Twitter headlinesHeavy-duty
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Study Concludes That Class 8 Truck Fuel Consumption Could Be Reduced By Up to 50% By 2017 Using Existing and Emerging Technologies; Current Payback Requirements Could Forestall Implementation
November 20, 2009
A new study released today by the Northeast States Center for a Clean Air Future (NESCCAF) and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) found that fuel consumption of Class 8 trucks and the resultant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be reduced up to 50% with the adoption of current and developing technologies and new operational measures by 2017.
However, the study also concluded that given the current short payback period for investment demanded by the trucking industry, a number of the technologies that could enable such savings would not be adopted, absent regulation or a longer payback period.
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Volvo Upgrades Hybrid System in Prototype Refuse Truck; Small-Scale Series Production Pushed Back to 2012 at the Earliest
November 19, 2009
| Updated Volvo hybrid refuse truck in London. Click to enlarge. |
After a year and a half of initial field testing, Volvo Trucks is releasing an upgraded hybrid refuse truck (earlier post) with new components and software. The new refuse truck will be tested by Veolia Environmental Services in central London.
The new truck is an upgraded version of the parallel hybrid trucks field-tested in Stockholm and Göteborg, Sweden, over the past eighteen months. It has two separate drivelines, one for diesel and one for electricity, which can be used either separately or together. The refuse truck promises up to 30% lower fuel consumption than a conventional model.
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New Citaro Fuel Cell Bus Debuts in Hamburg; 50% Lower Fuel Consumption
November 16, 2009
| New Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid at Hamburg Harbour. Click to enlarge. |
The new Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid made its first appearance in its future operating location of Hamburg. Starting next year, 10 of the 30 new fuel cell buses that Daimler Buses is producing for European transport operators are destined for the Hamburg transport authority. Hamburger Hochbahn will also take delivery of 20 Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL cars starting 2010, which are also equipped with a fuel cell drive system. (Earlier post.)
To further cost-reduction through the use of common parts, the new Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid bus is powered by two fuel cell systems of the same type used in the B-Class F-CELL. Thanks to improved fuel cell components and hybridization with lithium-ion batteries, the Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid consumes almost 50% less hydrogen compared to the preceding generation. The operating range of the fuel cell bus is around 250 kilometers (155 miles).
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ISE Standardizing Energy Storage Systems Controls Interface to Allow Easier Use By Other Manufacturers
November 10, 2009
| ISE’s Ultra-E 500 ultracapacitor system is capable of up to 1,000,000 charge cycles, lasting significantly longer than conventional alternatives. Click to enlarge. |
ISE Corporation, which has been developing and incorporating its energy storage systems into its own heavy-duty drive systems since 1999, is now standardizing its controls interface to allow other manufacturers more easily to integrate ISE energy storage technologies into their own applications.
In June, ISE and Maxwell Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining formation of a strategic alliance to develop and market high-voltage energy storage systems for fuel-efficient, low-emission, hybrid buses and trucks. (Earlier post.)
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IBM Global Trucking Study Finds Fuel Efficiency, High-Tech Features More Important than Brand Name
November 01, 2009
| Most important external forces impacting the trucking industry today versus 2020. Source: Truck 2020. Click to enlarge. |
IBM released the findings of a new global study which shows that trucks will become more fuel efficient, environmentally sound and safer due to the adoption of new technologies throughout the vehicle. The use of these innovations will help truck manufacturers differentiate their vehicles, as the study shows that brand names of trucks are becoming less important.
The Global Truck 2020 Study, titled “Transcending Turbulence,” was developed by IBM Global Business Services’ Auto practice and the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV). The study—unveiled at last week’s CALSTART Hybrid Truck Users Forum National Conference—comprises interviews with 91 executives in 13 countries, representing the entire truck value chain.
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Torotrak to Present Paper Advocating Flywheel Hybrid System for Buses at SAE Commercial Vehicle Conference
October 03, 2009
| Torotrak flywheel KERS unit. Click to enlarge. |
At the SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress on October 6-7, full-toroidal traction drive specialist, Torotrak, will present a paper advocating a more cost effective approach using flywheel hybrid technology based on the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) developed for F1 racing. (Earlier post.) As well as saving cost, Torotrak claims the system offers more than 30% fuel saving over the London bus test cycle and to package around the existing transmission.
The paper will highlight past successes with flywheel hybrid bus applications and the system designed for F1, for which Torotrak developed the full-toroidal traction drive that provides the link between the flywheel storage device and the remainder of the powertrain.
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Balqon Introduces On-Highway Heavy-Duty Electric Mule Truck
October 01, 2009
| The Balqon Mule 150. Click to enlarge. |
Balqon Corporation, an emerging developer and manufacturer of zero emissions heavy-duty electric vehicles for Class 7 and Class 8 applications (earlier post), introduced a lithium-ion battery powered heavy-duty electric truck designed for use in on-highway short-haul applications at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles, California.
Balqon’s Mule M150 is designed for short-haul on-highway routes in inner cities, port facilities and airports for the distribution of goods and cargo. The Mule M150 is equipped with Balqon’s fully integrated heavy-duty electric drive system and lithium-ion batteries to provide increased range and performance.
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Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Fleet Passes 1M-Mile Mark In Project Driveway
September 11, 2009
| The Equinox fuel cell vehicle. Click to enlarge. |
On Friday, the fleet of Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell electric vehicles involved in GM’s Project Driveway—the largest consumer fuel cell vehicle demonstration project to date (earlier post)—passed the 1-million mile mark.
The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle is equipped with a GM fourth-generation, 93 kW fuel cell stack. (GM is developing a more efficient and compact fifth-generation stack that, among numerous other features, substantially reduces the platinum requirement in the stack.) A 35 kW NiMH battery pack (about 1.8 kWh) provides energy storage for regenerative braking.
