AFV Truck/Commercial Vehicle topic

[GRA]

All GCC:

California’s Foothill Transit adds 13 New Flyer hydrogen fuel-cell-electric buses; largest fuel cell fleet in North America

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211109-nfi.html

California’s Foothill Transit has ordered 13 New Flyer hydrogen fuel-cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2 forty-foot heavy-duty transit buses. This order is supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds.

This addition to Foothill Transit’s initial order of 20 fuel cell-electric buses, announced in October, now establishes North America’s largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses.

Foothill Transit is based in West Covina, California, operating one of the largest fleets of electric buses in America and providing fixed-route service in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. . . .

The Xcelsior CHARGE H2 orders are in addition to two of NFI’s Alexander Dennis E500 battery-electric double-deck buses recently delivered to Foothill Transit.

The Xcelsior CHARGE H2 is a battery-electric vehicle using compressed hydrogen as an energy source and range extender, requiring only 6-20 minutes to refuel. . . .

SunLine Transit Agency orders 5 more New Flyer hydrogen fuel-cell-electric buses

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211106-nfi.html

. . . The purchase follows SunLine’s previous 2020 order for five Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses and brings SunLine’s total zero-emission fleet to 26 fuel cell-electric vehicles. . . .

Electric Last Mile Solutions to proceed with production of Class 3 Urban Utility commercial EV

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211109-elms.html

The Urban Utility is a Class 3 commercial electric vehicle targeting more than 5,700 lbs. of max payload, more than 11,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and approximately 125 miles of range. Its price positioning is expected to be competitive against ICE counterparts.

The cab-over chassis design of the Urban Utility is highly configurable, and it can be outfitted with a dry box, flat bed, stake bed and other customizable cargo options. . . .

With the introduction of the Urban Utility, ELMS will have a product portfolio spanning the $130-billion North America Class 1-3 commercial vehicle market. It will join the ELMS Urban Delivery EV, which began production in late September and is the first Class 1 commercial EV in the market.

Geely’s Farizon Auto reveals Homtruck commercial vehicle; methanol hybrid, range-extender or swappable battery powertrains

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211109-geelyfarizon.html

Geely Holding Group’s commercial vehicle brand, Farizon Auto, unveiled its next-generation smart new energy semi-truck, the Homtruck, with production and first deliveries planned for early 2024. . . .

The Homtruck’s architecture can carry a number of powertrain options including range extender, methanol hybrid and pure electric with battery swapping option based on government standards recently released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Technology, allowing for the Homtruck to be charged at service stations across highways in minutes rather than a substantial amount of time. . . .

Based on analysis of driver working conditions and itinerary, Farizon Auto has designed a cockpit that applies the concept of home and optimizes space to create a driving and a living area. The design includes a bathroom complete with a shower and toilet, single bed, refrigerator, tea maker, kitchen, and even a small washing machine. The ergonomic seat design and high-definition camera help ensure drivers are well-rested and well-focused, whereas an intelligent AI assistant coupled with full 360-degree cameras help to keep the driver aware of any issues around the vehicle whilst in motion or whilst stationary.

Within a growing number of selected routes, the Homtruck will be able to utilize L4 hands-off autonomous drive functions and will also introduce platooning features for longer journeys which allow trucks to communicate with each other to maintain safe speed and distance that will lower operator stress levels. Hardware sensors such as lidar, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar will be standard equipment along with 5G and V2X communication. The Homtruck will also be fully capable of being upgraded over time using Over the Air (OTA) software upgrades.

 

[GRA]

All GCC:

Maersk, Svitzer to develop carbon-neutral methanol fuel cell tug

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211110-svitzer.html

Svitzer, A.P. Moller - Maersk’s towage operator, has signed an agreement with Robert Allan Ltd, leading naval architect company, to design the first fuel cell tug for harbor operations running on green methanol.

