Convention

9th international VDI conference ‘Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines’

Name: 9th international VDI conference ‘Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines’
Start: 2026-06-30
End: 2026-07-01
Location: Kongresshaus Baden-Baden Betriebsgesellschaft mbH

Course number: 01TA807

Gain a cross-technology perspective on hybrid, electric, and hydrogen drivetrains. Discover innovations you can directly apply to your…
Practical examples: Explore successfully implemented powertrain systems in real-world off-highway applications.
Limits & possibilities: Discuss how far electrification in the off-highway sector really goes and where technical limits exist.

Discover more benefits

Upcoming events:

30. June – 01. July 2026

Baden-Baden

Available

Show all events and options

Become an exhibitor or sponsor!

Inquire now

On 30. June and 01. July, 2026, the 9th VDI Conference “Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machinery 2026” will bring together experts from Germany and abroad to discuss drivetrain development and design for mobile machinery. Off-highway experts will talk about systemic and modular technical solutions for traction and process drives. Both conventional drive developments and electrified solutions – including battery, fuel cell, and hybrid designs – will be part of the technical discussion. There will be an update on the future European regulations and a positioning with regard to alternative drives and energy sources. Content highlights include innovative drive solutions and their impact on the three dimensions of sustainability. In addition, the opportunities offered by information technology, automation, and artificial intelligence are at the center of attention for the industry. The conference runs in parallel with Dritev: DRIvetrain Transmission Electrification in Vehicles Baden-Baden, offering participants a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across industry sectors.

Innovation in Mobile Machines: Powerful and sustainable drive systems for today and tomorrow

Drive solutions for mobile machinery need to support near-emission-free operation, be resilient, easy to repair, and long-lasting, integrate smoothly into the machine’s cyber-physical system, and remain cost-effective. These are some of the key requirements and drivers behind current developments in drive systems.

Which solutions are proving successful in practice? Where do conventional approaches remain valid, and in which applications are electric or hydrogen-based drives the better option? How can economic efficiency be ensured? These are some of the pressing questions we will address at the 9th VDI Conference Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines.

To shed light on these challenges, we are now looking for experts and practitioners to contribute as speakers.

Conference insights & key information: Discover what happens at the VDI conference

Electrification, hydrogen, and new machinery concepts are shaping the current development of powertrain technology for mobile machines. The focus is on the technical and economic suitability of different solutions under real-world operating conditions, as well as the limits and potential of existing concepts.

The 9th VDI Conference on Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines 2026 provides a practical perspective on key issues related to electric off-highway machines, alternative drive systems, the integration of charging and battery swapping concepts, and development approaches comparing “Purpose Design” with “Conversion Design.”

Main topics of discussion of the VDI symposium "Drive Systems in Mobile Machines" will be in 2026:

Zero emission concepts
Innovative solutions for process and traction drives
Combined and co-existing drivetrain concepts
Electrtice powertrain concept: Charging infrastructure, battery modules, thermal management
Field Experience: Power supply, infrastructure, machine design

Leading companies and institutes will present new solutions

The conference is a great international channel for the transfer of knowledge and technology knowhow in the commercial vehicle sector.

Speakers from these companies give a valuable insight into current challenges and opportunities in the mobile machinery industry:

AGCO Fendt • Allison Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems • Antriebstechnik-Roth • AVL Commercial Driveline & Vehicle • AVL List • Bauer Maschinen • Bosch Engineering • CLAAS • FEV Europe • Fraunhofer-Institut für Verkehrs-und Infrastruktursysteme IVI • Goldhofer • ika, RWTH Aachen University • IMN, Technische Universität Braunschweig • John Deere • KREISEL Electric • Liebherr Energy Solutions • Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar • raumideen | ONOX • Yanmar Holdings

Grand opening – A spotlight at the conference keynote:

A highlight at the conference will be the keynote speech by Dr.-Ing. Udo Scheff, President, KREISEL Electric GmbH, Rainbach i.M., Austria. He is addressing the topic

“Powering progress – Electrification as a catalyst for sustainable mobile machinery”.

As part of the joint overall congress opening with the Dritev, you will learn more about the electrification of mobile machinery and how this technological transformation enables sustainable and high-performance solutions in the agricultural, construction, and maritime industries. The focus will be on how we can shape the future.

As an additional benefit, the joint evening event allows participants to network informally, engage in personal exchange, and gain fresh insights beyond the professional program.