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Consortium Launches Britain’s First Dual Fuel Biomethane Bus; Emissions Cut in Half
September 09, 2009
| Biomethane bus. Click to enlarge. |
A consortium brought together by low carbon experts at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK launched the first bus in the UK to run on biomethane gas. The dual-fuel diesel-biomethane powered bus is expected to reduce pollutant emissions and greenhouse gas emissions by around a half. It is hoped the technology will be rolled out to bus fleets across the country and further afield.
The dual-fuel vehicle is a standard Optare Solo single-deck diesel midibus from the Anglian Bus fleet. Originally powered entirely by diesel, the Mercedes-Benz engine has been adapted by the Hardstaff Group (earlier post) to run for 60-80% of the time on low-carbon biomethane. Biomethane is chemically identical to the methane in natural gas but it is made by bacterial action on biowastes. Biomethane is extracted from landfill sites or from biogas produced in purpose-built anaerobic digestion facilities.
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German Transport Ministry Includes Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Series Hybrid City Bus in Its Electric Mobility Development Program
August 28, 2009
The German Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS) will provide funding for Daimler Buses to develop, evaluate, and test the first small fleet of Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid articulated buses (earlier post). The Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid is a series diesel-hybrid city bus able to run solely on electric power.
The Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid features four wheel-hub motors on the center and rear axles of the bus. These motors develop a maximum output of 80 kW each and are liquid-cooled. A roof-mounted Li-ion battery system has an output of 180 kW and a weight of less than 350 kg, including cooling. The batteries are charged not only by the diesel generator but also by fuel-saving energy recuperation from braking.
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US DOE Awards $300 Million in Clean Cities Grants to Support Alternative Fuels, Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development
August 26, 2009
| Geographical distribution of Clean Cities Recovery Act awards. Click to enlarge. |
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects put more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy-efficient light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the road, and establish 542 refueling locations across the country.
The vehicles and infrastructure being funded include the use of natural and renewable gas, propane, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hybrid technologies. And with the cost share contributions from the recipients, every federal dollar spent will be matched by nearly two dollars from the project partners.
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New US Army Laboratory Will Support Next-Generation Ground Vehicles; Hybrid-Electric and Fuel Cell Configurations
August 18, 2009
| The GSPEL facility, designed by SwRI. Click to enlarge. |
The US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) broke ground on a new 30,000-square-foot facility for testing military ground vehicles. Called the Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory (GSPEL), the facility will evaluate an array of military vehicles, from light transports such as HMMWVs to heavy combat vehicles such as military tanks, with hybrid-electric and fuel-cell configurations.
Military vehicles provide special testing challenges because they operate at extremely high power levels under extreme environmental conditions, often requiring new and experimental technologies. Currently no such facility exists to meet these challenges; therefore, the Army determined it needed a one-of-a-kind, fully integrated test facility.
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Enova Systems Shows Ze, Outlines Planned Improvements in School Bus Plug-in Hybrid Drive
August 13, 2009
| The Ze electric drive system. Click to enlarge. |
Enova brought its Ze (zero emissions) commercialized all-electric step-van to the Plug-in 2009 conference in Long Beach. Engineered specifically for urban delivery routes and service/maintenance operations, the Enova Ze plug-in step van drive system offers a range of up to 150 miles per charge and can reach a top speed of 65 mph. Operating costs are projected to be $.08- $.10 per mile—significantly less than the average of $.24-$.48 per mile in a comparable diesel vehicle.
Enova is supplying drive systems to Smith Electric Vehicles, and recently announced a major contract with First Auto Works (FAW) in China for hybrid buses. (Earlier post.) The Ze gives Enova entry into the chassis manufacturer market, said James Badalamenti, Director Worldwide Sales and Marketing. Ultimately, he said, Enova would like to evolve its position to become a Tier 1 supplier to commercial OEM chassis manufacturers.
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Converted Plug-In Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor to be Tested at Port of Long Beach
August 12, 2009
A plug-in parallel hybrid electric terminal tractor used to move shipping containers and cargo within the port will be tested at a Port of Long Beach shipping terminal. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is coordinating the project among several ports and will also compile and analyze project data related to the tractor’s performance, including emissions, charging, diesel fuel reduction and other aspects.
US Hybrid Corporation performed the conversion which uses a 33 kWh Li-ion battery pack from GAIA. The truck is equipped with a 6.6 kW charger. EPRI expects the plug-in to have about 4 hours of electric operation, depending upon the duty cycle, said Andra Rogers, senior project manager of Electric Transportation at EPRI.
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Enova Delivers Hybrid Drive Systems to First Auto Works for Hybrid Buses
August 10, 2009
| Enova’s Pre-Transmission Parallel Hybrid System locates the electric motor between the engine and transmission. Click to enlarge. |
Enova Systems, Inc. has delivered the first 70 pre-transmission hybrid drive systems to First Auto Works for application in a hybrid bus. FAW has ordered an additional 150 hybrid drive systems for delivery in 2009. Enova Systems and FAW have executed an agreement to supply a further 800 pre-transmission hybrid drive systems in 2010.
First Auto Works is one of China’s largest vehicle producers, manufacturing in excess of 1,000,000 vehicles annually. The Enova drive system will be integrated and branded under the name of Jiefang. The Jiefang 12-meter hybrid bus can carry 103 passengers and travel at a maximum speed of 85 km/h (53 mph). The bus meets Euro III emission standards. It will consume 30 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers (7.8 mpg US) and discharge 20% less emissions.