The project builds on close cooperation between Svitzer and Maersk with the aim to explore the combination of methanol fuel cells, batteries, storage/handling systems, electric drives and propulsion units as a carbon-neutral alternative to the conventional fossil-fueled propulsion train.

Fuel cells will be applicable as main propulsion power for tugs earlier than for larger vessels and further, the time to build a tug is significantly less than for a container vessel. Svitzer will obtain valuable knowledge and operational experience handling fuel cells as an alternative to diesel or pure electric power. We consider this project a significant step in Svitzer’s ambition to lead the decarbonization of towage and an important contribution to the joint efforts to develop solutions with a positive impact on the environment.

—Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard, Global COO, Svitzer. . . .

The 80 tons bollard pull newbuild tug with escort notation will come with a hybrid electrical propulsion system solution where fuel cells can be dimensioned to deliver a specific amount of sustained bollard pull using fuel cells alone, adding additional power from the batteries during the short but often frequent peaks that characterizes towage.

The fuel cells can be used to charge the batteries when the tug is mobilizing and when the tug is berthed, minimizing the need for expensive shore side charging facilities. The combination of fuels cells and batteries will deliver a self-sustained tug with longer endurance and with less operational constraints than a pure battery powered vessel.

The fuel cell tug will function as a pilot design for future Svitzer newbuilds and is planned to be put into operation within the Svitzer Europe region by Q1 2024.

Proterra to supply battery technology for up to 10,000 Lightning emotors electric commercial vehicles

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211111-proterra.html

Proterra announced an expansion of its partnership with Lightning eMotors to power their Class 4 and Class 5 electric commercial vehicles with Proterra’s battery technology. Under a new multi-year supply agreement, Proterra contracted to supply battery systems totaling more than 900 megawatt hours in battery storage capacity to Lightning eMotors to power up to 10,000 electric commercial vehicles between 2022 and 2025.

This includes supplying Lightning eMotors with Proterra H Series battery systems for its strategic partnership with Forest River to co-produce and deploy Class 4 and Class 5 zero-emission, battery-electric shuttle buses.

The expansion builds on Proterra’s previously announced collaboration with Lightning eMotors to power the Class 3 Lightning Electric Transit commercial van using Proterra battery technology. The Lightning Electric Transit van is a purpose-built Class 3 commercial electric vehicle that is available in several popular configurations including last-mile cargo vans, passenger vans, ambulances, school buses, and work vans.

Proterra will now also supply its battery technology to Lightning eMotors for the Lightning Electric E-450 and Lightning Electric F-550 electric commercial vehicles. . . .

Both platforms are planned to have 80kWh-160kWh of Proterra battery packs.

Archer’s Maker demonstrator aircraft receives MIDO Certificate of Authorization (CoA) and Aircraft Limitations from FAA

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211115-archer.html

Archer Aviation Inc., a developer of eVTOL aircraft, announced that the FAA has issued a CoA and the Aircraft Limitations covering Maker, Archer’s flagship demonstrator aircraft. Maker is a full-scale electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, capable of traveling 60 miles at 150 mph.

The CoA and the Aircraft Limitations are key components of the Special Airworthiness Certificate, which will be the FAA basis that permits the Maker aircraft to commence test flights.

Archer has now relocated its Maker aircraft to its California flight test facility. Here, the aircraft is undergoing final preparations for its first hover flight later this year, as well as a program of ongoing systems testing. . . .

In a May 2021 report—eVTOL/Urban Air Mobility TAM Update: A Slow Take-Off, But Sky's the Limit—analysts at Morgan Stanley decreased the Urban Air Mobility TAM (total addressable market) base case to $1 trillion by 2040, but projected TAM to soar to $9 trillion by 2050. . . .

 

[GRA]

All GCC:

Merchants Fleet to buy 5,400 new BrightDrop EV410s

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211118-merchants.html

Merchants Fleet, the US’ fastest growing fleet management company (FMC), has reserved 5,400 BrightDrop EV410s, the all-new, mid-size electric light commercial vehicle purpose-built for the delivery of goods and services over long ranges, as well as other service applications. . . .

