It was clear at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show that the 130-year-old diesel engine still rules Australian highways, but through the magic of modern engineering and precise manufacturing, it’ll be cleaner than ever before.
The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show set a new standard for Australia’s booming transport industry, with the biggest showing of internal combustion engine trucks in the Southern Hemisphere and record crowds to match.
An incredible array of trucks were on display, with more than 20 major manufacturers rolling in for what was a truly world-class event. In fact, the 54,000-plus attendees were hard-pressed getting to every stand – there were that many!
While the 2023 show was all about electric and hydrogen models, this year’s show saw a strong return to diesel propulsion on the stands, as manufacturers showcased their latest Euro 6 creations ahead of the ADR 80/40 emissions update in November.
So, the 130-year-old diesel engine still rules Australian highways, but through the magic of modern engineering and precise manufacturing, it’ll be cleaner than ever before. This year’s event even showcased the latest aerodynamic, biofuel and renewable diesel innovations, further enhancing internal combustion engine trucks as Australia pursues a greener future.
In case you missed it, or if you simply want to relive the spectacle, here are the top trucks from the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show…
Kenworth
Kenworth’s stand is always a hit at the show, as crowds flock to see the latest and greatest from the iconic brand – from chromed-up K220s to Legend Series T909s.
The ‘KW’ badge is synonymous with tough-looking trucks that pay homage to the classic design the brand is famous for, with the Cummins – and now PACCAR – grunt to match, but what does the future look like for the powerhouse truck maker?
Looking to a greener future, Kenworth used this year’s show to unveil its new-generation Euro 6 wide-cab models to hordes of loyal fans, with the new T320, T420, T620 and T620SAR rolled out for the first time in Australia.
For the new models, Kenworth has taken its proven formula and enhanced it, offering modern technology, efficient Euro 6 powertrains and exceptional standard safety features across the lineup.
Kenworth unveiled its new-generation Euro 6 wide-cab T320, T420, T620 and T620SAR models alongside chromed-up K220s and Legend Series T909s. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
“Kenworth engineers spent countless hours with customers, gathering their insights,” says PACCAR Australia Director Sales and Marketing, Michael Long.
“The feedback was clear: the existing models were excellent, but there was room for improvement. Those implemented enhancements and refinements have culminated in the new-generation series.”
The updated range uses a mix of Euro 6 engines, with larger models scoring the latest Cummins X15 with ratings of up to 625hp, while compact models use the smaller PACCAR MX-13 available with up to 510hp.
Alongside the standard inclusion of Kenworth’s latest safety systems, all of the new models will benefit from the PACCAR Connect telematics solution, putting performance data at the fingertips of operators.
DAF
DAF rolled into the Brisbane Truck Show in style, sitting alongside PACCAR stablemate Kenworth as it showcased its latest-generation XG range.
Produced in Melbourne for the toughest Australian conditions, the XG and XG+ apply the local treatment to the Dutch manufacturer’s flagship cabover models, featuring the Euro 6 PACCAR PX-15 engine producing 660hp at 1,800rpm and 3,200Nm between 900rpm and 1,400rpm.
PACCAR co-developed the PX-15 with Cummins, starting with a proven X15 and tweaking it to make even more power while remaining efficient through the use of higher cylinder pressures.
The mighty PX-15 is mated to a ZF TraXon 16-speed automated gearbox, calibrated for high-productivity use and next-generation efficiency in the new XG range.
DAF rolled into the Brisbane Truck Show in style, sitting alongside PACCAR stablemate Kenworth as it showcased its latest-generation XG range. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
DAF also had its current CF450 and CF530 models on the stand, and the manufacturer even premiered its new 19-tonne rated DAF XB Electric which is currently being trialled in Australia.
The medium-duty XB Electric offers a glimpse into the future for the brand, featuring either a 120kW or 190kW electric motor, fed by battery packs ranging from 141kWh to 282kWh, with a real-world range of up to 350km.
DAF outlined its intentions for the XB Electric, which is suited to urban and regional distribution work, with GVMs starting at 12,000kg and stretching all the way up to 19,000kg.
While its 350km range is down on a diesel equivalent, DC fast-charging functionality will allow operators to charge the XB from 20 to 80 percent in as little as 40 minutes – perfect for a lunch break top-up.
Isuzu
It’s been a huge year for Isuzu Trucks, with the brand unveiling its all-new range after an incredibly successful 17-year run for the current lineup, and the show offered the first public taste of the new models.