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BAF Technologies to Distribute Hardstaff Dual-Fuel Conversion Technology in US
July 31, 2009
| Basic OIGI system for CNG or LNG. Click to enlarge. |
US-based BAF Technologies, a provider of natural gas conversions for select light- and medium-duty vehicles, has entered into an exclusive distributorship agreement with UK-based T. Baden Hardstaff to retrofit existing heavy-duty on-road vehicles to dual-fuel operation. The agreement will provide BAF with exclusive territory rights for the United States.
BAF is currently converting 600 AT&T Ford E-Series vans to dedicated CNG technology in 2009. (Earlier post.) T. Baden Hardstaff is a service and technology provider for the road transport industry specializing in the development of low carbon vehicle technologies. Among its offerings is the OIGI dual-fuel system that can work with either compressed or liquefied natural gas.
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J.B. Hunt Transport Services Signs Cooperative Agreement with Algal Oil Producer SunEco Energy
July 30, 2009
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., one of the largest transportation logistics companies in North America, and algal oil producer SunEco Energy signed a cooperative agreement, which could lead to J.B. Hunt becoming a significant purchaser of biodiesel made from natural algae oil using SunEco Energy’s proprietary technology. J.B. Hunt runs about 10,000 tractors in its fleet, and burns some 100 million gallons of fuel per year.
The two companies conducted a series of successful tests using biodiesel made by SunEco Energy from 100% natural algae oil produced at the company’s pilot plant in Chino, California. These tests, using a 20% and 50% blend of algae biodiesel with petroleum diesel, measured an 82% reduction in particulate emissions with no loss of power compared to ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD).
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DfT Publishes Ricardo Report on Technology Options for Reducing CO2 Emissions from Heavy Goods Vehicles; Focus on Vehicles, Powertrains and Fuels
July 18, 2009
| Representation of cost vs. benefit of low-carbon HGV technologies. Source: Ricardo/DfT. Click to enlarge. |
The UK Department for Transport has published a report prepared by Ricardo on the potential of various technologies for reducing CO2 emissions that are applicable to the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector. HGVs (goods transport vehicles with >3.5t GVW) represent 24% and vans 12% of total UK road transport greenhouse gas emissions.
The report presents an analysis of a number of HGV technologies with carbon saving potential and evaluates these technologies in terms of CO2 benefits, technology costs, environmental costs arising from production of the technology, safety and other limitations, and the maturity of the technology within the market. The report then summarizes which technologies are the most promising in terms of CO2 benefits when all these other factors are taken into consideration.
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Magna Steyr to Provide Li-ion Battery Systems for Volvo I-SAM Heavy-Duty Hybrids; A123Systems Cells
July 10, 2009
| Magna Steyr’s emerging battery pack portfolio. The heavy-duty line is the first to enter series production. Source: Magna Steyr. Click to enlarge. |
Magna Steyr, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., will produce lithium-ion battery systems for Volvo Group. The battery systems will be integrated into Volvo’s city buses, heavy-duty distribution vehicles and refuse trucks using the I-SAM parallel hybrid system.
Production of these battery systems, which incorporate A123Systems’ 32113 Li-ion cells, will begin in August 2009 at Magna Steyr’s facility in Graz, Austria.
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Sweden, Volvo Group and Partners to Invest $26M in Powercell Sweden AB to Advance Volvo Fuel Cell APU Work
July 02, 2009
| Powercell Sweden power generation unit. Click to enlarge. |
The Swedish Energy Agency and the Volvo Group, in partnership with international corporations Midroc and OCAS, are investing SEK 200 million (US$26 million) to accelerate Volvo’s introduction of fuel cell APUs (auxiliary power units) into the market.
The Volvo Group, through its company Volvo Technology Transfer, will receive investment from the companies Midroc New Technology and OCAS, as well as from the Swedish Energy Agency. The parties will make a joint investment of SEK 200 million in Powercell Sweden AB in Gothenburg. Powercell Sweden is currently owned by Volvo Technology Transfer but following the investment, Volvo will be a minority owner.
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Victoria Launches Australia’s First Trial of Hybrid-Electric Buses; Series and Parallel
| The Grenda parallel hybrid (top) and the Ventura series hybrid (bottom). Click to enlarge. |
The government of the state of Victoria has launched Australia’s first hybrid-electric bus trial. The A$500,000 trial (US$398,000) in Melbourne, which will involve buses on two outer suburban routes, will assess the viability of both parallel- and series-hybrid buses in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the public transport sector.
The Victorian government partnered with the Commonwealth government to fund the trial, which is being conducted with Grenda Corporation (parallel hybrid) and Ventura Buses (series hybrid).
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£30M Fund for Low Carbon Buses in the UK; New GM-Allison Hybrid Buses in London
The UK Government is establishing a £30 million fund (US$49 million) to encourage the purchase of low carbon emission buses (LCEB). The fund is part of the Department for Transport’s wider strategy to encourage a shift to low carbon transport and improve air quality in UK cities.
A Low Carbon Emission Bus (LCEB) is a bus that is able to achieve the LCEB target for Greenhouse Gas Emissions, which is equivalent to a 30% reduction in its Greenhouse Gas Emissions compared to a current Euro 3 diesel bus of the same total passenger capacity. These buses will all meet the latest air quality standards, delivering at least Euro V EU emission standards.
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Scania Delivering 85 Ethanol Buses to Stockholm Suburbs; E95 in a Diesel Engine
June 28, 2009
| Scania ethanol buses for SL. Click to enlarge. |
Scania has sold 85 ethanol-powered articulated buses to Busslink, operator of bus services for Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), the regional public transport company in the Swedish capital. Scania’s ethanol bus features a modified diesel engine running on a mixture of 95% ethanol with 5% ignition improver. (Earlier post.) The buses that were just ordered will be equipped with third-generation Scania ethanol engines.