Don't miss out on this concentrated knowledge and join your colleagues for exchange in Baden-Baden on June 30 and July 1, 2026

Deepen your NVH expertise in a pre-conference workshop

Expand your NVH know-how: We also offer a one-day seminar on “Acoustics and Vibrations” on 29. June 2026, focusing on the analysis of NVH phenomena, the systematic identification of root causes, and the derivation of effective improvement measures.

The workshop must be booked separately and is only offered in German language. Take advantage of discounted combination rates when booking the seminar together with the conference.

Advantages

Gain a cross-technology perspective on hybrid, electric, and hydrogen drivetrains. Discover innovations you can directly apply to your engineering challenges.
Practical examples: Explore successfully implemented powertrain systems in real-world off-highway applications.
Limits & possibilities: Discuss how far electrification in the off-highway sector really goes and where technical limits exist.
Network and exchange! Make new contacts, share experiences, and meet experts from the field of mobile machinery!

Program

08:00	Registration
09:00	Joint welcome of the congress and conference Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Pfund, President Business Unit E-Motors, Schaeffler Automotive, Buehl, Germany
	Plenary speeches Moderation: Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Pfund, Schaeffler Automotive
09:10	Europe, China and the AI revolution: What does this mean for drive technology? As USA and China lead in AI technology, do we still have a chance on the application side? Will the leadership in AI contribute to the success of Chinese automotive industries? What are the opportunities and challenges posed by AI for the automotive sector and drive train technology? Prof. Dr. Hans Uszkoreit, Scientific Director, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, Berlin, Germany
09:35	Faster, higher, stronger: The rise of Chinese competition and what it means for Europe’s automotive industry The unique reasons, from politics to technology, that make Chinese competition so challenging Future trajectory of Chinese competitors – in China and around the globe Chinese competition as a wake-up call for European automotive companies Björn Conrad, CEO and co-founder of China-focused consultancy Sinolytics, Berlin and Beijing, Germany and China
10:00	Global economy: Geopolitics meets technological disruptions Global growth has been below its long-term for the last 7 years In many markets, the advance of Chinese competitors and dis ruptive technological changes have challenged existing business models The apparent changes in the geopolitical landscape add to adjustment costs of industries Dr. Thomas Hueck, Chief Economist, Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
10:25	Powering progress – Electrification as a catalyst for sustainable mobile machinery Electrification is more than a trend – It’s a transformation that is revolutionizing mobile machinery across the agricultural, const ruction, and marine sectors Sustainability and performance can go hand in hand: Regulatory pressure, market demand, and advances in battery and charging technologies drive greener, efficient machines Collaboration fuels innovation: Automation, fast charging, battery swapping, smart grids, and AI-driven vehicle-to-grid solutions enable reliable and performant fleet operation The future is now – Let’s lead it with deeply modernized, resilient grids for a renewable-powered world Dr.-Ing. Udo Scheff, President, KREISEL Electric GmbH, Rainbach i.M., Austria
10:50	Be interactive Meet & greet in the exhibition area and car presentation
11:25	Opening of 9th International VDI Conference Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines 2026 Conference chairman Prof. Dr. Ludger Frerichs, IMN, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany Caroline Körber, VDI Wissensforum GmbH, Duesseldorf, Germany
	Process drives Moderation: Prof. Dr. Ludger Frerichs, Germany
11:30	New powertrain for a next generation of large square balers New baler start and quick stop system: Innovation – efficiency – new power level Closed powertrain with new level of power density Fully controlled powertrain (sensorics, smart control and actuated gearboxes) Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Roth, General Manager, Antriebstechnik-Roth GmbH, Much, Germany, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Volker Fuchs, Senior Vice President Product Unit Balers, Usines Claas France SAS, Metz, France
12:00	Electrification of special construction method cutter soil mixing (CSM) CSM method for stabilizing soft or loose soils Electrified power train: concept, installation space, prototype and test Increase of performance and efficiency by electric drive technology Dr.-Ing. Hans-Philipp Otto, Director of Research & Development, BAUER Maschinen GmbH, Schrobenhausen, Germany
