GRUBER Logistics, IVECO and AIT Advance Zero-Emission Heavy Transport with the EMPOWER Project
A new battery-electric prototype for long-haul and groupage operations enters real-world logistics missions, paving the way for large-scale implementation in European logistics.
Turin/Ora/Wiew – As part of the EMPOWER project, a six-month trial phase will begin in mid-June 2026, featuring a zero-emission battery-electric truck prototype from IVECO for heavy-duty applications. In collaboration with logistics provider GRUBER Logistics, a prototype derived from the standard-production IVECO S-eWay Rigid will be operated from the company’s site in north-eastern Italy, within its LTL (Less Than Truckload) division, handling groupage and partial loads.
With a range of up to 400 kilometres, the vehicle will be tested on medium- and long-haul routes until the end of 2026, following the successful completion of initial driving tests at IVECO’s private test track in Ulm, Germany.
The truck integrates innovative solutions supported by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe programme and developed in collaboration with project partners on the IVECO electric platform. These solutions include several enhancements, such as additional cab insulation and dedicated HMI features to identify the most sustainable routes and optimize energy consumption. In addition, the vehicle has been configured for specialized groupage freight transport within the project, including a custom-built subframe and additional rear-view cameras to facilitate operations.
Validation of New Technologies in Real-World Logistics Operations
The EMPOWER project (Eco-operated, Modulable, highly efficient and flexible multi-drive for long-haul heavy-duty vehicles) represents a decisive step towards scalable zero-emission freight transport in Europe. By validating battery-electric heavy-duty vehicle technology in real-world logistics operations, the project helps bridge the gap between advanced vehicle development and wide market adoption. The data collected during the demonstration will support the optimization of future electric truck platforms and contribute to the large-scale rollout of battery-electric vehicles for both regional applications and long-haul freight transport.
What sets the prototype apart is that it was developed specifically for zero-emission transport on longer routes using swap bodies rather than semi-trailers. To meet these requirements, it features an extended chassis tailored to the operational needs defined in collaboration with GRUBER Logistics. In addition, the driver’s cab was adapted – in synergy with several EMPOWER project partners – to implement the necessary operational and control strategies.
“At IVECO, we are committed to developing zero-emission solutions, and EMPOWER has provided the ideal framework to collaborate across the ecosystem on specific and demanding transport missions. Our focus is not only on technological advancement, but also on validating solutions in real-world conditions—bridging innovation and practical application, enabling early testing, customer feedback, and a deeper understanding of system integration, while ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability at every stage of development,” commented Pierpaolo Biffali, Head of Innovation & Advanced Engineering Iveco Group.
Michele De Gennaro, Head of Competence Unit Electric Vehicle Technologies AIT, stated: “The successful deployment of the IVECO battery electric demonstrator with GRUBER Logistics for EMPOWER represents an important step towards scalable zero-emission freight transport in Europe. Building on this operational foundation, we look forward to continuing our collaboration within the European research framework, aiming to accelerate the large-scale rollout of battery electric heavy-duty vehicles in European logistics operations.”
“With the IVECO electric truck prototype specially adapted for the EMPOWER scope, we can test a cutting-edge vehicle in terms of performance and reliability in real-world logistics operations. To achieve ambitious climate targets in the logistics industry, innovative projects of this kind are essential for zero-emission road freight transport,” highlighted Martin Gruber, CEO of GRUBER Logistics. “By operating the truck across a wide range of routes and for various freight categories in the groupage and partial load segment, the project will enable us to gather key insights for the future development of ZE-HDV trucks.”
Data collection and future roadmaps
To this end, the truck is equipped with a data logger that will collect a broad range of vehicle information. Key parameters include electrical energy consumption and the efficiency of the five batteries, which together can deliver a capacity of 300 kWh, powered by the FPT eAxle (480 kW). Charging performance will also be closely monitored. All data will be managed from the GRUBER Logistics site in Bologna (Italy), where the test vehicle will be recharged via a mobile unit. From this location, dispatch operations will also coordinate the deployment of the battery-electric truck across the GRUBER Logistics customer network.
For 2026, the EMPOWER project is focusing on the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) trial phase. A trial of a hydrogen-powered truck (FCEV – Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) is then scheduled for 2027.
IVECO, GRUBER Logistics, and AIT plan to continue their fruitful collaboration along this path through extended real-world trials, aiming to accelerate the transition from individual demonstrators to large-scale, cross-border trials, leveraging the technological and operational foundations developed within EMPOWER, with a clear focus on quality.