The order from Busslink is Scania Sverige’s largest single bus transaction in the Swedish market since 2004. Scania’s bus sales in Sweden began 2009 very strongly, and some 100 such vehicles have been registered so far this year.
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ZF and ISE Plan to Collaborate to Supply Electric Hybrid Drive Systems and Components to North American Vehicle Market
June 23, 2009
ZF Friedrichshafen (ZF), a leading manufacturer of vehicle driveline and chassis technology, and ISE Corporation (ISE ), a leading designer and manufacture of series hybrid propulsion systems and components for heavy duty vehicles, plan to collaborate on the development and supply of a complete line of parallel-electric hybrid drive systems and components for the North American vehicle markets.
ZF and ISE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines plans for an intended Strategic Collaboration and Development Partnership. The combined expertise of the two companies will result in a product portfolio of series and parallel hybrid-electric drive systems and components.
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Smith Electric Vehicles, Altec and PG&E Partner on All-Electric Utility Truck
June 22, 2009
Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation (SEVUS) and Altec Industries Inc. have developed an all-electric utility truck with an aerial device. The truck is a battery-powered, all-electric Smith Newton produced by SEV US and SEV UK with an aerial bucket integrated by Altec Industries Inc. The partners inroduced the prototype at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Va.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will add the first test unit to its fleet to conduct routine and emergency overhead line work in PG&E’s northern and central California service area. PG&E will provide test data to SEV US and Altec for the creation of a production model. This unit is the first all-electric aerial utility truck to be put into operation by a major utility company before being brought to the market.
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French Environment Agency Demonstrator Awards €57M to 11 Lower-CO2 Vehicle Projects
June 19, 2009
The French environment agency ADEME is awarding €57 million (US$80 million) via its technology demonstrator to 11 low-carbon vehicle projects selected through an initial call for expressions of interest. The projects include light- and heavy-duty applications, and hybrid or electric powertrains. A second call for expressions of interest for research projects on vehicle decarbonization ends 26 June. Projects selected will be announced in the fall and receive awards totalling €50 million.
The projects selected for the first round of funding are:
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Volvo to Introduce Proprietary Medium-Duty Engine in 2010
June 17, 2009
The Volvo Group is developing its own medium-duty (MD) engine for trucks and buses. The first of these new medium-duty engines will be launched in 2010, according to Volvo CEO Leif Johansson in his presentation at Volvo’s Capital Market Day in Eskilstuna, Sweden.
Johansson also said that the Volvo Group’s investments in research and technology will remain at high levels in the next few years since new emissions legislation will be introduced for trucks, buses and construction equipment.
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Consortium Seeks Stimulus Funding for DME-Electric Hybrid Buses
June 15, 2009
A consortium is seeking US stimulus funding available through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program to convert 20 hybrid diesel-electric buses to hybrid dimethyl-ether (DME)-electric propulsion.
Among the consortium members is Alternative Fuel Technology, Inc., a developer of fuel injection equipment for DME-fueled vehicles. Volvo Truck Corp. has been using AFT fuel systems in field demonstrations and in laboratory research since 1995, according to the company.
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Volvo Technology to Lead New York Commercial Vehicle Infrastructure Integration Development Program
June 11, 2009
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has selected Volvo Technology North America to lead the development and demonstration of an advanced Commercial Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (CVII) program. A contract awarding this program to Volvo Technology is being finalized by the state.
The program will demonstrate VII applications for commercial vehicles along key transportation corridors in the greater New York City region. Test corridors, utilizing 5.9 GHz dedicated short range communications (DSRC), include 13 miles of the New York State Thruway Authority’s I-87 Spring Valley Corridor and 42 miles of NYSDOT’s I-495 Long Island Expressway.
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DOE to Fund Up to $240M for Class 8 Supertruck and Advanced Technology Light-Duty Powertrains
June 10, 2009
The US Department of Energy will provide up to $240 million in funding for research projects in two specific areas of interest: (1) developing systems for and demonstrating a 50% total increase in vehicle freight efficiency measured in ton-miles per gallon in Class 8 trucks (Supertruck); and (2) accelerating the development of cost-competitive engine and powertrain systems for light-duty vehicles capable of attaining at least a 25% fuel economy improvement for gasoline-fueled vehicles and at least 40% fuel economy improvement for diesel-fueled vehicles while meeting future emissions standards (ATP-LD). Measured fuel economy improvements cannot factor in a hybrid system.
Projects under this funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0000079) will be financed, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Applications are due by 9 September 2009.
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10-Year FTA Low-Speed Urban Maglev Research Program Shows Technology is Feasible, But Infrastructure Costs and Availability of Technologies Are “Intimidating”
June 08, 2009
| Vehicle chassis of one of the UML research projects (General Atomics). Click to enlarge. |
A 10-year US program to develop low-speed urban magnetic levitation (UML) technology has demonstrated that such systems are feasible to consider as alternatives in the US, but that the initial infrastructure costs and availability of safety and operationally certified maglev technologies are “intimidating”, according to a assessment report prepared by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Maglev—a transportation technology in which trains are supported by magnetic forces without any wheels contacting rail surfaces—promises several attractive benefits including the ability to operate in challenging terrain with steep grades, tight turns, all-weather operation, low maintenance, rapid acceleration, quiet operation, and superior ride quality, among others. For urban alignments, maglev potentially could eliminate the need for tunnels and noise abatement, resulting in significant cost savings.
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New York City Department of Sanitation Testing Four Different Hybrid Trucks
May 29, 2009
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will be testing in daily operation three different types of hybrid refuse collection trucks and a hybrid rack truck. The trucks were unveiled at the Parks & Recreation Department’s 21st Annual Vehicle & Equipment Show in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens.
