The IAA – rebranded IAA Transportation this year – takes place in Hannover, Germany, from September 20 to 25, 2022. One of the world’s largest transport exhibitions, the fair will present wares from over 1200 exhibitors from more than 40 countries.
No diesel leg
Michael Perschke, CEO and board member of Quantron, addressed the world’s leading transport journalists at the recent IAA International Press Workshop in Frankfurt and he explained that, while the company isn’t that well known, it has actually been around for 140 years. “Unlike many other companies, we don’t have two legs to stand on (including a diesel leg); we are only focused on zero-emission vehicles,” he pointed out.
Quantron’s vision is to decarbonize freight and passenger transportation. To this end, it offers a comprehensive platform for zero-emission mobility truck, bus and van solutions – both fully electric and with hydrogen fuel cell drive. Perschke is clearly a big fan of Tesla’s Elon Musk – and he wants to replicate Musk’s achievements in the passenger car game. “Back in 2010, I was at Audi, and I was trying to convince my fellow Audi board members that he (Musk) was doing something smart,” he noted.
One-stop shop
The focus of the IAA Transportation 2022 is on the transformation of the commercial vehicle sector in the move towards emission-free drives and – in keeping with this – Quantron will display a number of zero-emission products at the fair. “At the IAA, we will present our desire to be a one-stop shop and a solution provider,” Perschke told journalists.
The company doesn’t just sell its own zero-emission vehicles; it also offers the conversion of used and existing vehicles such as trucks, buses and vans from 3.49 to 44 tons GVM.
Two new vehicles coming
At the International Press Workshop, Perschke revealed that the company would be presenting two new vehicles for the heavy-duty sector at the fair: a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) truck for long-distance transport and the all-electric Quantron QHM battery-electric vehicle (BEV) 50-392.
The FCEV sounds particularly impressive. “The vehicle was developed as part of a strategic partnership with the world's leading hydrogen expert, Ballard Power Systems, and features an integrated E-axle from a global Tier 1 propulsion leader. The FCEV truck will be available from the second quarter of 2023 onwards.
“The unique selling points, which are best-in-class in the existing competitive segment, include a range of up to 700 km, uncompromising suitability for everyday use with a cabin which provides drivers with overnight accommodation during long journeys as well as the option of using ISO standard trailers. The FCEV truck will feature a hydrogen tank capacity well exceeding 50 kg of stored H2. We have no compromise on payload when it comes to our long-distance fuel cell trucks,” Perschke revealed.
The fuel cell truck will enjoy its world premiere at the IAA. Unfortunately, it won’t be driving around on the test track, so we won’t be able to test it (there will be 60 other vehicles there for test driving purposes). Instead, we will see a static display of the all-new truck. Never mind; hopefully a test drive isn’t too far away.
The second vehicle – the all-electric Quantron QHM BEV 50-392 – is based on the MAN TG3 (TGS & TGX), and it is new in the Quantron AG portfolio. The heavy-duty truck can already be ordered by customers and is ideally suited for factory and distribution operations thanks to its low-noise and emission-free drive. “The Quantron QHM BEV 50-392 is available in different configurations as a 4x2 and 6x2. It has a range of up to 350 km with a high-voltage 392 kWh battery and can be charged with power outputs of up to 350 kW,” noted Perschke.
Next stop South Africa?
It is very interesting to note that both vehicles (along with many other commercial vehicles from Quantron AG) are financially supported and receive incentives in Germany – with up to 80% of the additional costs covered through a government programme for the purchase of commercial vehicles with alternative drives. If we’re ever to see a real move to zero-emission transport in South Africa, that’s exactly what is required here.
Speaking of which: when can we see Quantron vehicles in sunny South Africa? “Quantron is pursuing an international expansion plan over the next five years, including South Africa,” reveals Stephanie Miller, a spokesperson for the company. Zero emissions, here we come!
