TELMA, IVECO and Petit Forestier Group join forces around the Hybrid Induction Brake system: innovation that turns braking into useful energy
A concrete solution combining performance, fuel efficiency and safety
The HIB system developed by TELMA for commercial vehicles represents a significant breakthrough in the energy transition of the transport sector. This innovative technology converts braking energy into recoverable and usable energy. The system enables the ‘hybridisation’ of internal combustion engine vehicles without requiring major structural modifications, offering an immediately deployable solution for reduced fuel consumption and emissions while improving safety and driving comfort.
TELMA's 3-in-1 innovation enhances both performance and sustainability
The result of several years of research, TELMA’s HIB system combines three functions: retarder, auxiliary electric motor and generator. During deceleration, the Daily featuring this technology recovers energy from braking and stores it in an additional battery, and during acceleration, it assists the vehicle's propulsion and can power auxiliary equipment. This approach reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions while improving overall energy efficiency.
By reducing reliance on service brakes by up to 90%, the HIB system extends brake lifespan, lowers maintenance costs, and enhances driving comfort through smooth and quiet operation. In addition, to a 90% reduction in fine particles from braking, a key advantage in view of the future Euro 7 standard, which will introduce emission
thresholds for braking for the first time, tests conducted by UTAC (Technical Union for Automobiles, Motorcycles and Bicycles) in July 2025 confirm up to 30% in fuel consumption and CO₂.
‘The progress made on the project and the continued partnership with IVECO and Petit Forestier Group are a source of pride for all the teams at TELMA. We are very excited to offer the opportunity to test our product to industry players and the public’, says Ariel Levy, President of TELMA.
IVECO Daily: a chassis designed for innovation
The Daily, the IVECO light commercial vehicle renowned for the robustness and versatility of its chassis, is the ideal basis for the HIB system. Its bodywork-friendly design enables seamless integration without compromising performance or load capacity.
‘This project underscores the Daily’s ability to integrate advanced solutions that genuinely support the decarbonisation of transport,” explains Giuliano Giovannini, Head of Product Portfolio Management IVECO. “Our mission as a manufacturer is to listen closely to our customers, understand the operational challenges they face, and bring to market technological innovations that respond to their real-world needs. By working alongside high-level industrial partners, we can accelerate the energy transition and deliver solutions that combine performance, sustainability and seamless integration into real-world operations.’
Petit Forestier Group: a more sustainable and efficient cold chain
For Petit Forestier Group, the collaboration with TELMA and IVECO represents a concrete approach to shared innovation in support of more responsible refrigerated transport.
The demonstration vehicle presented at the Solutrans trade fair combines the IVECO Daily chassis with the Urban by Lecapitaine body, designed by the Petit Forestier Group's integrated coachbuilder, renowned for its lightness and energy efficiency.
‘This partnership embodies the Group's desire to explore, alongside its partners, new concrete solutions to reduce environmental impact across all areas and make the cold chain increasingly sustainable and efficient,’ says Yann Leriche, Asset and Supply Director at Petit Forestier Group. ‘By partnering with TELMA's electromagnetic braking and plug-in hybrid technology, Petit Forestier Group is continuing its commitment to energy efficiency and emissions reduction.’
About Petit Forestier Group
A family business for almost 120 years, Petit Forestier Group is driven by passionate men and women who share a common mission: ‘Enhancing quality of life through innovative cold chain solutions”. Present in 24 countries, the Group mobilises 5,900 talents every day in the service of refrigeration.
Through its activities, Petit Forestier Group ensures the preservation of foodstuffs, medical products and any other goods whose quality and durability depend on the cold chain.
Its expertise in refrigeration covers the entire chain, focusing on the rental of products and services (vehicles, furniture and containers) and ranging from the design and assembly of refrigerated boxes on vehicles to the resale and recycling of spare parts.
Close to its customers, the Group encourages team spirit and agility, creating a favourable environment where each job has a meaning, to enhance the quality of life through innovative cold chain solutions.
