SuperPanther and Steyr show electric tractor unit for Europe
At the trade fair, Steyr Automotive announced a strategic partnership with SuperPanther “for the development of competitive electric trucks.” Apparently, the cooperation has been in place for some time and the results are already visible – in the form of the eTopas 600 electric truck, which is specially tailored to the European market and celebrated its premiere at the trade fair in Hanover.
The partners also provided initial technical data. The model will be equipped with LFP batteries with an energy content of 621 kWh, allowing a range of 500 kilometres. Coincidence or not, these figures correspond exactly to the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, which uses LFP cells from Chinese manufacturer CATL. The eTopas 600 is also based on an 876-volt architecture and offers 394 kW continuous and 692 kW peak power in its twin-motor configuration. The DC charging output is said to be 2x 330 kW, meaning that two CCS charging ports are installed that can charge in parallel. SuperPanther estimates the charging time at less than 38 minutes from 20 to 80 per cent battery charge level.
Series production of the eTopas 600 at Steyr Automotive is scheduled to begin at the end of 2025. Incidentally, the trade fair specimen features a central Steyr Automotive logo on the front. The SuperPanther logo can also be seen but is positioned more discreetly.
The partners also announced the market launch of a truck product family called eEmerald, consisting of three models with different drive systems, ranges and cab configurations. The duo was not more specific at this point. However, as this name is also preceded by an ‘e,’ these trucks are presumably at least partially electrified. Especially since SuperPanther is known in China for developing electric trucks.
“As a company with more than a century of experience in the production of trucks, Steyr Automotive has always been dedicated to new technologies,” said Manfred Eibeck, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Steyr Automotive. “In this strategic collaboration with SuperPanther, we are not merely integrators of technology, but co-creators of a shared vision. Together, Steyr Automotive and SuperPanther will drive the advancement of electric heavy-duty truck technology, contributing to the global goal of ‘Net-Zero’ emissions.”
Michael Ruf, President of SuperPanther’s European market, added: “The partnership between SuperPanther and Steyr Automotive is of great significance to the global development of the electric heavy-duty truck industry. This strategic cooperation accelerates the integration of resources between the two companies to provide efficient, environmentally friendly electric truck solutions to meet the growing demand for net-zero transportation.”
SuperPanther is based in Yangzhou in the Chinese province of Jiangsu and describes itself as a pioneer in the field of NEV technologies (NEV stands for New Energy Vehicles and is a collective term for BEV, FCEV and PHEV in China). The company aims to work with global partners “to drive the innovation and adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks.” The partnership with Steyr Automotive is SuperPanther’s first vehicle manufacturing collaboration in Europe. The duo already has a potential customer: a letter of intent for collaboration was signed with DHL during the trade fair.
According to the European company website, SuperPanther’s business is based on its own electric truck technology, an ecosystem and green energy solutions. For the eTopas 600, for example, the Chinese are contributing their own e-axle and thermal management system. The company’s ambitious goal is to have 16,000 electric trucks with its own drive system on the road in Europe by 2030. SuperPanther’s Chinese website also emphasises a special focus on lightweight construction technologies and battery swap concepts.
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