The vehicles under evaluation include a parallel hybrid electric diesel collector from Mack Trucks (a Volvo Group subsidiary); a series-hybrid and an hydraulic parallel hybrid collector (earlier post) from Crane Carrier; and the Kenworth T370 diesel-electric hybrid (for the rack truck).
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NYC Testing Rexroth Hydraulic Hybrid Technology in Refuse Trucks
| The hydraulic hybrid refuse truck. Click to enlarge. |
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has launched field tests of Bosch Rexroth’s Hydrostatic Regenerative Braking (HRB) parallel hydraulic hybrid system to assess HRB’s viability for use as an alternative drive system for the department’s refuse trucks.
Bosch Rexroth says that for refuse collection vehicles with high start-stop frequencies, fuel savings of up to 25% are possible with the hydraulic hybrid system. The field evaluations are designed to authenticate both the technical and economic benefits of the HRB system, and provide real-world operating data DSNY will use to consider large-scale deployment of the technology within the city’s in-service and new vehicle fleets.
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Optimized Series Hybrid-Electric System Delivers Best Fuel Consumption Results Yet for Double Deck Vehicle
May 14, 2009
| The Gemini 2 HEV. Click to enlarge. |
In a recent independent test cycle at the Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK, a Wrightbus Gemini 2 HEV achieved the best results for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions ever recorded from a double deck vehicle: 10 mpg UK (8.3 mpg US, 28 L/100km).
The test was part of the Wrightbus Product Development team’s collaboration with Queens University Belfast and key component suppliers including Siemens, Valence Technology and Ford. The series hybrid-electric drive system also uses an optimized engine management program developed by Revolve Technologies. Revolve Technologies was formerly the UK-based Roush Technologies Limited. An investor group acquired Roush Technologies from its US parent late in 2007, and changed the name to Revolve in December 2008.
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Proton Motor Previews “Triple-Hybrid” Electric Drive Passenger Bus
May 13, 2009
Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, a subsidiary of Proton Power Systems plc, a designer, developer and producer of fuel cells and fuel cell electric hybrid systems, has previewed the first passenger bus using the company’s “triple-hybrid” fuel cell system. The presentation took place in Puchheim, near Munich on 8 May, with an official unveiling and handover to take place this summer in Prague.
The new vehicle is the product of a cooperation agreement between Skoda Electric, UJV Nuclear Research Institute Rez plc and Proton Motor. As a manufacturer of trolley buses and electric-powered rail vehicles, Skoda Electric was responsible for the vehicle, including its electric drive system and system integration. The project was coordinated by UJV, a leading research institution in the Czech Republic. Proton Motor supplied the propulsion system.
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GE to Open Sodium-Metal Halide Battery Plant in New York
May 12, 2009
| GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt shows a sodium-metal halide battery cell at the press conference announcing the battery plant. Click to enlarge. |
GE will open a new battery manufacturing plant in Upstate New York that will serve as the main manufacturing facility for GE’s newly launched battery business. The battery business will be a part of GE Transportation and will serve customers in the rail, marine, mining, telecommunications and utility sectors.
GE says the planned facility will produce approximately 10 million sodium-metal halide cells each year—equivalent to 900 MWh of energy storage, or enough to support 1,000 GE hybrid locomotives. The first application will be GE’s hybrid locomotive, which will be commercialized in 2010. (Earlier post.)
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Next-Generation Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid Debuts in June
May 09, 2009
| The new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
The new Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid bus will have its world premiere from 7-11 June at the UITP Congress in Vienna (the World Congress of the International Association of Public Transport). (Earlier post.) This fuel cell hybrid bus is the first representative of the new generation of fuel cell models from Daimler Buses.
Daimler said that the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is the next logical step on the path to zero-emission public transport which the company had already announced it would take, and thus represents an important element in the development of the mobility solutions of the future.
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ZF and Continental Partner on Commercial Vehicle Hybrid Drives
May 07, 2009
| Continental battery pack for commercial vehicles. Click to enlarge. |
ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Continental finalized a strategic alliance to develop and produce hybrid drives for commercial vehicles. The two companies had earlier agreed to jointly develop and marketing hybrid vehicle technology for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in 2005. (Earlier post.)
ZF, as the systems supplier, will be in charge of the system integration for the hybrid system which comprises a parallel hybrid transmission by ZF (including transmission, electric motor, and power electronics), and a lithium-ion battery pack and system electronics by Continental.
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Testing Finds Proterra Electric Transit Bus Achieves More Than 20 mpg Diesel Equivalent
May 05, 2009
| Proterra battery-electric bus. Click to enlarge. |
An all-electric version of the 35-foot Proterra FCBE 35 transit bus, powered by a UQM PowerPhase 150 electric propulsion system and an Altairnano Li-ion battery pack (earlier post), achieved more than 20 miles per gallon diesel equivalent in fuel economy equivalency testing conducted by the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute at Pennsylvania State University.
Testing of the composite body all-electric version of the FCBE 35 transit bus was conducted using a modified Transit Coach Operating Duty Cycle (ADB) that includes simulated central business district, arterial and commuter operations.
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FEV Showcased Partner and Internal Advanced Hybrid Development Projects at SAE World Congress; Demonstrations of Capability
April 24, 2009
| California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped by the FEV booth to see the H3 ReEV after his remarks at the SAE 2009 World Congress opening ceremony. Click to enlarge. |
At SAE 2009 World Congress, FEV showcased two advanced hybrid development projects it undertook with partners—the range-extended electric vehicle (ReEV) HUMMER H3 done in cooperation with Raser and a heavy-duty series hydraulic hybrid yard hostler done in partnership with EPA—as well as two internal hybrid development projects: a Dodge Caliber-based range-extended electric vehicle, and a small Wankel-based 18 kWe APU that could, for example, also be used as the genset in the Caliber.
