, often covered by South African journalists, will have more than 1 400 exhibitors from 42 countries, and will be held from September 20 to 25.

At the 2022 IAA, attendees will be able to test drive 22 heavy and 39 light commercial vehicles.

Nearly 50 of the vehicles, or 81%, will be alternatively powered, with about 90% of these battery electric and 10% powered by a fuel cell. 

The remaining vehicles will run on renewable diesel fuel. 

Included in this year’s programme will be live demonstrations of the latest recharging infrastructure at a so-called Plug & Play Campus. 

Only 100% green electricity will be used. 

A hydrogen filling station, where the test vehicles can fill up with green hydrogen, will also be available.

Exhibitors will be able to present their innovations on efficient and climate-neutral logistics in the IAA Last Mile Area, including electric cargo bikes, delivery robots and electric vans.

At IAA Cargo Bike Parcours visitors will be able to test the latest models under real conditions, including curb simulations, inclines, slopes and uneven ground.

The 2022 international cargo bike of the year prize will also be awarded for the first time.

And, to round it off, 68 “young, new, innovative and creative” companies from 14 countries will be presenting their transport and logistics solutions for tomorrow’s emission-free and efficient transport at the IAA Start-ups Area.

German automotive industry president Hildegard Müller notes that IAA Transportation 2022 is being held during “an extremely challenging economic environment".

“In view of the current tense economic situation and the high level of uncertainty, we only expect a 5% increase in the heavy-duty European commercial vehicle market this year. 

“We had to lower our forecast from 5% [growth] to 2% [growth] for the US commercial market. 

“We have also recently lowered our 2022 forecast for the Chinese heavy-duty commercial vehicle market from [a decline of] 20% to [a decline of] of 35%”.