Isuzu has topped the light-duty sales ladder for an incredible 36 years, so the new models have big boots to fill, but based on the public attention at the show they’re off to a strong start.
The Japanese manufacturer premiered 11 models on its stand, from the light-duty N Series to the heavy-duty F Series, carefully selected from the expansive new range that includes no fewer than 133 unique variants.
At the heart of the all-new Isuzu models is a lineup of Euro 6 powertrains and new transmission options, in line with the incoming ADR 80/40 changes later this year.
The N Series models receive updated three- and 5.2-litre four-cylinder engines and the choice of an all-new nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that promises quicker shifts and improved efficiency.
Isuzu premiered 11 models on its stand, from the light-duty N Series to the heavy-duty F Series, featuring Euro 6 powertrains and new transmission options. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
Meanwhile, the heavy-duty F Series scores a new six-cylinder 6.7-litre Euro 6 engine that Isuzu and Cummins co-developed, which utilises an Allison Gen 6 six-speed automatic transmission.
Isuzu’s new range features significant safety and technology upgrades, with 15 active and passive safety features on the N Series and between 12 and 17 on the F Series (depending on the model), aimed at keeping drivers and other road users safe.
Alongside the safety updates are visual tweaks and a new interior that offers a more car-like driving experience, laden with new-age technology like a central 10.1-inch infotainment screen and seven-inch digital display between the speedometer and tachometer.
“From the moment the show opened, there was a stream of people coming into the main hall and I’ve never seen it that busy,” says Isuzu Trucks Head of Product Management and Commercial Vehicles Chief Engineer, Simon Humphries.
“We had a big stage with a massive video screen behind it, with some seats and standing room, and when we did a presentation giving an overview of the new models there were at least 150 people on the stand. I was blown away by the level of engagement and the thirst to know more about the new model range – it was just fantastic.”
ALL-ELECTRIC ISUZU
Tucked away on the Isuzu stand was its all-electric NPR 75-200 model that offers a real-world range of around 200km.
Unlike the little 3,500kg GVM electric N Series the truck maker displayed in 2023, the NPR model features a 7,500kg GVM and 100kWh of battery power, making it suitable for Australia’s payload-hungry light-duty freight task.
The model is currently being trialled in Australia, and Isuzu has confirmed it has plans to introduce additional electric variants for testing in the near future.
“We continue to work on a battery electric vehicle or ‘BEV’ solution for urban and last-mile logistics applications. This has been a keen focus within IAL for some years now,” says Isuzu Australia Limited Chief of Product and Executive Officer, Matt Sakhaie.
“Our two initial N Series trial vehicles have been performing very well over the past year and we’re about to introduce additional units into our Australian trials.”
While launch timing is yet to be confirmed, Isuzu Trucks Head of Product Management and Commercial Vehicles Chief Engineer, Simon Humphries, says the electric models are likely to become available once a UK model is put into production.
“The reality is we’re waiting for the European version of this specification to launch in the UK, because as you can imagine…the UK spec is pretty much identical to what we need for Australia,” he says.
“As soon as that’s available, we’ll be able to get an Australian version. Obviously, they’re prioritising Europe because there are a lot of government incentives and mandates over there, more so than in Australia.”
Western Star
Western Star wowed crowds with the release of its X Series at the 2023 show, and this year it rolled out its latest 130-tonne GCM 48X flagship featuring an enormous 60-inch sleeper – showcasing its top-spec highway king.
Alongside the roadtrain-ready 48X was the brand’s B-double configured 47X and another 48X with a smaller 36-inch sleeper.
The Western Star models on display sat alongside a Porsche 963 Le Mans racecar owned by Penske’s motorsport division, reminding punters that the company is backed by one of the world’s leading motorsport figures – Roger Penske.
Penske Australia rolled out the Western Star 30-tonne GCM 48X flagship featuring an enormous 60-inch sleeper. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
Western Star also used this year’s show to launch its ‘Star Nation’ initiative, which aims to bring together owners and fans of the brands on social media by encouraging them to share photos of their trucks using the #StarNationANZ hashtag.
“The 48X was out the front and it garnered a lot of attention, it grabbed people as they were walking down the aisle, and I was really proud of that truck,” says Western Star Product Manager, Doug Shand.
“It was another great Brisbane Truck Show. They always put on a quality event and continue to add to it – we really enjoyed it.”
MAN
MAN displayed its latest innovations at this year’s show, with the TGX Individual Lion S taking centre stage on the Penske stand for its first public outing in Australia. The Lion S features aggressive styling that includes carbon trim and red ascents, somewhat matching the cutting-edge Porsche racecar displayed on the stand, offering a taste of what MAN’s design team is capable of.
