FOTON's GALAXUS R9 PHEV hybrid tractor debuts at IAA Hannover with 15%–28% fuel savings
FOTON showed the 45-ton GALAXUS R9 PHEV plug-in hybrid tractor at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, claiming 15%–28% fuel savings and marking its 13-millionth vehicle produced.
- 15%–28%
- 58.73 kWh
- up to 99.8%
- 69%
What Happened
IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 was held from September 14 to 20 in Hannover, Germany, where FOTON showcased the GALAXUS R9 PHEV, a 45-ton 4×2 plug-in hybrid tractor. The truck was developed in response to the practical needs of long-haul transportation: lower-carbon operation, greater efficiency and reliable continuous operation. It also marked FOTON's 13 millionth vehicle produced globally and was officially delivered to a Spanish dealer at the event.
The GALAXUS R9 PHEV uses an efficient hybrid powertrain and refined vehicle control to help reduce energy consumption in long-haul transport while supporting operational continuity. Its high-thermal-efficiency engine was developed specifically for hybrid applications and works through a transmission with efficiency of up to 99.8%. A 58.73 kWh power battery supports high-rate charging and discharging from 2C to 6C, while more than 20 intelligent control modules and over 80 refined vehicle control functions coordinate power delivery, regenerative braking and motor assistance.
15%–28%%
Achieved by coordinating the engine, electric motor, battery and control system; fuel consumption is a key factor in long-haul trucks' long-term operating costs.
- HWP advanced driver assistance system supporting ACC, LKA, AEB and LDWS functions
- "Shield-inspired" body structure using 69% high-strength steel to enhance both active and passive safety
- Full air suspension for improved ride smoothness and driving comfort on long-distance journeys
FOTON says the key to the hybrid system lies in extending component-level efficiency to coordinated vehicle-level energy management, with the engine, electric motor, battery and control system distributing energy according to different operating conditions. That approach moves hybrid heavy-duty truck development from powertrain optimization toward integrated vehicle energy management, supporting lower energy consumption in high-mileage operations. Looking ahead, FOTON says it will continue advancing hybrid technologies and integrated vehicle systems while expanding its new-energy product portfolio for the global long-haul transport sector.
Previously from Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd.
Earlier at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, FOTON handed over its 13-millionth vehicle and launched the zero-carbon CAVAN BEACON long-haul truck. The company also brought a full commercial vehicle line-up plus six independently developed core components to the show, ranging from hydrogen-capable truck platforms to megawatt charging. Shortly before, FOTON gathered hundreds of partners from nearly 20 European countries in Hannover to lay out its European business plan and deepen its 'In Europe, For Europe' commitment.
- FOTON marks 13-millionth vehicle and launches CAVAN BEACON at IAA Hannover
- BAIC FOTON brings new energy and intelligent mobility technology to IAA Transportation 2026
- BAIC FOTON holds European regional conference in Hannover, pledges 'In Europe, For Europe' push
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd.'s official releases.
Why this matters
Long-haul heavy-duty trucks run high annual mileages, so fuel consumption is a key factor in long-term operating costs — a 15%–28% saving is aimed directly at that bill. Because the truck was delivered to a Spanish dealer at the show, the hybrid technology is presented as production-ready rather than a concept, which matters for fleets weighing lower-carbon operations.
Terms in This Story
- PHEV
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle — a vehicle with both a combustion engine and an electric motor plus a battery that can be recharged from an external power source.
- Regenerative braking
- A system that recovers energy normally lost as heat during braking and feeds it back to the battery or electric drive.
- ADAS
- Advanced driver assistance system — electronics that help the driver with tasks such as maintaining speed, staying in lane or braking in an emergency.
- Long-haul transportation
- Freight trucking over long distances, typically with high annual mileages and extended driving hours.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.