With an estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge, the mid-size EV410 offers exceptional curb management and maneuverability, and is well-suited for faster, smaller payload deliveries, or as a last mile and traditional service vehicle. The EV410’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 pounds also limits the need for additional operating licenses. By providing many of the same features as the larger BrightDrop EV600 in a lighter weight package, the EV410 is making zero-emissions driving a possibility for new segments.

Earlier this year, Merchants released an exclusive AdoptEV program that guides businesses through every step of the fleet electrification process—from assessing needs to purchasing the right vehicles to charging options and infrastructure. For Merchants clients such as Staples, guidance and support are key to making the transition to EV. Staples currently operates a fleet of 1,500 throughout North America and has recently begun introducing EVs into their current delivery fleet. . . .

BrightDrop is a new business, from General Motors, reimagining the commercial delivery and logistics industry for an all-electric future. Its portfolio of products, software, and services are designed to decarbonize last-mile deliveries and reduce congestion.

Yara to start operating the world’s first battery-electric container ship, prepared for autonomous operation

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211120-yara.html

ara Birkeland (earlier post)—the world’s first battery- electric container ship, prepared for autonomous operation—has departed for its maiden voyage in the Oslo fjord. The autonomous ship will sail within 12 nautical miles from the coast, between 3 ports in southern Norway. . . .

The 120 TEU Yara Birkeland was developed in collaboration with the Kongsberg Group. The ship was built by VARD with financial support from Enova, and will be in commercial operation from 2022. . . .

Loading and discharging will be done automatically using electric cranes and equipment. The ship will not have ballast tanks, but will use the battery pack as permanent ballast.

The ship is also be equipped with an automatic mooring system; berthing and unberthing will be done without human intervention, and will not require special implementations dock-side.

Now begins a two-year testing period of the technology that will make the ship self-propelled, and finally certified as an autonomous, all-electric container ship.

To ensure safety, three centers with different operational profiles will handle all aspects of operation. These centers will handle emergency and exception handling, condition monitoring, operational monitoring, decision support, surveillance of the autonomous ship and its surroundings and all other aspects of safety. An interface towards Yara logistical operation will be implemented at the operational center at Herøya.

The ship will be operated from Massterlys’ monitoring and operations center in Horten. Massterly is a joint venture between KONGSBERG and Wilhelmsen.

Enova, a Norwegian government enterprise responsible for promotion of renewable energy, has allocated up to NOK 133.5 million (US$15.2 million) to build the first electric and autonomous container ship. . . .

Maersk issues €500M green bond to fund first feeder vessel, 8 green methanol ocean-going container vessels; Cicero Medium green

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211121-maersk.html

. . . To start with, the company successfully placed its inaugural 10-year, €500-million green bond to fund the build of its first feeder vessel and the ground-breaking series of 8 large ocean-going container vessels which will be capable of operating on carbon-neutral methanol by 2023 and 2024, respectively.

The transaction was met with strong demand and was several times oversubscribed. The transaction priced at coupon of 0.75%, the lowest coupon ever for Maersk. . . .

Cicero Green was appointed to review Maersk’s Green Finance Framework and ultimately verify its alignment with the ICMA Green Bond Principles 2021 and the Green Loan Principles 2021 and market practices. Based on the overall assessment of the eligible green assets under this framework and governance and transparency considerations, Maersk’s Green Finance Framework has received a Cicero Medium Green shading and a governance score of Excellent.

Cicero Shades of Green AS provides independent, research-based evaluations of green bond investment frameworks to determine their environmental robustness. Cicero’s second opinions are graded Dark Green, Medium Green and Light Green to offer investors better insight into the environmental quality of green bonds.