MAN also rolled out other popular models including a TGX 26.540 and TGS 26.540, showing off its wide range of Euro 6 models that cover off a diverse array of freight tasks.
Also on the Penske stand was the all-new MAN TGX Individual Lion sporting aggressive styling that included carbon trim and red ascents. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
“Any time we can engage with customers and celebrate our partnerships with them, and not only them but their families and kids too, that makes for memorable moments and the Truck Show allows us to share those experiences,” says Head of MAN Truck & Bus at Penske Australia, Derek Schroff.
“To see how far the Truck Show has grown, from the RNA Showground days, both from a professionalism and attendance stance, it’s absolutely fantastic for the industry.”
Scania
Swedish powerhouse Scania made a bold return to the Brisbane Truck Show, bringing three of its most popular prime movers while reminding the industry that the mighty V8 is still alive and ready to sing its song into the Euro 6 future.
Front and centre on the Scania stand was its flagship 770 S model, powered by the brand’s revered 16.4-litre V8 and ready for the heaviest of applications with 770hp on tap – and it drew quite the crowd.
“Obviously we’re extremely passionate and extremely proud to be the only manufacturer that offers a V8,” says Scania Sales Director, Ben Nye.
“That’s become a part of our brand and it’s become who we are, and it’s such a great engine. Not only is it incredibly smooth, but from the heart, and not so much the brain, it makes you smile every time you start it up.”
Swedish powerhouse Scania showcased three of its most popular prime movers while reminding the industry that the mighty V8 is still alive. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
Alongside the mighty V8 model sat Scania’s versatile P 500 prime mover, with a distinctive low-entry cab and high-torque nine-litre engine making it suitable for everything from single-trailer to B-double work.
“It’s a two-step entry truck and it’s quite unusual to have such a small cab with 500hp,” says Nye. “You can run it in your fleet as a premium single-trailer truck, but then if one of the big trucks goes down you can put a set of B-double trailers behind it, because it’s got 2,650Nm and it can go out and perform very well.”
Lastly, Scania showed off its popular G 560, powered by its latest 13-litre SUPER engine, producing 560hp/2,800Nm while offering significant fuel savings.
According to Nye, the G 560 is the brand’s do-it-all model, suitable for just about any application – from single-trailer to A-double use. He says customers have achieved up to 14 per cent better fuel use than Scania expected when it tested the model.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz drew strong crowds at the enormous Daimler Truck stand as it revealed its futuristic ProCabin, which uses advanced aerodynamics to achieve a three-percent fuel saving when coupled with the brand’s efficient Euro 6 engines.
The ProCabin revolutionises traditional cab design, engineered from the ground up for aerodynamic efficiency and reduced drag. This is achieved through the use of a sleek profile, wind-deflecting flaps and the absence of air gaps. Mercedes-Benz is trialling the ProCabin with Australian customers, with plans to roll it out for Actros models as a replacement for the 2.5 StreamSpace and GigaSpace cabins.
“The public response was overwhelmingly positive and the amount of interest on our stand was huge,” says Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President Sales, Marketing and Operations, Andrew Assimo.
“We’re thrilled we could bring a lot of new innovation to the market across all of our brands, and to be able to showcase that at the Truck Show.”
Mercedes-Benz drew strong crowds at the enormous Daimler Truck stand as it revealed its futuristic ProCabin, which uses advanced aerodynamics to achieve a three-percent fuel saving. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
Mercedes-Benz Trucks also had its full range of zero-emission trucks on display at the show. The truck maker had its eActros and eEconic models on show, alongside the futuristic ProCabin that offered an up-close look at what is likely the most aerodynamic truck cabin ever produced.
“While our battery electric portfolio continues to expand and grow, we’ve now got 22 models available and there was a lot of interest in understanding that,” Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President Sales, Marketing and Operations, Andrew Assimo, says.
“We also had some brand-new electric models on display for the first time, like the eEconic 6×2 waste-targeted vehicle, the 6×2 eActros which is more of a general application vehicle, and a 4×2 eActros prime mover.
“The discussion was really about us being a fully-integrated electric vehicle solution with the unique e-axle, so we’re not adapting drivetrains – we’ve got a dedicated e-axle vehicle which provides outstanding operational benefits and range capability.”