12:30	New clutch-controlled CVT in fertiliser spreader operation Load independent variability using controlled slippage clutch Fully integrated and very compact system: Clutch, hydraulic and measurement Optimized fertilizer distribution in border spreading by reducing spreading range Moritz Euler, M. Sc., Development engineer, Design & Development, Antriebstechnik-Roth GmbH, Much, Germany
13:00	Time for Business Lunch Meet & greet in the exhibition area and car presentation
	Traction drives Moderation: Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Prebeck, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Passau, Germany
14:30	Line traction advantages and solution for automatic power distribution to all wheels in practice Challenges in today’s drivetrain technology for heavy off-road vehicles: Balancing maneuverability and traction Automatic load distribution to optimize traction, stability, and steering precision Efficiency through automatic drivetrain control: Full driver relief and high mobility without any driver intervention Johannes Müller, B. Eng., CEO, Müller Landmaschinen GmbH, Bonndorf, Germany; Stefan Herr, M. Sc., Research Group Leader Drivetrain Technology and Test Benches, Institute of Vehicle System Technology – Institute Mobile Machines, MOBIMA, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Germany
15:00	Dual-speed transmission for electric off-highway machines Rationale and design concept: Shifting mechanism, architecture, lubrication Performance and efficiency benefits for target applications Experimental results from transmission prototype testing Lorenzo Serrao, Ph. D., Lead Engineer Electrification, Advanced Engineering, Allison Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems, Rovereto, Italy
15:30	A case study on a 7-ton parallel-series hybrid wheel loader Hybridization of non road mobile machinery (NRMM) powerpacks enables decoupled control of propulsion and working hydraulics A parallel-series hybrid architecture for a 7-ton wheel loader can achieve over 30% fuel consumption reduction Hybrid systems reduce engine load and transient demands, opening pathways for new engine designs aligned with sustainabi lity and near-zero emissions goals Dr.-Ing. Joschka Schaub, Department Manager Controls, Motor, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Powertrains, Dipl.-Ing. Arne Müller, Team Leader, FEV Europe GmbH, Aachen, Germany; Yuki Kakichi, M. Sc., Lead Architect for e-Powertrain, Systems Engineering Devision, Electrifi cation Unit, Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., Helmond, Netherlands
16:00	Be interactive Meet & greet in the exhibition area and car presentation
	Electric systems architecture Moderation: Dr.-Ing. Florian Mulzer, AGCO GmbH, Marktoberdorf, Germany
16:45	Innovative drive and charging solution for automated field work Requirements and constraints: Electrified and fully automated field cultivation, weed control and plant protection, cultivation and charging concept Field robot with modular drive system and working functions Automated high-performance charging at the field‘s edge for 24/7 operation: Innovative butting contact princip, low-loss transmission even of very high charging currents, international standardisation process Dr.-Ing. Sven Klausner, Group Manager Charging Infrastructure, R&D, Vehicle Systems, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Matthias Breitkopf, Research Assistant, Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI, Dresden, Germany; Dipl.-Ing. Jens Fehrmann, Research Assistant, Chair of Agricultural Systems Technology, Institute of Natural Materials Technology, Dresden University of Technology, Germany
17:15	System architecture development for advanced cooling and heating systems in electrified agricultural machinery Requirements for battery-electric vs. conventional agricultural machinery concepts: Range, energy efficiency, power density Development of a system structure for the efficient utilisation of waste heat Explanation of a system setup for testing various thermal ma nagement architectures: Modularity, flexibility, efficiency Benjamin Wilk, M. Sc., Development Engineer, R&D Electrical Drives, Dr.-Ing. Jan Wieckhorst, Vice President Advanced Development of Tractors and Implements, CLAAS Industrietechnik GmbH, Paderborn, Germany; Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ludger Frerichs, Director, Institute of Mobile Machines and Commercial Vehicles (IMN), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
17:45	Challenges with the electrification of construction machinery beyond the machine itself Infrastructure: Limited connection capacity at construction sites requires modular buffer storage and flexible mobile charging solutions Planning: Data-based load forecasting enables proactive charging management and an appropriate supply strategy Ecosystem management: Intelligent coupling of PV systems, battery storage, and energy market integration for maximum efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable construction site operations Dipl.-Ing. Daniel Bachmann, Managing Director, Liebherr Energy Solutions GmbH, Baden, Switzerland
18:15	End of the 1st conference day
18:45	Get-together at the ‘Kurhaus Baden-Baden’