Dark green is allocated to projects and solutions that correspond to the long-term vision of a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

Medium green is allocated to projects and solutions that represent steps toward the long-term vision, but are not quite there yet. Fossil-fueled technologies that lock in long-term emissions do not qualify for financing.

Light green is allocated to projects and solutions that are environmentally friendly but do not by themselves represent or contribute to the long-term vision.

Toyota and DRIVR put 100 hydrogen taxis on the roads in Copenhagen

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211119-drivr.html

Toyota and the taxi service DRIVR have put more than 100 hydrogen taxis on the roads in Copenhagen, supporting the political goals for a greener taxi industry. The Danish government's aim is that no new taxis emit CO2 or air pollution from 2025 and by 2030 all moving taxis must be zero-emission cars.

The app-based taxi service, DRIVR, is one of the taxi companies that is at the forefront of the green transition. As a customer it has long been possible to choose between hybrid, electric and hydrogen cars. Now DRIVR has significantly increased the number of hydrogen taxis in the fleet. All 100 cars are Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicles. . . .

DRIVR’s hydrogen taxis have been launched as part of the European hydrogen for transport projects, Hydrogen Mobility Europe 2 (H2ME2) and Zero Emission Fleet vehicles For European Rollout (ZEFER), supported by The Hydrogen And Fuel Cell Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), in which both the City of Copenhagen, Toyota and the Hydrogen industry are partners. The project aims to spread hydrogen solutions for transport across the EU and has contributed to both wagons and hydrogen refueling stations in Denmark.

 

[WetEV]

Using natural gas directly is more efficient than converting to hydrogen. Yet there is a sliver of FCEV trucks by 2040.

 

[GRA]

Both GCC:

DHL Express is piloting first hydrogen truck throughout Deutsche Post DHL Group

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211124-dhl.html

DHL Express is the first within Deutsche Post DHL Group to test hydrogen-fueled trucks for the long haul. Together with its customer Apple, DHL is piloting the heavy-duty vehicle, equipped with a fuel cell range extender from VDL, between Breda, the Netherlands, and Brussels, Belgium, as part of the Interreg NW Europe program H2-Share, coordinated by WaterstofNet.

The program’s goal is to facilitate the development of low-carbon heavy-duty vehicles on hydrogen for logistic applications and gain practical experience in different regions. It creates a transnational living lab and basis for the development of the zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle industry. . . .

While battery-electric trucks can operate efficiently within last-mile delivery, fuels from renewable energies such as hydrogen are essential for zero-emission line-haul. Due to their vast potential, DHL Express is now testing a heavy-duty vehicle, with a fuel cell range extender from VDL. The truck, operated by Dutch Nassau Sneltransport, covers a daily distance of around 200 km, running the cross-border route between the Netherlands and Belgium.

The truck refuels on a daily basis in Breda at a mobile fuel station from Wystrach as part of the project. It transports deliveries of DHL Express’ customer Apple. During the piloting phase, up to 350 tons of CO2 can be saved with the new technology. . . .

BAE Systems introduces next-gen HybriGen Power and Propulsion system for marine applications

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211124-baesystems.html

. . . The HybriGen Power and Propulsion solution uses variable speed generator sets to create electricity for auxiliary vessel power and electric propulsion. The system utilizes the generated electricity to deliver power to the hotel loads, the energy storage system, or paralleling with other power sources for greater power demand and system flexibility.

The new HybriGen Power and Propulsion system uses smaller and lighter components for vessels, building on the company’s 25 years of experience in electric propulsion systems. Its modular accessory power system (MAPS) and modular power control system (MPCS) allow for a scalable, tailor-made solution to fit the specific power and propulsion requirements of a range of vessels, from sailboats and tugs to passenger ferries. . . .

Work on the HybriGen Power and Propulsion System will be conducted at the company’s facility in Endicott, NY.

Researchers show economic, environmental and grid-resilience benefits of converting diesel trains to battery-electric

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211124-popovich.html

In the US, diesel freight trains emit 35 million metric tons of CO2 annually and produce air pollution that leads to $6.5 billion in health costs, resulting in an estimated 1,000 premature deaths each year.