Freightliner
Daimler Truck’s highly popular American brand, Freightliner, honoured its long history, dating back to 1942, while also looking to a clean future at this year’s show, rolling out its next-generation Cascadia alongside a special-edition heritage version of the current model. The new model – displayed in camouflage form – gave customers an up-close look at the aerodynamic cabin, powertrain tweaks and improved technology like dual-stage LED headlights.
Meanwhile, the striking heritage Cascadia model features a blacked-out style treatment that includes the wheels, bumper, tanks and guards, while inside the seats score special embroidery, in a tough-looking package that pays homage to the American brand’s rich history.
Freightliner rolled out its next-generation Cascadia alongside a special-edition heritage version of the current model. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
“The Cascadia is the epitome of a future-focussed conventional truck, using advanced technology, fuel efficiency and safety features that had been missing from the class prior to its arrival.
“However, the Freightliner brand also has an amazing heritage, so it’s only fitting that we give a nod to its past with this amazing special-edition package,” Assimo says.
Fuso
Japanese manufacturer Fuso, which also falls under the Daimler banner, unveiled its new Shogun 530 model at the 2025 show. Based on the existing Shogun model, the new 530 variant is now the most powerful Japanese truck in Australia with increased outputs of 530hp/2,600Nm from its 13-litre engine.
With the added power comes an increased 70-tonne GCM rating, up from 63 tonnes, making the Shogun 530 a seriously capable heavy-duty contender.
Fuso unveiled its new Shogun 530 model which is now the most powerful Japanese truck in Australia with increased outputs of 530hp/2,600Nm from its 13-litre engine. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
The model also benefits from a revised cabin design that features new seats, infotainment upgrades, and a full suite of safety technology that uses five radars and a forward-facing camera to keep drivers safe.
“The existing Shogun has been extremely popular in Australia, but we listened to our customers and took the opportunity to introduce upgrades that would make it even better again,” says Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead. “I have never heard anyone complain about having too much power; we know our customers are going to love this amazing truck.”
ADVANCED ECANTER
The Fuso eCanter made its fourth appearance at the Brisbane Truck Show this year, showcased in its latest and most advanced form.
Fuso’s eCanter has now amassed more than eight million kilometres globally, proving itself as arguably the most advanced light-duty electric truck on the market.
With the second-generation model came a shift to an e-axle layout, which improved packaging and efficiency, doing away with the driveshaft and creating more space for batteries – resulting in a range of up to 300km.
The second-gen model is available in 14 model variants, ranging from 4,500kg up to 8,500kg GVM for heavier last-mile applications.
“For the last four shows, we’ve had an eCanter on display – so since 2017,” Daimler Truck Australia’s Andrew Assimo says.
“We’ve progressively taken that from the first viewing, to being available in the first iteration, to now the latest generation which was on display this year.”
Iveco
Iveco rolled into the show with an impressive array of heavy metal, including its eye-catching Metallica-branded S-Way that will be used to support the iconic band during the Australian leg of its global tour.
Alongside the rock-and-roll rig was a 50th anniversary S-Way, branded up to celebrate the truck maker’s half-a-century innings since its humble beginnings in Italy back in 1975.
It didn’t stop there for Iveco, though, with the company also rolling out its facelifted medium-duty Eurocargo ML140, bringing a redesigned cabin, advanced driver systems and additional technology to the proven Euro 6 model.
Iveco showed off its all-electric eDaily van at the last show, but the zero-emission model is now available in Australia and it’s proving successful with leading Australian fleets.
Iveco showcased an array of heavy metal, including its eye-catching Metallica-branded S-Way that will be used to support the iconic band during the Australian leg of its global tour. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
The truck maker had its latest eDaily 42S on the stand, offering 12 cubic metres of storage and more than 300km of driving range. Now available for purchase in Australia, the eDaily 42S features an electric motor producing 140kW/400Nm, underpinned by two batteries totalling 77kWh – with the option of a larger 156kWh battery setup for an increased 300km of range.
“We find that the EV vehicles get a lot of interest, but of course they involve a significant investment in the vehicle as well as the infrastructure,” says Iveco Australia Head of Customer and Innovation, Andrew Winbank.
“Our EV range has a payload of up to 4.6 tonnes, and we’ve seen a real-world range of up to 400km, which gives us a considerable advantage.
“There were also requests about heavier electric vehicles from customers in the compactor and agitator space.”
Volvo
Volvo brought the heat at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show, thundering in with its mighty FH16 XXL – now the most powerful truck in the world.
The new FH16 is equipped with the truck maker’s new 17-litre Euro 6 engine, producing an eye-watering 780hp and earth-turning 3,800Nm, making Volvo the new leader in the power stakes.