	Real world experience of electrification Moderation: Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Marco Reinards, MBA, John Deere GmbH & Co. KG, Mannheim, Germany
08:30	10 years of electrification of mobile machinery with automotive components: Experiences, challenges and solutions Advantages of using electric drive systems from the automotive series: Economies of scale, maturity level and technological progress Additional requirements and conflicting objectives: Regulations & standards, complexity vs. flexibility Field experience and application examples Dipl.-Ing. Stephan Dirnberger, Senior Manager, Customer Team Worldwide Off-Highway and Robotics - Perception and Electrification, Bosch Engineering GmbH, Holzkirchen, Germany
09:00	From prototype to production vehicle: Development of an electrified tractor Why does an e-tractor still have a gearbox? Exploring the new vehicle concept of the E-Vario Key insights from intensive validation phases, field testing and operational scenarios Bringing innovation to the production line: Challenges, solutions, and the transformation in manufacturing for the first electric Vario Tobias Steidle, M. Eng., Projektkoordinator Plattform E1, Dr.-Ing. Florian Mulzer, Transmission Specialist, Dipl.-Ing. Christoph Mayer, Platform Lead Engineer E1/S1/S2-Premium, AGCO GmbH, Marktoberdorf, Germany
09:30	Drivetrain design for a battery electric, agricultural, utility, tractor Drivetrain architecture selection: Innovative powertrain, hydraulic, and electrical solutions for maximum runtime and efficiency in zero-emission tractors Component design: Novel torque-transmitting hardware – benefits, tradeoffs, and comparison to conventional ICE designs NVH optimization: Addressing noise, vibration, and harshness challenges unique to electrified tractor platforms Eli Van Boening, Engineer, Drivetrain Engineering, John Deere, Cedar Falls, USA; Greg Long, Engineer, John Deere, Waterloo, USA
10:00	Successful electrification of towbarless aircraft tractors – How to transform an industry through customer value Data Analysis as a Success Factor: Insights from usage patterns, operating hours, and energy demand for optimal customer guidance Simulation over Guesswork: How simulation tools enable informed decisions based on energy requirements, charging strategies, and vehicle configuration Technically and Economically Superior: Vehicle availability, battery lifespan, and total cost of ownership comparison Dipl.-Ing. Martin Rieser, Vice President of R&D, Goldhofer AG, Memmingen, Germany
10:30	Be interactive Meet & greet in the exhibition area and car presentation
	Powertrain comparison Moderation: Dr.-Ing. Alexander Baar, Bosch Rexroth AG, Dortmund, Germany
11:15	System follows application: Architectures in mobile working machines Powertrain architecture: Battery, Hybrid or FuelCell?! Respecting duty cycles for optimized system design System comparison based on concrete vehicle types Dr.-Ing. Thomas Woopen, Lead Engineer System Development, Commercial Vehicle, Morian Adelt, B.Eng., System Development Engineer AVL Deutschland GmbH, Neuss, Germany
11:45	Hydrogen engine or fuel cell tractors? Comparison of operational performance on medium-scale german farms Operational comparison of current drive concepts: Diesel- vs. H2-ICE vs. PEM-FC Key findings: Comparable hydrogen consumption across conver sion types and modest time penalties despite increased refueling frequency for hydrogen Economic assessment: Operational feasibility, key challenges due to cost differentials Timo Wyszynski, M. Sc., Research Assistant, Lukas Reuter, M. Sc., Research Assistant, Processes and Procedures, Prof. Dr. Ludger Frerichs, Director, Institute of Mobile Machines and Commercial Vehicles (IMN), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
12:15	Electrifying agriculture: Exploring hybrid powertrain solutions for tractors Serial, parallel, power-split hybrid Vehicle simulation on realistic working cycles Fuel efficiency, energy flow distribution, productivity, functional benefits Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Christoph Schörghuber, Lead Engineer System Integra tion and Simulation, Functional Development Commercial Vehicles, DI Markus Ortner, System Simulation Engineer CV, DI Rudolf Hempel, System Development Engineer Off-Road, AVL List GmbH, Steyr, Austria
12:45	Time for Business Lunch Meet & greet in the exhibition area and car presentation
	Systemic developments Moderation: Philipp Suhm, M. Sc., Head of Engineering Coordinati on, Corporate Technology and Digitalisation, Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH, Biberach (Riß), Germany
14:15	Electrification of Off-Highway machinery and modular battery swapping: Practical advantages and technical challenges Modular battery swapping as an alternative to high-power charging: Continuous operation without the need for high-power charging Flexible battery configurations: 3 tool-free interchangeable batteries, 5 possible slot positions for balanced ballasting Stationary use and V2G capability: Charging/discharging in a docking station enables self-consumption optimization and vehicle-to-grid functionality Sebastian Schlegel, M. Sc., Project Manager ONOX, Daniel Hornung, M. Sc., Project Manager ONOX, raumideen GmbH & Co. KG, Isny, Germany
14:45	Hydrogen in agriculture – An energy self-supply-concept for an agricultural business Market- and technology analysis of agricultural vehicles: Expert-interviews, requirements, needs for action and roadmaps Development of hydrogen energy systems with sector coupling: oncept, simulation, optimization Economic analysis and technical evaluation of the concept: Total cost of ownership, CO2 avoidance potential, self-sufficiency-grade and integrability Hendrik Vorjans, M. Sc., Research Associate, Energy Management & Drivetrains, Fabian Brumann, M. Sc., Alumni, Mechanical Engineering, Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lutz Eckstein, Director, Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika), RWTH Aachen University, Germany
15:15	Mining reinvented: The T 264’s journey to zero emissions Strategic shift – from traditional product OEM to comprehensive mining solutions OEM Focus on electrification solution: T 264 truck moves from diesel to battery-electric haulage solution Static and dynamic charging power included Dr.-Ing. Isabelle Ays, MBA, Head of Zero Emission, Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar SAS, Colmar, France
15:45	Closing remarks by the conference chairman
15:50	End of 9th International VDI Conference Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines 2026
	Joint plenary session Moderation: Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Pfund, President Business Unit E-Motors, Schaeffler Automotive Buehl, Germany
16:00	Awarding of the Best Presentation Award for Junior Engineers
16:05	Common closing remarks
16:15	End of the International VDI congress Dritev 2026