Now, researchers from the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), collaborating with UCLA and UC Berkeley researchers, suggest that the US can retrofit diesel-electric trains with batteries in a way that is cost-competitive with diesel. An open-access paper on their study appears in the journal Nature Energy. . . .

SQL errors so can't quote more. Direct link to report: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-021-00915-5

 

[danrjones]

Wasn't sure where to put this. Not an F150 Lightning, but a Ford EV truck....?

https://insideevs.com/news/552740/ford-new-fullsize-pickup-platform/

 

[GRA]

Wasn't sure where to put this. Not an F150 Lightning, but a Ford EV truck....?

https://insideevs.com/news/552740/ford-new-fullsize-pickup-platform/

No, not here, as this is a follow-on to the F-150 but designed as an EV from the start.

 

[cwerdna]

Rivian stock plunges after news of Amazon-Stellantis deal
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/05/rivian-stock-plunges-after-news-of-amazon-stellantis-deal.html

Amazon makes a deal with Stellantis to buy electric Ram ProMaster delivery vans in 2023
https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/5/22868283/amazon-stellantis-ram-promaster-electric-van-software-delivery

 

[oxothuk]

Researchers show economic, environmental and grid-resilience benefits of converting diesel trains to battery-electric

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211124-popovich.html

In the US, diesel freight trains emit 35 million metric tons of CO2 annually and produce air pollution that leads to $6.5 billion in health costs, resulting in an estimated 1,000 premature deaths each year.

Now, researchers from the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), collaborating with UCLA and UC Berkeley researchers, suggest that the US can retrofit diesel-electric trains with batteries in a way that is cost-competitive with diesel. An open-access paper on their study appears in the journal Nature Energy. . . .

Direct electrification of trains makes a lot more sense than battery electrification. This paper just dismisses that option.

 

[LeftieBiker]

Direct electrification of trains makes a lot more sense than battery electrification. This paper just dismisses that option.

You mean overhead live cable or a third rail? I think that solar-BEV, with panels on top of the cars, makes more sense and would be safer.

 

[oxothuk]

Direct electrification of trains makes a lot more sense than battery electrification. This paper just dismisses that option.

You mean overhead live cable or a third rail? I think that solar-BEV, with panels on top of the cars, makes more sense and would be safer.

Overhead live cable was what I had in mind; it’s a proven technology already used in many parts of the world. Third rail is not safe in open areas where access can’t be controlled.

I assume you’re joking about panels on top of the cars; the energy collected wouldn’t come close to what was needed to power a train.

 

[lorenfb]

In the US, diesel freight trains emit 35 million metric tons of CO2 annually and produce air pollution that leads to $6.5 billion in health costs, resulting in an estimated 1,000 premature deaths each year.

Now, researchers from the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), collaborating with UCLA and UC Berkeley researchers, suggest that the US can retrofit diesel-electric trains with batteries in a way that is cost-competitive with diesel. An open-access paper on their study appears in the journal Nature Energy. . . .

"We have available federal funding for research, and here's the research result we desire."

 

[GRA]

Both GCC:

Palma de Mallorca buying 5 Solaris hydrogen buses

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/03/20220302-mallorca.html

Solaris has won a tender for the delivery of five hydrogen-powered Urbino 12 hydrogen buses to Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the island of Mallorca. The contract is worth about €4 million.

This investment is part of the “Green Hyslan” project, financed with EU funds. The project objective seeks to promote the development of clean energy as part of initiatives aimed at combating climate change by 2050. As a result of the planned activities, the Spanish island is to become a European benchmark in terms of using zero-emission energy. . . .

The Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen bus has a range of up to 350 km. The refueling takes only a few minutes, which makes the bus very easy to handle and provides flexibility for local transport operators. Compared to diesel vehicles, it produces only slight vibrations and the noise level is barely noticeable.

