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.]
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:
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Waste Management Field Testing Peterbilt Hydraulic Hybrid Waste Collection Trucks
November 14, 2008
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| Components of the Eaton heavy-duty hydraulic launch assist (HLA) system. Click to enlarge. |
Waste Management, Inc., North America’s largest waste management company, is field-testing parallel hydraulic hybrid waste collection trucks. Four parallel hydraulic hybrid-diesel collection trucks have been incorporated into Waste Management’s fleet and are being tested in Fort Worth to study and optimize the hybrid system’s efficiency and reliability.
The four Peterbilt 320 vehicles in Fort Worth use the Eaton Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA system). The HLA system can capture and store up to 75% of the energy normally lost as heat by the vehicle’s brakes in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid. (Earlier post.)
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Optare Shows Hybrid and Electric Buses
November 05, 2008
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| Optare is showing an all-electric version of the 8.8m Solo. Click to enlarge. |
Optare plc, the UK’s second largest manufacturer of buses, is highlighting new hybrid and all-electric models at the Euro Bus Expo taking place in Birmingham, UK on November 4 through 6, 2008.
Solo electric bus. An all-electric version of the 8.8-meter Solo bus features an Enova EDU 120 system comprising an electric drive unit and gear train, a central electronics unit, and related power management components. The system features a lithium-ion iron phosphate Valence battery pack which powers an Enova 120 kW Panther traction motor.
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GE Increases Investment in A123Systems; Total Position of $55M for 9% of Company
October 22, 2008
GE is making its sixth equity investment in lithium-ion battery manufacturer A123Systems, putting $30 million into A123’s $102 million Series E financing. GE is the battery manufacturer’s largest single cash investor, with 9% ownership. The investments were made by GE Commercial Finance - Equity and GE Energy Financial Services, bringing GE’s combined total investment in A123Systems to $55 million. (Earlier post.)
GE made the announcement at a Battery Technology Symposium held at its Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York. In addition to receiving capital from GE, A123 is drawing on the research and technology development expertise of GE Global Research to design battery system components for automotive programs. A123Systems says that it is participating in GE’s exploration of a dual battery system—the combination of two battery chemistries, one biased toward power and the other toward energy, into a single battery pack, in a DOE-funded project with Chrysler. (Earlier post.)
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NREL Report Finds Operational Problems with CTTRANSIT Prototype Fuel Cell Bus Reduced Availability
October 14, 2008
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| CTTRANSIT’s fuel-cell hybrid bus. Click to enlarge. |
A report on the results of a preliminary evaluation of a prototype plug-in fuel-cell hybrid bus at Connecticut Transit (CTTRANSIT) in Hartford by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that while the experience for operators and riders with the fuel cell bus has been positive, there have been a number of specific problems and limitations that resulted in bus availability consistently below the 85% target.
These problems include initial quality assurance of the bus manufacturing/integration, the traction batteries, heating and air conditioning, operating in slippery conditions, maximum bus operating speed, and degradation of the fuel cell power system.
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Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Manufacturers Say Industry Needs Effective Fuel Efficiency Metrics and Global Fuel Regulations
October 13, 2008
Chief executives of the world’s leading heavy-duty engine and vehicle manufacturing companies gathered last week in New Orleans for the 6th Global Commercial Vehicle Industry Meeting (GCVIM). Participants in the meeting agreed that addressing climate change and fuel efficiency requires require developing effective fuel efficiency measurement metrics and methodologies and global fuel regulations.
The chief executives of the assembled companies agreed to continue working together with governments toward harmonized global standards with an emphasis on uniform measurement and testing protocols. The executives further agreed to meet jointly with the relevant national authorities to stress the need for a speeding progress towards the development of a fully harmonized WHDC (Worldwide harmonized Heavy-Duty emissions Certification procedure) Global Technical Regulation. They also agreed to work to improve fuel efficiency, develop hybrid technology certification procedures, and develop high-quality renewable fuels specifications.