To achieve the gargantuan power output, Volvo took its proven 16-litre engine and increased the bore size to create the D17. The engine also features a new fuel injection system, low-friction cylinder liners and wave-top pistons for optimised combustion.
Volvo also showed off its new Aero cabin, which is said to reduce fuel consumption by around five per cent, available with a choice of either its 13-litre or 17-litre engine. The new Aero cab is also available with an electric driveline, offering the pinnacle in zero-emission efficiency.
Volvo Trucks thundered into the show with its mighty FH16 XXL – now the most powerful truck in the world; while stablemate Mack Trucks revealed its highly-anticipated new Super-Liner model. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
“The Volvo Group stand was busy all four days…and it was a really good-quality, high-calibre of customers visiting,” says Volvo Trucks Australia Vice President, Tom Chapman.
“We did a lot of deals on the stand and celebrated a lot of recent orders with a formal signing ceremony, as well as announcing a lot of exciting partnerships like the massive Linfox order for 30 electric trucks.”
The manufacturer had an array of electric models on its stand at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, including a show-stopping construction-focused FMX Electric carrying a Volvo L25 electric wheel loader.
According to Volvo, there are around 100 of its electric models now operating on Australian roads and the zero-emission runners have collectively amassed more than one million kilometres locally.
Mack
The mighty Bulldog brand celebrated 125 years of manufacturing at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, marking the milestone with the reveal of its highly-anticipated new Super-Liner model.
Mack’s new-look Super-Liner features the monstrous Euro 6 17-litre MP11 engine, producing an identical 780hp/3,800Nm to its Volvo sibling, mated to the latest-generation mDrive transmission.
Mack marked its 125-year milestone with the reveal of its highly-anticipated new Super-Liner model featuring a monstrous Euro 6 17-litre MP11 engine producing 780hp/3,800Nm. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
The new Super-Liner was also fitted with the brand’s 70-inch walk-through sleeper cabin, offering a hotel-on-wheels for long-haul operators that demand the very best in comfort.
Alongside the Super-Liner was Mack’s equally impressive Anthem, powered by the highly-efficient Euro 6 13-litre MP8 engine producing a stump-pulling 2,800Nm of torque from as low as 900rpm. The engine uses advanced turbo compound technology to achieve the stout torque output, offering a significant upgrade in performance while remaining efficient.
UD
UD celebrated its 90th anniversary this year, using the Brisbane Truck Show to showcase its rich heritage and just how far its trucks have come since its first truck – the 60hp LD1 – was born in 1939.
The truck maker showed off its latest Quon model at this year’s show, rolling out a CG 26 460 8×4 tipper that uses the Euro 6 GH11 engine producing 460hp/2,250Nm, backed by a 12-speed ESCOT-V1 automated transmission.
At the core of the Quon is its advanced safety equipment, with features like a driver alert system that monitors fatigue, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, traffic sign recognition and lane change support.
Volvo and Mack stablemate UD showed off the latest Quon model, rolling out a CG 26 460 8×4 tipper using the Euro 6 GH11 engine producing 460hp/2,250Nm. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
The Quon has proven itself as a versatile and dependable solution for construction and urban distribution duties, but it’s just as happy stretching its legs on Australia’s vast highways with a trailer or two behind it.
Meanwhile, UD premiered its new medium-duty Condor model off-site to a group of customers. The new model is the first to come from the Volvo Group and Isuzu Motors strategic alliance and uses the same Cummins engine as the new Isuzu F Series models.
Sales will open for the new Condor from July, with more information to come closer to its launch.
Hino
Hino had its Euro 6 lineup on display at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, offering a taste of its diesel, hybrid and electric models.
Centre stage was the Japanese brand’s popular Euro 6 300 Series Hybrid Electric range, which offers a viable bridging solution for Australian fleets looking to electrify without the range limitations or infrastructure upgrades associated with battery-electric models.
The 300 Series Hybrid Electric returns real-world fuel savings of around 20 per cent, but uses the same diesel engine as its non-hybrid stablemates, relying on an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and gearbox to provide drive assist.
Alongside the 300 Series was a Euro 6 700 Series FY tiltray, showcasing the versatility of the brand’s heavy-duty models.
Hino had its Euro 6 lineup on display at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, offering a taste of its diesel, hybrid and electric models. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
While it wasn’t displayed at the Brisbane Truck Show, Hino is trialling the 700 Series Hybrid Electric in Australia with key customers.
