In Dialog with Dr. Frederik Zohm
What future topics are shaping the commercial vehicle industry and how is MAN Truck & Bus positioning itself in these areas?
Our three major future topics are electrification, automation and digitalization. As a commercial vehicle manufacturer, we see ourselves as having a special responsibility to contribute to climate protection with all our might. In 2024, more than 95 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions were due to the use of our vehicles. Therefore, we can only achieve climate and fleet targets with locally emission-free vehicles. This is why electrification is the decisive factor for us on the path to emission-free mobility for commercial vehicles, and our goal is clear. By 2030, about every second truck should be equipped with zero-emission drives. Autonomous road freight transport also has the potential to significantly improve costs, efficiency, reliability, sustainability, and above all, safety in the transport sector. Autonomous vehicles also lead to a radical transformation of the business model, and MAN is accompanying this change as a provider of intelligent and sustainable transport solutions. Our goal is to pave the way to Logistics 4.0 with automated commercial vehicles, especially in hub-to-hub applications. In addition to zero emissions and automation, digitalization is also one of the most important trends in the commercial vehicle industry.
Digitalization makes vehicles even more economical, ecological and safer, and it is becoming increasingly important for fleet operators. Current information about the location or condition of the vehicle is indispensable in logistics today, as is the ability to update existing functions or equip the truck with additional features – preferably via a mobile interface »Over the Air«. We are therefore working intensively on connected vehicles with international teams at locations such as Munich, Lisbon and Pune (India).
Speaking of autonomous vehicles, MAN has recently celebrated the project completion of ATLAS-L4. What is behind this name and what were the results of the project?
In the research and development project, ATLAS-L4 (Automated Transport between Logistics Centers on Highways at Level 4), we worked with partners in the areas of industry and science to bring autonomous trucks to the road. The project is based on the 2021 German law on autonomous driving, which allows autonomous driving on defined routes under technical supervision.
The project, which started in 2022 and was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has proven that the use of Level 4 automated, driverless trucks on highways between logistics hubs is achievable. We were able to show what an industrially viable concept for the operation of autonomous trucks on the highway could look like, and thus, laying the foundation for future series applications in Logistics 4.0. The first drive of an autonomous truck on a German highway took place as part of ATLAS-L4 with a test permit that was based on the law on autonomous driving by the KBA.
Where does MAN currently stand in offering zero-emission vehicles?
For our city buses, we already deliver up to 70 percent electrically and have successfully been in the market for six years. Currently, the first electric low-entry vehicles are also on the road. The battery-electric coach is set to premiere at the Busworld trade fair in Brussels in October of 2025. Since 2024, we have also had a complete range of electric trucks with maximum weights ranging from 12 to 42 tons and daily ranges of up to 800 kilometers.
The first fleet of heavy eTrucks with around 120 vehicles has already covered 500,000 kilometers in customer use. This has already saved around 400 tons of CO2 compared to diesel trucks. The MAN eTruck offers up to one million different combination variants, enabling the right fully electric truck for every common application. For example, the ultra-low-liner with a 950 mm low saddle height and a short wheelbase of only 3.75 meters is particularly suitable for use in automotive logistics, where maximum loading volume is crucial.
Digitalization makes vehicles even more economical, ecological and safer, and it is becoming increasingly important for fleet operators.
What is the significance of the transition to zero emissions for MAN’s German sites?
Take for example the MAN plant in Nuremberg, which has a 180-year tradition. In April 2025, battery pack production officially started in Nuremberg. In addition to the approximately 100 million euros already invested in the production facility, around another 150 million euros will be invested in the coming years to further develop battery technology expertise and increase the depth of value creation. Specifically, this means that in the next generation of batteries, not only will the battery packs consisting of several modules be assembled in Nuremberg, but the modules themselves, which contain several battery cells, will also be assembled there.
The charging infrastructure is crucial for the success of fully electric trucks. What steps is MAN taking to ensure a comprehensive charging infrastructure?
Yes, that is correct. By 2030, we will need around 50,000 charging points across Europe, including 30,000 with megawatt-level charging capacity. MAN is involved in the joint venture Milence, which will build at least 1,700 high-performance and megawatt charging points for commercial vehicles across Europe by 2027. We are also building truck charging stations in Europe in collaboration with E.ON. Additionally, we are participating in various research projects to enable higher charging capacities and shorter charging times.
In addition to battery-electric vehicles, MAN is also developing and researching hydrogen technology. How do the areas of application differ here?
We expect that battery-electric trucks will best serve the majority of customers’ transport applications. Hydrogen combustion and, in the future, fuel cell technology could be an important emission-free complement to electric trucks, especially for very long journeys, special applications or in regions without sufficient charging infrastructure.
Therefore, in addition to the zero-emission truck portfolio, we offer a small series of hydrogen combustion trucks due to the classification of our hydrogen combustion technology as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV). Another possible complement to BEVs could be hydrogen-based drives with fuel cell technology, which could be available from the early 2030s. In the »Bayernflotte« project, we are developing a prototype fuel cell truck.
