Iveco Advances Electric Truck Trials for Zero-Emission Freight Transport in Europe

Iveco, in collaboration with Gruber Logistics and AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, has launched real-world testing activities under the EMPOWER project to evaluate the practicality of zero-emission freight transport solutions. The initiative is focused on improving the operational viability of electric trucks and supporting their broader deployment across regional and long-haul logistics operations throughout Europe. The project is expected to generate valuable operational data that can help accelerate the transition toward cleaner commercial transportation systems.

A six-month trial is scheduled to begin in mid-June 2026, with testing taking place from the northeastern Italy facility of Gruber Logistics. The demonstration vehicle is a heavy-duty electric prototype developed by Iveco and based on the S-eWay Rigid platform. Designed to support medium- and long-distance freight operations, the truck offers a driving range of up to 400 km and will remain in active testing through the end of 2026. Prior to deployment in Italy, the prototype successfully completed evaluation activities at Iveco's facility in Germany.

The vehicle has been specifically engineered for longer transport missions using swap bodies instead of conventional semi-trailers. To accommodate this application, the truck features an extended frame configuration along with a modified driver cabin tailored to operational requirements. These design adaptations are intended to improve flexibility and efficiency for freight operators seeking zero-emission transport solutions across varying route profiles.

The prototype is equipped with an integrated data logging system that continuously records vehicle performance metrics during operation. Key parameters under evaluation include energy consumption, charging efficiency, and battery performance. The truck utilizes five battery packs with a combined energy capacity of 300 kWh. Power is delivered through an FPT eAxle system capable of generating an output of 480 kW, enabling detailed analysis of drivetrain efficiency and operational performance under real-world conditions.

For the 2026 phase of the EMPOWER project, testing activities will remain focused on the battery-electric truck platform. The project roadmap also includes a hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) truck trial scheduled for 2027. Insights gathered from both vehicle technologies are expected to contribute to the development of scalable and practical zero-emission freight transport solutions for the European logistics sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of the EMPOWER project involving Iveco's electric truck?
The EMPOWER project is designed to evaluate and improve the practicality of zero-emission freight transportation in Europe through real-world vehicle testing. The initiative brings together technology and logistics partners to collect operational data from heavy-duty electric trucks in actual transport conditions. The findings will support advancements in vehicle efficiency, charging performance, and battery utilization while helping accelerate the adoption of sustainable freight solutions across regional and long-haul transport operations.

What are the key specifications of the Iveco electric truck prototype?
The Iveco prototype is based on the S-eWay Rigid platform and is engineered for medium- and long-distance freight transport applications. It offers a driving range of up to 400 km and features five battery packs with a total capacity of 300 kWh. The vehicle is powered by an FPT eAxle capable of producing 480 kW of output. It also includes an advanced data logging system that tracks energy consumption, battery efficiency, and charging performance throughout the trial period.

Why is the truck configured with swap bodies instead of semi-trailers?
The prototype has been developed for operational scenarios that require greater flexibility on longer transport routes. Using swap bodies allows freight operators to manage cargo transfers more efficiently while adapting to different logistics requirements. To support this configuration, the vehicle includes an extended frame and a modified driver cabin. These changes help optimize the truck for practical freight operations and enable more accurate assessment of electric vehicle performance in demanding commercial transport environments.

Where will the real-world testing of the electric truck take place?
The six-month trial will operate from the Gruber Logistics site in northeastern Italy beginning in mid-June 2026. The vehicle will be tested across medium- and long-distance transport routes through the end of the year. Before entering field operations, the prototype completed earlier testing activities at an Iveco facility in Germany. The combination of controlled testing and real-world deployment allows project partners to evaluate vehicle performance under a wide range of operating conditions.

What is planned after the battery-electric truck trials?
Following the battery-electric vehicle evaluations in 2026, the EMPOWER project plans to begin testing a hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle truck in 2027. This next phase will help compare and assess different zero-emission technologies for commercial freight transportation. Data collected from both battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles will support future development efforts and provide insights into scalable solutions that can meet the evolving needs of the European logistics and transportation industry.