FEV, a powertrain and engineering company, works closely with OEMs on a variety of projects—many of which it has to keep confidential. That can make it a bit tough to drum up new business, said David Gian, FEV Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integration “when your prospective customer asks ‘What have you done?’ and you have to say ‘I can’t tell you.’” With its ongoing push to be fully capable in transmission and driveline design, development, and testing, FEV decided to produce a couple of demonstrations of capability (the Caliber and the Wankel APU) that prospects could see and drive.
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Maxwell Technologies Lands $13.5M Order for Ultracapacitor Modules for Hybrid Buses in China
| Maxwell BMOD0165 P048 module. Click to enlarge. |
Maxwell Technologies Inc. has received purchase orders with a total value of approximately US$13.5 million from three of China’s leading transit bus producers for BOOSTCAP ultracapacitor modules to support braking energy recuperation and torque assist functions in diesel-electric hybrid transit buses.
David Schramm, Maxwell’s president and chief executive officer, said that deliveries of the company’s 48-volt BMOD0165 P048 modules, which are assembled by one of its contract manufacturers in China, already have begun and will continue through the balance of the year.
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Adura’s MESA Electric Powertrain Combines Controls, Switched Reluctance Traction Motor and MicroTurbine
April 20, 2009
| Components of the Adura MESA powertrain. Click to enlarge. |
Adura Systems, Inc. unveiled its new MESA (Modular, Electronic, Scalable Architecture) electric powertrain for use in series hybrid, all electric and fuel cell mass transportation buses, large utility vehicles and other automotives.
Adura’s MESA powertrain features patent-pending, highly modular systems electronics, an innovative intelligent control software platform and the industry’s first scalable, field installable energy storage system that can be configured, depending upon users’ requirements, to provide 25, 50 miles or 100 miles of initial travel in pure electric mode with subsequent travel in hybrid mode.
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New Indiana-Based Cleantech Research Partnership; First Activities in Heavy Hybrids and Plug-ins
April 02, 2009
A new Indiana-based cleantech partnership—The Energy Systems Network (ESN)—launched on Tuesday. The ESN brings together private firms, research institutions and public agencies focused on bringing new energy technologies to market through leveraging Indiana’s manufacturing sector and R&D capabilities. ESN will provide project development and coordination for joint ventures and cooperative partnerships between network members.
Private and institutional investors have already pledged nearly $1.5 million to support the ESN’s activities over the next two years.
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Optare Introduces Battery-Electric Bus
March 31, 2009
| The Solo EV. Click to enlarge. |
UK-based Optare PLC has introduced the Solo EV, a full battery-electric bus. The Solo EV is a progression of the established Solo family of buses. The Solo EV is available in lengths of 8.1m, 8.8m and 9.5m and widths of either 2.3m or 2.5m.
Replacing the usual diesel engine is an all-new electric drive, featuring an Enova Systems P120 AC induction motor rated at 120 kW and powered by two banks of Valence Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries. The two packs work in parallel and provide 307V with a total capacity of 80 kWh. The batteries are housed in two steel crates set either side of the centrally mounted motor for excellent weight distribution.
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Smith Electric Vehicles US Selects Kansas City for Electric Truck Assembly Plant; Newton Model to Be First
March 27, 2009
| The SEV US Newton. Click to enlarge. |
Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation (SEV US) has selected Kansas City, Missouri as the site for its US assembly plant. (Earlier post.) The new assembly plant will be located at a portion of an airline overhaul base at Kansas City International (KCI) Airport and is expected to create 120 jobs by 2010. Production of the first zero-emission commercial trucks is scheduled to begin third quarter of 2009.
SEV US Corp will initially focus its production on battery-electric-powered vehicles for depot-based predictable-route delivery fleets. The first truck model produced will be the Smith Newton—the world’s largest battery-electric-powered truck. It has a top speed of up to 50 mph, a range on one battery charge in excess of 100 miles and a payload of up to 16,280 lbs. SEV US Corp will utilize the Enova 120 kW P120 drive system for the Newton, a proven solution currently being used by Smith in Europe, and a lithium-ion iron phosphate battery pack.
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FTA Report on Worldwide H2 Bus Demonstrations Finds Better Than Expected Performance and Strong Customer Acceptance; Challenges Remain
March 20, 2009
The US Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has published a report summarizing interviews with participants in the hydrogen-powered buses trials underway in more than 20 cities around the world from 2002 to 2007. These included buses powered by fuel cells or hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines, as well as a variety of fueling and related technologies.
The report gathers insights from demonstration participants at transit agencies in the United States, Europe, China, Japan and Australia, analyzes lessons learned, identifies key remaining challenges, and suggests potential roles for government in supporting commercialization. Among the findings were that the performance of the fuel cell stacks exceeded expectations, but the batteries and supporting components experienced significant challenges.
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Allison Transmission Takes Stake in Torotrak, Licenses Full-Toroidal Traction-Drive Transmission Technology
March 17, 2009
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| The Torotrak variator, which affects the speed of rotation of the sun gear and is responsible for the smooth variation of ratios. Click to enlarge. |
Allison Transmission, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy-duty automatic gearboxes for the commercial vehicle sector, has entered a global licensing agreement with Torotrak plc, a full-toroidal traction-drive transmission company.
The new partnership gives Allison access to Torotrak’s specialist design and development skills covering Infinitely Variable Transmissions (IVTs) and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs). The UK company’s technology offers significant opportunities for efficiency gains, fuel savings and emission reductions, together with a seamless, refined drive experience. Development work on a new medium-duty truck transmission will commence immediately with Torotrak supporting Allison in the program under a separate engineering agreement.