At present, Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses can be seen, for example, on the streets of Bolzano in Italy, Cologne and Wuppertal in Germany as well as in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands.

USA Truck to buy 10 Nikola Tre BEV trucks; fleet-as-a-service model; option for 90 more over next 2 years

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/01/20220106-usatruck.html

 

[GRA]

GCC:

Mack Trucks introduces next-generation Mack LR Electric with improved range and capacity

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/03/20220304-mack.html

Mack Trucks announced that its next generation Mack LR Electric battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is now available for order. Mack began serial production of the LR Electric in 2021 at its Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Class 8 Mack vehicles for North America and export are assembled. (Earlier post.)

The next-generation LR Electric features 42% more energy and a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity offering an increased range. Featuring twin electric motors, the Mack LR Electric offers 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb-ft (5,492 N·m) of peak output torque from zero RPM. The LR Electric has a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission, Mack mRIDE suspension and Mack’s proprietary S462R 46,000-pound rear axles.

Easily identifiable by a copper-colored Bulldog on the cab denoting the electric drivetrain, the LR Electric’s vehicle propulsion is offered through four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries that are charged though a 150 kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system.

The four batteries also provide all power for every onboard accessory, driven through 12V, 24V and 600V circuits. The two-stage regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day with an increasing load. . . .

Mack has EV-certified dealers in California, Idaho and Montreal, Québec, and many more are working toward achieving EV Certification status. Mack and Mack Financial Services also recently announced the Mack Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS) program to help customers better manage the purchase process for the Mack LR Electric model, and Mack also is partnering with all body builders.

VaaS includes the vehicle chassis, the refuse body, applicable taxes and a comprehensive vehicle protection plan—the Mack Ultra Service Agreement. Qualified customers have the option to bundle a charger and associated installation costs into a single invoice, an all-inclusive offer that is unique in the industry. VaaS is offered as a five-year lease with single monthly payments and the option to renew.

The Mack Ultra Service Agreement includes all preventive and corrective maintenance, excluding accidental repairs, Mack GuardDog Connect uptime services, roadside assistance, battery monitoring and an industry-leading battery performance guarantee. GuardDog Connect monitors vehicle systems, including battery health and performance and checks for fault codes and defects reported by the battery and electric components of the energy storage system.

These are used for garbage and recyclables collection.

 

[GRA]

GCC:

Austrian bus company signs framework agreement for up to 106 Solaris battery-electric and hydrogen buses

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/03/20220305-obb.html

Austrian bus company Österreichische Postbus AG (ÖBB Postbus) has signed another framework agreement with Solaris for the delivery of up to 106 battery-electric and hydrogen buses that would be deployed throughout Austria. The models offered include Urbino 9 LE electric and Urbino 12 hydrogen buses.

ÖBB Postbus is the largest bus company in Austria and a leader in regional public bus transport. Possible orders are to be fulfilled in the years 2022-2025 with an option to prolong this period until 2028.

Buses to be purchased by ÖBB include up to 24 of the latest, zero-emission Urbino 9 LE electric buses, and up to 82 Urbino 12 hydrogen buses.

The framework agreement is yet another agreement for hydrogen buses concluded between Österreichische Postbus AG und Solaris. The previous contract signed in February 2021 assumed, among other things, the delivery of up to 40 Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses.

The energy that powers the hydrogen buses is generated by 70 kW fuel cell systems. The hydrogen needed to propel the bus will be stored in gaseous form in five tanks with a total volume of 1560 liters, mounted on the bus’s roof. Additionally, every ordered vehicle will be equipped with a Solaris High Power battery.

The contract also provides for the possibility to purchase Urbino 9 LE electric buses, the youngest member of the electric Solaris family, which was launched in September 2021. This versatile model has been designed in such a way that it can be adapted for class I or class II type approval. Thus, the bus provides an excellent link between the urban and suburban road networks.