In a nod to the future, Hino also had its pint-sized all-electric 300 Series Z-EV on display. The model is being tested locally, ahead of a likely launch this year or next if it proves suitable for Australian conditions.
“We’re excited to showcase the 300 Series Hybrid Electric and its versatility, and people were constantly crowded around the cab chassis we had on display,” Hino Australia Manager of Product Strategy, Daniel Petrovski, says.
“There have been record numbers and you can really feel it because every five seconds you’re stopping to talk to someone. It’s the entire industry, our customers, suppliers – it’s not just the Brisbane Truck Show, it’s the Brisbane Truck Show and industry reunion.”
DFAC
There was a fresh new face at the Brisbane Truck Show, as KRW Motor Group – the group behind the Foton range of electric trucks – used the occasion to launch Chinese brand DFAC in Australia.
While the name might not sound familiar, DFAC has been building trucks out of China since 1969, and ranks as the country’s second-largest truck manufacturer, exporting to more than 56 global markets.
DFAC’s initial offering, which will land in dealers from September this year, is a light-duty 4.5-tonne GVM diesel truck that can also be up-rated to six-tonnes. The model uses proven parts like a Euro 6 Cummins engine, Dana axles and Faust six-speed automated transmission.
The company will also launch a 9.5-tonne range in the fourth quarter of this year, featuring a more powerful Cummins engine and eight-speed Faust automatic transmission, with two wheelbase options planned.
KRW Motor Group – the group behind the Foton range of electric trucks – used the occasion to launch Chinese brand DFAC in Australia. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
“The response has been really good,” says KRW Group General Manager of Light Trucks, Bill Gillespie.
“We weren’t really pitching this truck as a fleet model because it’s a diesel, so we see it as more of a retail truck, but we had two major corporations visit our stand and they both asked if they could trial one. One then asked if they could buy the first truck that came off the line, which we agreed to.”
As the diesel models gear up to launch, with strong public interest out of the gate, Gillespie also teased future zero-emission models destined for Australia.
“We’ll build the brand out with the two diesel models, the 4.5-tonne and 9.5-tonne, but in January we’ll launch the two EV versions – so a 4.5-tonne and 8.5-tonne electric,” he says.
Hyundai
While hydrogen trucks were all the rage at the 2023 show, the emerging fuel source was overshadowed by diesel – including renewable and bio-diesel – at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show.
However, Hyundai bucked the trend with its XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell truck, bringing the future-focused model Down Under for the first time.
While new for Australia, the Xcient has completed more than 100,000 kilometres of real-world work in New Zealand and more than 13 million kilometres in Switzerland, proving its reliability as a zero-emission runner.
The Xcient model is available in 4×2 and 6×2 configurations, powered by a 350kW/2,237Nm electric motor. A hydrogen fuel cell provides power for the 72kWh battery, while its 31kg tank allows for a range of around 400km.
Hyundai showcased its XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell truck, bringing the future-focused model Down Under for the first time. Images: Alastair Brook and Daniel Neucom
“Hydrogen is one of those technologies that’s going to work really well in Australia, because we have vast distances, and because of the geographic nature of our country,” says Hyundai Senior Manager of Future Mobility and Government Relations, Scott Nargar.
“Electric vehicles just make it hard, especially with our axle weights in Australia, and with the pressure drivers and logistics companies are under to get freight from A-to-B as quickly as possible.
“We’re already taking commitments and orders now for the truck, with a (hydrogen) station in Western Australia that gets finished this year, the Viva Energy station in Geelong, there’s one in Port Kembla and then one in Townsville that’ll be finished soon too. So we’ve got customers interested in taking these in various configurations now.”
As Australia’s hydrogen network grows, the Xcient presents a compelling zero-emission alternative to battery-electric models, allowing operators to cover significant distances with the ability to refuel along the way.
Long Range Hauler
Outside at The Depot, Chinese brand Windrose had its all-electric prime mover on display, which boasts an incredible 670km range.
The long-haul prime mover is currently being put to work in the US and Europe, and before making its way to the Brisbane Truck Show it completed a successful trial-run from Melbourne to Sydney.
Windrose has achieved the impressive driving range by using a large 729kWh battery, underpinned by an 800-volt architecture, capable of being charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as 38 minutes.
The three-motor powertrain produces peak power of 780kW, while torque is undisclosed, and the quoted range is said to be capable at a working weight of 49 tonnes. Windrose confirmed that it is testing the prime mover in Australia and the company confirmed plans to launch the model sometime in 2026.
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