At the beginning of April, bauma 2025 showcased some of the latest in construction and heavy-duty trucks from Munich in Germany, writes Peter Schmitz.
More than 600,000 visitors from more than 200 countries travelled to see the wares of 3,601 exhibitors from 57 nations.
It’s fair to say, some of the trucks unveiled might be familiar to construction firms in the United Kingdom but the specification maybe not so much. However, plans are afoot to bring the new electric options to market.
Trucks do not make up a large section of the show, but they are important. This year there was a strong emphasis on electrification and sustainability.
Here are some of the notable truck launches and innovations presented at the event:
- Mercedes-Benz Trucks = eArocs 400
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the eArocs 400, its first battery-electric construction truck,.
This will be available in 32- and 41-tonne 8×4 axle configurations.
It offers a range of up to 240km for tippers and 200km for concrete mixers, and there is more information here.
The plan is for a small series of 150 vehicles per year for selected EU30 markets, and in case you were wondering, Brexit excludes the Brits from this selective group.
That exclusive group of 30 countries includes the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Equipped with a 414kWh LFP battery system and a central electric motor delivering up to 450kW, the eArocs 400 is designed for robust performance in urban and noise-sensitive environments.
Production is set to begin in early 2026, with initial deliveries expected in Q3 2026.
- MAN = eTGS
A highlight was the debut of the all-electric MAN eTGS.
It was presented as a 6×2/4 crane tipper chassis with a usable battery capacity of 480kWh, it is well suited for the construction sector.
The all-electric three-axle crane tipper based on the MAN eTGS with 449hp was fitted with a Meiller Trigenius D316 three-way tipper and a 23-metre-tonne Palfinger PK 24.001 SLD 5 crane that can lift a maximum of 6,200kg and can be extended to a length of almost 15 metres.
The modular battery concept makes the eTGS versatile for things like hydraulic outriggers on the frame in front of the lateral battery packs on the left and right-hand sides to ensure a secure footing during operation.
It means a four-battery pack offers 320kWh capacity and a one-way range of up to 400 kilometres.
- Volvo Trucks & Volvo Construction Equipment = FH Electric & FMX Electric
Volvo presented its FH Electric 6×2 hook lift and FMX Electric 6×4 three-way tipper trucks, highlighting their suitability for various construction applications.
These models are part of Volvo’s strategy to offer sustainable transport solutions across the construction industry.
“I am very proud that we have the widest range of electric trucks for the construction industry. A contractor can buy almost any truck as electric from Volvo today and be sure that it will offer excellent productivity and performance,” explained Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks.
“Electric transport is very suitable for the construction segment, offering zero exhaust emissions and much less noise. It’s good for people living near a construction site, it’s good for the people working at the site and of course also for the climate.”
- FUSO (Daimler Truck) = new eCanter options
FUSO presented new variants of its eCanter electric light-duty truck, tailored for construction and landscaping applications. These models emphasize versatility and bodybuilder-friendly designs.
- Scania = Electric XT Tipper
Scania introduced the XT Battery Electric Tipper 6×4, designed for urban construction with zero emissions and reduced noise levels. This model is part of Scania’s broader initiative to provide sustainable transport solutions.
“Scania can now provide the tools needed to solve materials transport without emissions,” said Stefano Fedel, executive vice president sales and marketing at Scania.
“An increasing number of tenders for materials transport in infrastructure and building projects include demands or incentives for zero-emission vehicles. Already today, many European cities have zero-emission zones, and the number is increasing.”