Program PDF ( PDF, 1 MB)

Download

Program

Under the lead of Prof. Dr. Ludger Frerichs, Director of the Institute of Mobile Machines and Commercial Vehicles (IMN), TU Braunschweig, Germany, the conference program will be set up. He will be supported by committee of experts. Based on the abstract, the program committee will decide on the acceptance and order of presentation.

Exhibitors

ACTech GmbH
ALPS ALPINE EUROPE GmbH
ATESTEO GmbH & Co. KG
Castrol Germany GmbH
Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies
DuPont Specialty Products Operations Sàrl
ElringKlinger AG
Emil Motors GmbH
ERNST GROB AG
Felss Group GmbH
FINEST Automotive
Gris Umformtechnik GmbH
Hilite Germany GmbH
hofer powertrain GmbH
InfiMotion Technology Europe AB
KISSsoft AG
Kolektor Mobility d.o.o.
Liebherr
MELECS EWS GmbH
Mercedes-Benz AG
Oerlikon Balzers Coating Germany GmbH
Opel Automobile GmbH
Profiroll Technologies GmbH
Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
Schunk Sintermetalltechnik GmbH
Stelter Zahnradfabrik GmbH
Telemetry Services GmbH
Truck Forging GmbH
Valeo Power
Walter Henrich GmbH
Winkelmann MSR Technology GmbH
Zeulenroda-Presstechnik GmbH

Alformet Gmbh
ARRK Engineering GmbH
baier & michels GmbH & Co. KG
CCT GmbH
Dauch Corporation
DURKOPP Group
ELTRO GmbH
ERDRICH Umformtechnik GmbH
Evamo - Smart Bubble System
FEV Europe GmbH
Fischer & Kaufmann GmbH & Co. KG
HAILTEC GmbH
HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik Holding GmbH
HUSCO Automotive Europe GmbH
Jäger Computergesteuerte
Kistler Instrumente GmbH
KST-Motorenversuch GmbH & Co KG
Lumberg Connect GmbH
Melectric-Systems GmbH
MOTION MAKERS GmbH
OPED GmbH
PID test & engineering GmbH
RD Motion, d.o.o.
Schulz-Electronic GmbH
Smart Manufacturing Technology Ltd., UK
TE Connectivity
TREMEC Corporation
TU Graz
Volkswagen Group
weg//weiser GmbH
Wuxi Shinden Modern Intelligent Technology Co.,ltd

Exhibitor packages with complementary ticket, net stand space and company entry in the exhibitor directory (print and online) can still be booked. Reserve one of the limited stand spaces in the specialist exhibition. Or become a sponsor for a comprehensive presence before and during the event.

Become an exhibitor or sponsor!

Inform now

Gold sponsors

What else can you expect at the event?

One ticket, two conferences - Participants can encounter new ideas and stimuli not only at the lectures of the ‘Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines 2026’ conference, but they can also switch free of charge between the parallel series of lectures at ‘Dritev´ This offers you a great opportunity to meet a lot of like-minded people, talk shop with the experts and exchange new ideas.

The joint evening event offers you an excellent option of networking with experts from Germany and abroad. Take advantage of this opportunity to exchange ideas face-to-face with your drive and transmission community and take away new ideas.

The Speakers Corner will give you the possibility to meet once again with the inspiring speakers of the conference. After the presentations, you will have the chance to talk to the speakers in person and ask specific questions.

In the exhibition area, you will gain a comprehensive overview of the leading companies in the development, simulation, and production of drives, gearboxes, and components.

A poster exhibition allows attendees to discover a wider range of topics, gain a compact overview of current developments, engage directly with experts, and benefit from valuable inspiration.