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Volvo Trucks Introduces New Range of More Fuel Efficient, Lower-Emitting and Higher-Power Engines and Transmission
March 09, 2009
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| Volvo Trucks D13, D11 and D7 engines. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo Trucks is introducing a new range of 13-, 11- and 7-liter engines and a new version of the I-Shift transmission. A number of technical engine improvements with the focus on optimized combustion and a new SCR catalytic converter combine to deliver up to 3% lower fuel consumption, 40% lower emissions of NOx and higher power outputs.
For trucks with the 13-liter engine in combination with Volvo I-Shift, fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 3% compared with the previous version (Euro 5 incentive). For the 11-liter engine, the corresponding reduction is 1-2% percent. The power range has been broadened and the engine is now available as a fuel-efficient alternative on the entire Volvo FM range.
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Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation to Assemble Zero-Emission Commercial Trucks in North America
March 02, 2009
Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation (SEV US Corp) (earlier post), a Delaware corporation temporarily headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is announcing the launch of its new company in conjunction with the National Truck and Equipment Association’s (NTEA) Work Truck Show to be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, 4-6 March.
The company will assemble and market all-electric zero-emission commercial vehicles in North America, and said it will initially focus its production on battery-electric-powered vehicles for depot-based route delivery fleets.
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Balqon Begins Production of Electric Port Drayage Trucks for San Pedro Ports
February 25, 2009
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| Balqon E30 rolls off the line. Click to enlarge. |
Balqon Corp. has begun production of all-electric, heavy-duty drayage trucks capable of hauling 30-ton shipping containers in and around the San Pedro Bay, California port complex. (Earlier post.)
An initiative of the Port of Los Angeles’s Clean Air Action Plan, the development and demonstration of the Balqon Nautilus E30 electric truck was co-funded by the Port and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) at a total cost of $527,000. Designed specifically for short-haul or drayage operations, this heavy-duty truck can pull a 60,000-pound cargo container at a top speed of 40 mph, and has a range between 30 to 60 miles per battery charge.
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European Parliament Transport Committee Backs Pollution Charges on Heavy-Duty Trucks
February 11, 2009
The European Parliament’s Transport Committee approved a proposal to revise the Eurovignette directive to implement charges on heavy-goods vehicles based in part on the air and noise pollution they produce and the congestion they cause. The Eurovignette directive was adopted in May 2006 as a harmonized EU framework for charging heavy goods vehicles on European highways.
The European Commission’s original proposal included air and noise pollution and congestion but stopped short of including CO2 emissions. Some MEPs wanted to add CO2 to the list of chargeable costs, arguing that trucks, like airplanes, are partly responsible for climate change, but the committee voted today to exclude CO2 emissions from the text. Transport accounts for 27% of EU CO2 emissions, of which road transport accounts for 73%.
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Detroit Diesel Previews its 2010 BlueTec SCR Technology; 5% Improvement in Fuel Economy
February 09, 2009
Detroit Diesel, a Daimler company, previewed its production-intent version of Daimler’s BlueTec technology for emissions control at the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) Conference. The DD13, DD15, and soon-to-debut DD16 family of engines were engineered from the ground up to be integrated with BlueTec technology developed to meet the specific needs and conditions of the trucking industry in North America.
Detroit Diesel’s BlueTec Technology incorporates emissions technology already present on today’s vehicles such as the Exhaust Gas Recirculation, Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, and Diesel Particulate Filter. All SCR systems designed to meet EPA 2010 emissions standards will also require the vehicle’s operator to keep the truck filled with DEF and the addition of a few new components. These SCR components include: the DEF tank, DEF doser, SCR catalyst, Aftertreatment Control Module (ACM) and the DEF gauge.
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Wal-Mart Estimates 50% of Fleet Efficiency Gain by 2015 Could Come from Vehicle Technology, 50% from Operational Improvement
February 06, 2009
Wal-Mart Stores has set a goal of increasing total fleet efficiency by 100% from 2005 to 2015, and has already exceeded its 2008 interim goal of a 25% increase, according to Chris Sultemeier, Wal-Mart’s Senior Vice President of Transportation.
Total fleet efficiency is a combination of driving and operational practices as well as the vehicles, Sultemeier said. Of the current 25%, about 20% is likely due to vehicle technology, he said. Looking ahead to the 2015 goal, about 50% could come from the vehicle, 50% from the operational side, he said in a teleconference.
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Coca-Cola Enterprises More Than Doubles Hybrid Delivery Fleet, Introduces Heavier-Duty Hybrid Delivery Truck with Eaton Hybrid System
January 19, 2009
Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) is more than doubling its current fleet of 142 hybrid electric delivery trucks by adding an incremental 185 hybrids, making the CCE fleet the largest hybrid fleet in North America. It also introduced a heavier duty hybrid tractor to support a gross vehicle combination weight of 55,000 lbs. The majority of CCE’s current hybrid delivery vehicles are 12-bay box trucks (33,000 lbs gross vehicle weight). (Earlier post.)
The new tractor is based on a medium-duty truck (even though the application, at 55,000 lbs, is technically Class 8), with the hybrid powertrain calibrated for heavier loads and the unique duty cycle of a beverage delivery vehicle. The new tractor combines the medium-duty hybrid system from Eaton Corporation (earlier post) with equipment from Kenworth Corporation and Cummins Engines.
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Waste Management of Seattle Unveils New Compressed Natural Gas Collection Fleet
January 16, 2009
Waste Management of Seattle introduced the first of 106 new CNG waste collection trucks for its fleet as it broke ground on its new compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at its South Seattle operations headquarters.
