Steyr Automotive: Back in the truck business with Super Panther

Steyr is back! At least partially and as a brand provider for SuperPanther. The collaboration is an important milestone in SuperPanther's global "Enabler" strategy, which aims to lead the commercial vehicle industry into a new era of electrification through technological innovations and cooperation. As a pioneer in new energy technologies, SuperPanther is committed to advancing its "Enabler" strategy by working with global partners to promote the innovation and spread of electric heavy-duty vehicles. This partnership with Steyr Automotive is SuperPanther's first collaboration in vehicle production in Europe and therefore an important milestone in the company's global strategy.

The partnership between SuperPanther and Steyr Automotive is based on joint expertise in electric heavy-duty vehicles and the comprehensive market knowledge of both companies. SuperPanther brings its core technologies and system capabilities into the partnership, providing an important technical advantage, while Steyr Automotive contributes its extensive experience in lean production and quality. Together, the two companies will leverage their complementary strengths in technology and manufacturing to jointly penetrate the European and global markets.

It remains to be seen how much assembly will take place in Austria

This will likely look like this: SuperPanther will deliver the trucks more or less assembled to Steyr, where they will be final-assembled and specified for Europe – and if needed, equipped with the courageously designed refuse collection bodies also built there. The first product of this collaboration, the eTopas 600, is an electric tractor unit specifically developed for the European market.

It is equipped with highly efficient LFP batteries and is expected to offer a range of up to 500 kilometers. Furthermore, it features SuperPanther's self-developed electric axle, an integrated thermal management system, and intelligent energy management.

The eTopas 600 is equipped with LFP batteries that offer a lifespan of up to 1.8 million kilometers, and features SuperPanther's self-developed dual motor system with a rated power of 394 kW and a maximum power of 692 kW. It is also equipped with an 876V silicon carbide high-voltage platform, enabling a full charge in just 38 minutes. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with SuperPanther's ultra-low-temperature heat pump, which is expected to operate efficiently even at temperatures as low as minus 30°C and ensure high performance in winter. The eTopas 600 is expected to go into mass production by the end of 2025.

Moreover, the launch of the eEmerald series has been announced. The truck variant with a fixed body offers a variety of drive options, ranges, and cabin configurations to meet different market requirements. Both truck variants are expected to enter mass production for the European market by the end of 2025.

Dr. Michael Ruf, President of the European market at SuperPanther, explains:

"The partnership between SuperPanther and Steyr Automotive is of great significance for the global development of the electric commercial vehicle industry. This strategic collaboration accelerates the integration of resources between the two companies to provide efficient, environmentally friendly solutions for electric trucks, meeting the growing demand for net-zero transports."

Manfred Eibeck, Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Steyr Automotive, adds:

"As a company with more than a century of experience in truck production, Steyr Automotive has always been dedicated to new technologies. In this strategic collaboration with SuperPanther, we are not just technology integrators but co-creators of a shared vision. Together, Steyr Automotive and SuperPanther will drive the advancement of technology for electric heavy-duty vehicles, contributing to the global goal of 'net-zero' emissions."