IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026: new future-proof plastic products from igus support commercial-vehicle manufacturers and operators in the mobility transition

The mobility industry is in transition. In addition to the electrification of vehicle fleets, regulatory requirements for the materials used are increasingly coming into focus. How can commercial vehicles be made more sustainable, more economical and future-proof? igus will provide answers to this question at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 in Hanover. The plastics specialist will be presenting innovative solutions made from high-performance plastics that combine sustainability, cost-effectiveness and technical performance. They help companies meet potential PFAS regulation and the challenges of expanding modern charging infrastructure.

The discussion about a possible PFAS ban in the EU is causing uncertainty in the commercial-vehicle and automotive industry. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for components that fulfil regulatory requirements in the long term and offer companies security concerning investments and planning. “Regardless of the final political decisions, we want to offer PTFE-free and PFAS-tested solutions that are not affected by possible future restrictions,” explains Dirk Tietz, Head of Automotive igus Subsidiaries. igus already offers a wide range of PTFE-free and PFAS-tested products such as plain bearings, linear guides and cables. “With almost 30 plain-bearing materials without PTFE and more than 40 materials that already exclude the 96 PFAS that are considered critical, we offer a wide variety of solutions. Since 2025, we have been able to realise around 75 per cent of plain-bearing applications without PTFE,” explains Dirk Tietz.

Operators in the commercial-vehicle sector in particular benefit from the material properties of igus high-performance plastics. In lorries, for example, igus plain bearings are used in hinges, the driver’s cab tilting mechanism and the brakes. In buses, they have proven themselves in entry systems, pantographs, wheelchair ramps and passenger seats, among other things. Unlike classic metal bearings, igus plain bearings operate without lubrication and are insensitive to dirt, moisture and corrosion. This reduces maintenance requirements and increases reliability even under demanding operating conditions. At the same time, the bearings are characterised by high wear resistance and are up to seven times lighter than comparable metal solutions. Especially in the case of electrified commercial vehicles, their low weight can help improve energy efficiency and range.

Innovative overhead cable guide system for electric lorries and buses

With the increasing electrification of commercial-vehicle fleets, the demand for powerful, user-friendly and safe charging solutions is growing. Specifically, heavy DC charging cables pose challenges for operators and drivers. They require a lot of space, make handling difficult, can block driveways and increase the risk of damage. With the new e-tract DC horizontal, igus has developed an overhead cable guide system that moves the charging cable safely above the vehicles in a guide trough using the conveyor belt principle – entirely without slip rings. The charging connector is automatically lowered and can be conveniently connected to the vehicle. The cable no longer runs the risk of wearing out by dragging on the ground or being damaged by manoeuvring vehicles. At the same time, drivers benefit from much more ergonomic operation. In addition, the overhead guide protects the cables against theft. As the cable can be retracted automatically, it is much more difficult to access than conventional systems on the floor. This way, operators of logistics centres, depots, service stations and public charging yards in particular can reduce the risk of cost-intensive failures. The system is suitable for charging capacities of over 400kW and liquid-cooled cables. In extensive endurance tests, the system showed almost no signs of wear even after more than 20,000 double strokes.

Visit igus in Hall 26, Stand E55 and experience these and many other innovative solutions for the mobility of tomorrow at IAA TRANSPORTATION. You can find more information about the new igus products here: https://www.igus.eu/industry/commercial-vehicles/trade-show-news