The megatrend of sustainability does not stop at mobile machinery. Developers and engineers are faced with the challenge of developing new, battery-powered concepts for the drivetrain. How can electrification and hybridisation projects be implemented on time and on budget? What needs to be considered when selecting assemblies and components? SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS provides answers to these questions. The B2B marketplace for the international supplier industry for the entire off-highway sector will take place from 9 to 15 November 2025 at the same time as AGRITECHNICA in Hanover.

Low-emission technologies will play a central role at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS, which this year will focus on the key theme of "Touch Smart Efficiency". The focus will be on the next generation of intelligent drive and system solutions for off-highway applications. "When it comes to the decarbonisation of agricultural and construction machinery, a shift towards future-oriented e-mobility solutions can be observed on the market alongside the use of_CO2-reduced fuels," confirms Petra Kaiser from the DLG (German Agricultural Society). The SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS brand manager knows that the entire industry is in the midst of a transition towards greater climate neutrality. "The topic is on the agenda in the construction and mining industries, as well as in agriculture and forestry," emphasises Kaiser.

Stricter environmental regulations, rising fuel prices and technological advances are also increasing the acceptance of hybrid drive solutions. The combination of electric motor, battery pack and combustion engine for parallel operation, supplemented by a master power unit and inverter, provides additional power and range when required. Many experts see the hybridisation of the drivetrain as a bridging technology on the way to the complete electrification of mobile machinery, which still faces a number of hurdles due to the high energy requirements. In addition to various electric machines, construction machinery manufacturers are therefore also developing mobile energy storage systems that can be used as grid boosters or independently in stand-alone operation.

Even if classic combustion technology will continue to be the measure of all things in the heavy-duty sector for a long time to come: In the meantime, there are increasing signs of a trend reversal. "Electrification is an important 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. One example of this is the T 264, a 240-tonne mining truck that does not use any fossil fuels at all. It is powered by a 3.2 MWh battery that supports both static and dynamic charging while travelling. The dump truck is also equipped with an energy management system that coordinates the stationary charging processes and ensures optimum utilisation of the charging facility without waiting times on site. Thanks to the Autonomous Haulage Solution (AHS), the truck can also be operated without a driver.

The example shows: Drive concepts in the off-highway sector are constantly being optimised. New components are constantly coming onto the market to drive electrification forward. Engineers, developers and procurement managers will find a scalable portfolio of high-voltage systems for the electrification of driving and work functions at the exhibition centre in Hanover. In addition to electric motors and inverters, the specially developed modular platforms also include transmissions, software and accessories as well as customised hydraulics. Other key components such as lithium-ion battery packs, DC/DC converters and onboard chargers complete the range and enable holistic solutions.

Dispensing with conventional combustion engines not only reduces emissions and maintenance costs. The electric central drives also open up new scope in vehicle architecture, for example through the integration of intelligent control units and braking systems. When it comes to electrifying mobile machinery, the focus is not just on the drivetrain. PTOs, so-called electric Power Take Offs (ePTO), also play an important role at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS. These can operate hydraulic pumps, for example, which are necessary for the operation of cranes or lifting platforms. Unlike traditional mechanical power take-offs, which are driven directly by the vehicle's engine, ePTOs operate independently of the drivetrain. This significantly reduces fuel consumption, emissions and noise pollution.

Environmentally friendly and quiet - this also characterises the operation of electric farmyard and telescopic loaders or feed mixers in agriculture. In contrast, machines that are used at high power in continuous operation far away from the infrastructure in the field are currently only suitable for electrification to a limited extent. The industry will therefore have to stick with combustion engines in the long term, although interest in and demand for climate-friendly diesel alternatives is growing. But what is already possible today? The Expert Stage is dedicated to answering this question as part of the "Innovative drive technologies" theme. The central meeting point for engineers and developers provides insights into current industry topics and can be found in Hall 17 at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS.

Experts such as Carlo Lambro see great potential, especially for agricultural machinery in the low horsepower segment. "We are talking about a medium-term product strategy here, but we are already working intensively on electrification and continuing our R&D activities," says the brand president of New Holland Agriculture. The New Holland T4 Electric Power tractor, which made its European debut at Agritechnica 2023, is a prime example of this. With a peak output of 120 hp, a maximum torque of 440 Nm and a top speed of 40 km/h, it is suitable for livestock, orchards and mixed farms as well as for municipal applications. Unique features include the Follow Me mode, which allows the tractor to follow the driver when he is outside the cab, for example when passing through gates or feeding livestock.

Increased efficiency of the working hydraulics

Electrification projects in the off-highway sector do not necessarily require the entire vehicle to be redesigned. The aim is often to carry out proven work processes electrically. The first step is to separate the traction drive and hydraulics. The direct electric or electromechanical design of the travel drive instead of the hydrostatic drive significantly increases the efficiency of the drive. In addition, a separate electric motor, which drives the hydraulic pump for work functions such as lifting, lowering, tilting and steering, can be reduced to minimum energy consumption or switched off completely during pure driving operation.

Instead of a complete switch to purely electric machines, a hybrid scenario is emerging in the off-highway sector at SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS. And that means that electric actuators will supplement the hydraulic systems where it makes sense.