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BAE Systems Introduces Improved Version of HybriDrive
October 06, 2008
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| BAE’s HybriDrive applied in an inline configuration in a Daimler Buses North America Orion VII NG (next generation). Click to enlarge. |
BAE Systems introduced an improved version of its series hybrid propulsion system that can be used on multiple bus platforms, is mechanically simpler, reduces maintenance costs, and makes possible the use of electric accessories. The company unveiled the latest HybriDrive system at the American Public Transportation Association’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego.
Based on the company’s series diesel-electric hybrid technology already in use, the new system can be configured with the diesel engine and generator arranged inline or transversely to make it adaptable to a wider range of bus models. It also can generate power for electrically operated systems such as air conditioning, power steering, engine cooling, and lighting, serving these electrical loads without belt-driven alternators.
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Volvo Introduces Hybrid Version of 7700 Bus; Up to 30% Reduction in Fuel Consumption
September 25, 2008
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| The Volvo Hybrid 7700. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo has unveiled the hybrid version of its 7700 bus at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany. (Earlier post.) With up to 30% lower fuel consumption and cost-effective hybrid components from Volvo, bus operators can earn a payback on the extra cost in five to seven years, according to the company.
The 7700 Hybrid features a parallel hybrid system with the Volvo MD5 diesel engine and Integrated Starter Alternator Motor (I-SAM). The 4-cylinder, 4-stroke turbocharged and intercooled in-line diesel engine delivers 158 kW (212 hp) of power at 2,200 rpm and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque at 1,200 to 1,700 rpm. Continuous output from the I-SAM motor is 70 kW (94 hp), with 120 kW (161 hp) peak; continuous torque is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), with 800 Nm peak. A 600V, 4.8 kWh Li-ion battery pack is roof-mounted and water-cooled.
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Kenworth Expands Hybrid Offerings, Introduces New T370 Class 7 Hybrid Tractor Targeted at Local Haul Applications
September 24, 2008
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| The T370 hybrid. |
Kenworth Truck Company has introduced a new Kenworth T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid tractor for local haul applications, including beverage, general freight, and grocery distribution. Kenworth, a division of PACCAR, already offers a T270 Class 6 hybrid-electric truck. Peterbilt, also part of PACCAR, also offers its version of the T270, the Model 335.(Earlier post.)
Both the T270 and T370 share the same hybrid drive system, developed by Eaton. The Kenworth T370 tractor is powered by the PACCAR 6.7-liter PX-6 engine, which is rated at 300 hp (224 kW) at 2,600 rpm, with 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque at 1,600 rpm.
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Bosch Highlighting Hydraulic and Electric Hybrid Systems at IAA
September 23, 2008
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| Components of the hydraulic hybrid Hydrostatic Regenerative Braking System. Click to enlarge. |
Bosch will highlight its hydraulic hybrid drivetrain at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany as one of its solutions to help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions in the commercial vehicle sector. Bosch will also showcase its hybrid-electric, CNG, exhaust aftertreatment, and new higher-pressure common rail injection systems.
The Bosch-Rexroth Hydrostatic Regenerative Braking system (HRB) for heavy commercial vehicles reduces fuel consumption by up to 25%. The hydraulic hybrid drivetrain converts kinetic braking energy into hydraulic energy and stores it. The next time the vehicle accelerates, the stored energy is fed back into the powertrain, thereby reducing the load on the combustion engine.
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Volvo Group Plans Wide Application of Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drive
September 22, 2008
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| The Volvo FE hybrid refuse truck. Click to enlarge. |
The Volvo Group plans to apply its I-SAM (Integrated Starter, Alternator Motor) hybrid solution (earlier post)—what it calls its fourth-generation hybrid solution—across its range of products in buses, trucks and construction equipment.