The trucks use Autocar chassis and McNeilus (an Oshkosh Corporation) bodies. McNeilus expects to deliver the remaining CNG vehicles to Seattle in late March 2009. McNeilus is also providing 40 CNG refuse trucks to Cleanscapes, the other contractor for refuse collection in Seattle under recently awarded contracts (see below).
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Volvo Powertrain to Incorporate Clean Air Power Natural Gas Dual-Fuel Technology into Volvo Truck Engines
January 05, 2009
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| The Dual-Fuel diesel-gas cycle. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo Powertrain has signed a Letter of Intent with Clean Air Power Ltd. to incorporate UK-based Clean Air Power’s Dual-Fuel natural gas technology (earlier post) into Volvo Truck engines. Clean Air Power’s Dual-Fuel application enables diesel engines to operate primarily on up to 85-90% natural gas with diesel pilot ignition.
The letter of intent covers the development and commercialization of products which will include Clean Air Power’s technology and the intention is that they will be marketed and supported by Volvo Trucks.
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London Bus Design Competition Spawns New Freight/Passenger Concept
December 27, 2008
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| Rendering of the Freight*BUS with side elevation drawing showing one possible configuration. Click to enlarge. |
Earlier in the year, Transport for London (TfL) staged an open design contest for new buses for London. The contest generated more than 700 entries from five continents.
Two whole bus designs—from Aston Martin and Foster + Partners; and Capoco Design Ltd—shared first place. The first design proposed a “zero-emissions ready” powertrain, the second a series hybrid powertrain. Both of these designs, as well as the runners-up and merit award designs, took a conventional, passengers-only view of the bus. One of the submissions to the contest, however, took a different approach, proposing flexibly combining passenger and freight transport in the same vehicle: the Freight*BUS.
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Valence Technology to Supply Li-ion Systems to PVI for Commercial Electric Vehicles
December 16, 2008
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| PVI’s electric Maxity will be powered by Valence Li-ion technology. Click to enlarge. |
Valence Technology, Inc. has entered into a multi-year non-exclusive supply agreement with France-based PVI for Valence’s U-Charge XP Energy Storage Systems. PVI develops and manufactures commercial electric vehicles including electric buses under the GEPEBUS brand and trucks in partnership with Renault Trucks.
Under terms of the supply agreement, Valence will provide lithium phosphate battery systems and engineering support to power four commercial EV platforms. Valence will begin shipments to PVI in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Based on PVI projections, revenue for Valence from this supply agreement could represent approximately $3 million in fiscal 2010.
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California ARB Adopts Landmark In-Use Heavy-Duty Truck Rules to Reduce PM, NOx and GHG
December 13, 2008
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| Projected statewide NOx (right) and PM2.5 (left) emissions with and without the regulations. Click to enlarge. |
The California Air Resources Board yesterday adopted two regulations directly aimed at reducing PM, NOx and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the estimated one million heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California. (Earlier post.) Beginning 1 January 2011, the Statewide Truck and Bus rule will require truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014. Owners must also replace engines older than the 2010 model year according to a staggered implementation schedule that extends from 2012 to 2022.
The Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction measure, also adopted during the Board meeting on Friday, requires long-haul truckers to install fuel efficient tires and aerodynamic devices on their trailers that lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.
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EnerDel in Partnership to Develop Li-ion Batteries for Bus and Heavy-Duty Markets
December 09, 2008
EnerDel, Ener1’s Li-ion battery subsidiary; the US Department of Energy (DOE); and a heavy-duty OEM are partnering to develop high-energy Li-ion batteries for hybrid bus and heavy-duty vehicle markets. The partnership is a Congressionally directed program with a total budget of $1.25 million, 80% of which will be funded by the National Energy Technology Laboratory at the DOE, and the remaining 20% percent will be funded by EnerDel.
The program is intended to test three EnerDel battery chemistries to determine which best meets the need of a heavy-duty drive cycle in extreme environments, ranging from hot and cold climates to operating for two or three minutes in all-electric mode, said Charles Gassenheimer, Chairman and CEO of Ener1. The chemistries to be evaluated are:
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Volvo Group to Participate in Green Corridor Project in Sweden
December 08, 2008
The Volvo Group and the DB Schenker transport company, which are both members of the Swedish government’s logistics forum, will partner with VINNOVA (Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems) and the Swedish Road Administration to start a project in January 2009 for more efficient handling of goods on Swedish highways.
The goal is to reduce the impact on the environment while simultaneously increasing efficiency and safety on highways through specially adapted transport stretches—green corridors—for heavy traffic. The project is in line with the EU’s action plan for logistics that specifically highlights the need for green transport corridors in which goods traffic is concentrated to efficient highways, sea routes and railways that complement one another so that transportation becomes as environmentally sound as possible.
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EPA Finalizes Heavy-Duty Onboard Diagnostic System Regulations
December 06, 2008
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized regulations for onboard diagnostic systems on 2010 and later heavy-duty engines used in highway applications (HDOBD). Although the EPA has not estimated new emissions reductions associated with this HDOBD rule, it considers OBD to be a critical element to an overall emissions control program. As such, it assumed OBD requirements and their associated benefits in the estimated emissions reductions associated with the 2007 highway rule.
The rule requires manufacturers to install OBD systems that monitor the functioning of emission control components and alert the vehicle operator to any detected need for emission-related repair. In addition, when a malfunction occurs, diagnostic information must be stored in the engine’s computer to assist in diagnosis and repair of the malfunction. Also, manufacturers are required to make available to the service and repair industry information necessary to perform repair and maintenance service on OBD systems and other emission related engine components. Specifically:
