New Hybrid Truck Cuts Emissions 73% in City Deliveries

Big rigs hauling goods across Europe just got a major upgrade that could dramatically cut the carbon footprint of everything from your online orders to grocery store deliveries.

ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions completed testing on the TraXon 2 Hybrid, a next-generation transmission system designed for heavy commercial trucks. The results show the technology can reduce emissions by up to 73% for delivery trucks operating in cities, and up to 47% for long-haul freight vehicles.

The system works by letting trucks run purely on electric power in urban areas where stop-and-go traffic wastes the most fuel. When drivers head out for longer routes, the combustion engine kicks in to provide the range fleet operators need. Think of it as getting the best of both worlds: zero-emission deliveries downtown and no range anxiety on the highway.

"TraXon 2 Hybrid delivers a clear advantage for high-mileage operations by substantially reducing CO2 emissions while maintaining cost efficiency," said Christian Feldhaus, vice president of transmissions and hybrids at ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions. The company developed the system based on ongoing conversations with truck manufacturers, fleet operators and industry regulators.

The technology tackles a real challenge facing the freight industry. While electric cars have become common, fully electric semi-trucks still face limitations on charging infrastructure and range for cross-country routes. This hybrid approach lets companies start cutting emissions immediately without waiting for the entire charging network to catch up.

The system packs a 190-kilowatt electric motor that operates between 600 and 800 volts, positioned strategically to allow pure electric driving through 12 gears. It captures energy during braking that would otherwise be wasted as heat, feeding it back into the battery. The combustion engine works flexibly with diesel, sustainable aviation-style e-fuels, natural gas, or even hydrogen.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the direct emissions cuts, this technology helps logistics companies meet Europe's strict 2030 fleet emissions targets while adapting gradually to electrification. Fleet operators can train drivers, adjust dispatch systems, and install charging stations step by step rather than overhauling everything overnight.

For companies with tight budgets, the hybrid system offers a practical entry point toward cleaner operations. They can start reducing their carbon footprint today while building toward full electrification where it makes sense. The flexibility also helps navigate evolving toll roads and tax regulations that increasingly favor low-emission vehicles.

The testing confirms what the industry needed: a proven pathway to significantly cleaner freight transport that works with real-world logistics demands. Every delivery truck and long-haul rig running this system means cleaner air in cities and measurable progress toward climate goals.