Volvo has been testing various types of hybrid solutions since the 1980s. Volvo Group unveiled what it considers a viable hybrid solution for heavy vehicles in March 2006 (earlier post) in the form of the I-SAM. The I-SAM is a parallel hybrid system comprising a starter motor, drive motor and alternator fit between the clutch and the I-Shift automatic transmission.
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Daimler to Showcase Alternative Drive Systems at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show; Three Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Premieres
September 19, 2008
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| The Mercedes-Benz Econic BlueTec hybrid makes its debut at the Hanover show. Click to enlarge. |
Daimler AG is presenting 11 vehicles with alternative drive systems—including natural gas, hybrid-electric and fuel cell technologies—at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover (25 September - 2 October). (Earlier post.)
Mercedes-Benz will present three hybrid world premieres at the motor show, including the Axor BlueTec Hybrid truck, its first hybrid prototype for use in long-distance transport. For local transport applications, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the Econic with two hybrid variants: the Econic BlueTec Hybrid with diesel engine and the Econic NGT Hybrid, a concept with a natural-gas-powered engine.
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Transport Consortium Establishes LNG Refuelling Infrastructure for 120 Heavy Duty Trucks in Tasmania
September 08, 2008
LNG Refuellers Pty Ltd (LNGR), an Australia-based consortium comprising seven Tasmanian transport operators, has struck a deal with industrial gas company BOC for the supply of LNG fuel for more than 120 LNG-powered heavy-duty vehicles. Tasmania is an Australian state—and island—located 240 kilometers (150 mi) south of the eastern side of the continent, being separated from it by the Bass Strait.
The trucks will mostly be new vehicles with Westport engines with some existing Caterpillar powered vehicles fitted with the Clean Air Power Dual-Fuel system (earlier post).
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MAN Introduces Euro 5 and EEV Diesels Without SCR, Hybrids
August 27, 2008
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| The MAN D08 CR engines meet Euro 5 and EEV limits without any SCR aftertreatment. Click to enlarge. |
At the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany (25 September - 2 October), MAN Nutzfahrzeuge will premiere a range of new diesel engines with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) that meet Euro 5 and EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicles) standards without the use of urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment systems, as well as new hybrid models and numerous changes to its vehicles.
To achieve Euro 5 / EEV, the MAN engine designers use a Lambda-controlled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) with recirculation rates of 30% and higher; two-stage turbocharging with indirect intermediate and main intercooling; and common rail technology with high injection pressures of up to 1,800 bar.
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Sainsbury’s Begins Food Delivery With Biomethane-Fueled Heavy-Duty Truck
August 18, 2008
Sainsbury’s is beginning daily food deliveries from its depot in Bristol (UK) to the supermarket’s new environmental store in Dartmouth—a 500 km (311 miles) round trip—using a Mercedes-Benz Axor truck fueled with biomethane produced from landfill gas.
The truck is retrofitted with UK-based Clean Air Power’s Genesis Dual-Fuel system, which enables heavy-duty diesel engines to operate primarily on natural gas, with diesel fuel acting as a “liquid spark plug”. (Earlier post.) Using biomethane from landfills can save up to 60% in CO2 emissions compared with diesel fuel, according to Sainsbury’s.
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In-Use Study on B20 in Transit Buses Finds Slight Decrease in Fuel Economy, Equivalent Reliability to ULSD Buses
August 08, 2008
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| Average fuel economy of the B20 and ULSD buses. The data shows a continuous slight decline in fuel economy for both. Click to enlarge. |
A 12-month evaluation by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the in-use performance of buses operating on B20 biodiesel (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel) found that the B20 buses exhibited 1.7% lower fuel economy than the ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel) study group. Reliability, as measured by MBRC (miles between road calls), and maintenance costs between the two groups were comparable.
This evaluation of buses in the St. Louis (Missouri) Metro fleet was conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). The study is the first B20 in-use fleet study using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) equipped buses, and is also the first study to compare the use of B20 to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD).
