On the Road to Zero Emissions

The megatrend of sustainability is firmly impacting mobile machinery. Engineers and developers are faced with the challenge of designing new battery-powered concepts for powertrains. But how can electrification and hybridization projects be delivered on time and within budget? What should be considered when selecting assemblies and components? These are the kinds of questions addressed at AGRITECHNICA at its SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS event, the B2B marketplace for the international supplier industry across the entire off-highway sector.

Low-emission technologies will play a key role at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS. The spotlight is on the next generation of intelligent drive and system solutions for off-highway applications.

“When it comes to decarbonizing agricultural and construction machinery, we’re seeing a shift toward forward-looking e-mobility solutions alongside the use of CO2-reduced fuels,” says Petra Kaiser from DLG (German Agricultural Society). As Brand Manager of SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS, she emphasizes that the entire industry is undergoing a transformation toward greater climate neutrality. “This topic is on the agenda not only in construction and mining, but also in agriculture and forestry,” Kaiser adds.

Stricter environmental regulations, rising fuel prices, and technological advances are driving greater acceptance of hybrid drive solutions. Combining electric motors, battery packs, and combustion engines for parallel operation—enhanced by a master power unit and inverter—can deliver additional power and range when needed. Many experts view hybridization as a bridging technology on the path to full electrification of mobile machinery, which still faces hurdles due to high energy demands.

In addition to various electric motor designs, construction equipment manufacturers are developing mobile energy storage systems that can be used either to reinforce the grid or operate independently in off-grid scenarios.

Even though traditional combustion technology will remain dominant in heavy-duty applications for some time, signs of a turning point are emerging.

“Electrification is a key part of our strategy to offer fossil-free options for all our mining equipment by 2030,” says Oliver Weiss, Executive Vice President R&D, Engineering and Manufacturing at Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS.

A prime example is the T 264, a 240-ton mining truck that operates entirely without fossil fuels. It is powered by a 3.2 MWh battery, supporting both static and dynamic charging during operation. The truck also features an energy management system that coordinates charging processes and ensures optimal use of charging infrastructure without downtime. Using Autonomous Haulage Solution (AHS), the truck can even operate without a driver.

This example shows how powertrain concepts in the off-highway sector are being continuously optimized. New components are regularly entering the market to advance electrification. At the exhibition grounds in Hanover,  Germany, engineers, developers, and procurement managers will find a scalable portfolio of high-voltage systems for electrifying both drive and working functions. These specially developed modular platforms include not only electric motors and inverters, but also gearboxes, software, accessories, and coordinated hydraulic systems. Additional key components such as lithium-ion battery packs, DC/DC converters, and onboard chargers round out the offering, enabling comprehensive system solutions.

Moving away from conventional combustion engines not only reduces emissions and maintenance requirements—it also opens up new possibilities in vehicle architecture. For example, intelligent control units and braking systems can be more easily integrated. When it comes to electrifying mobile machinery, the focus isn’t only on the main drivetrain. Electric Power Take-Offs (ePTOs) also play a key role at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS. These can power hydraulic pumps for cranes or lifting platforms. Unlike traditional mechanical PTOs, which are driven directly by the vehicle’s engine, ePTOs operate independently of the drivetrain—significantly reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and noise.

Quiet and environmentally friendly operation also defines electric loaders, telehandlers, and feed mixers used in agriculture. However, machines that operate continuously in the field, far from infrastructure and with high power demands, are still only partially suited for electrification. As a result, the industry will continue to rely on combustion engines for the foreseeable future—though interest in climate-friendly diesel alternatives is growing.

So what’s already possible today? That’s the focus of the Expert Stage under the theme “Innovative Drive Technologies”, located in Hall 17 at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS. This central meeting point for engineers and developers offers insights into the latest industry developments.

Experts like Carlo Lambro, Brand President of New Holland Agriculture, see great potential—especially for low-horsepower tractors. “We’re talking about a medium-term product strategy, but we’re already working intensively on electrification and continuing our R&D efforts,” says Lambro.

A prime example is the New Holland T4 Electric Power, which made its European debut at Agritechnica 2023. With a peak output of 120 hp, 440 Nm of torque, and a top speed of 40 km/h, it’s ideal for livestock farms, orchards, mixed operations, and municipal use. One standout feature is the Follow-Me mode, where the tractor follows the operator outside the cab—useful for tasks like passing through gates or feeding livestock.

Boosting Hydraulic Efficiency

Electrification projects in the off-highway sector don’t always require a complete vehicle redesign. Often, the goal is to electrify proven workflows. A key first step is separating the drive system from the hydraulics. Replacing hydrostatic drives with direct electric or electromechanical systems significantly improves efficiency. Additionally, a separate electric motor powering the hydraulic pump for work functions—such as lifting, tilting, or steering—can be throttled down or shut off entirely during travel, minimizing energy use.

Rather than a full shift to all-electric machines, what’s emerging at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS is a hybrid scenario: electric actuators are being added to hydraulic systems where it makes sense—combining the best of both worlds.