With its compact dimensions, the vehicle will perform excellently on steep climbs and on tight mountain bends in Austria. These 9-meter buses will be equipped with a central electric motor. The propulsion system will be powered by energy derived from a set of Solaris High Energy batteries with a total capacity of about 280 kWh, and the interior will take at least 65 passengers. . . .

 

[WetEV]

Guemes Island ferry fully funded by state transportation package

Battery electric ferry between Fidalgo Island and Guemes Island should be operational by 2025.

https://www.guemesislandferry.com/category/replacement-ferry/

 

[GRA]

All GCC:

Hino to join hydrogen demo study in California ports with Class 8 trucks

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/03/20220310-hinoh2.html

Hino USA has been awarded a grant provided by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a Japanese governmental agency, to promote new technology for energy and environmental sector, along with Hino Motors, Ltd. The grant supports the demonstration of Hino’s Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell trucks in real world operations in California ports.

This joint study will run through March 2026 and is a collaboration project with Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Toyota Tsusho America Inc., Mitsui E&S Machinery Co. Ltd. and PACECO CORP, along with Hino. . . .

The NEDO grant is in support of improving air quality through zero-emission truck technology, which is expected to be a beneficial approach for specifically targeting port operations and environmentally burdened disadvantages communities that California’s initiative concerns. . . .

The team plans to demonstrate zero-emission operation generated by hydrogen power units in daily drayage operations, in and around the ports. Hino will provide several of its prototype Class 8 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), recently revealed at the ACT Expo this past August as part of a joint development effort with Toyota.

Also included in the grant program will be monitoring and analysis of the operational and maintenance interval data to optimize the efficiency and safety of the vehicles by Hino and its partners. . . .

Germany awarding €600M to transport companies for zero- and low-emission buses

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/04/20220408-germany.html

. . . Around 1,700 buses will be procured by the transport companies with this tranche of funding from the new “Directive on the Promotion of Alternative Drives of Buses in Passenger Transport”. Around 1,400 are battery-electric; 150 fuel cell; 50 overhead line; and 100 gas buses. The associated maintenance and charging infrastructure is also supported.

Eight companies received their funding notices on Thursday:

KVG Kieler Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH: 50 battery buses

Stadtwerke München GmbH: 71 battery buses

Transdev GmbH Berlin: 325 battery buses, 40 fuel cell buses, 110 biomethane buses

Bremen tram joint-stock company: 50 battery buses

City of Esslingen am Neckar: 51 battery trolleybuses

AeroGround Flughafen München GmbH: 72 battery buses

Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG): 350 battery buses

Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH: 108 fuel cell buses. . . .

Germany’s BMDV (Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport) has been funding the conversion to climate-friendly transport fleets as part of the "Directive for the Promotion of Alternative Drives in Passenger Transport". Funds of around €1.25 billion euros will be available for this purpose by 2024, with additional funds planned for 2025.

The funding program is designed to be technology-neutral in order to provide the right technology option for every application context. However, the focus is on the switch to battery-electric and fuel-cell-based buses.

The federal government covers up to 80% of the additional costs incurred compared to conventional comparison vehicles; the development of the necessary infrastructure is also part of the funding. Feasibility studies are also eligible, which determine how the conversion to alternative drives succeeds at the respective location.

Battery-electric advocate Scania, Cummins developing 20 fuel-cell-electric trucks for HyTrucks project

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/04/20220412-scania.html

. . . HyTrucks is a consortium of businesses that has pledged to put 1,000 hydrogen trucks and 25 hydrogen refueling stations on European roads by 2025.

The HyTrucks consortium was founded by Air Liquide, DATS 24, the Port of Rotterdam, the Port of Antwerp and the Port of Duisburg in 2021.

Scania has been part of various development projects for hydrogen technologies for a number of years to gain insights into the technology. Although there are batteries in every fuel-cell-electric truck, fully battery-powered trucks remain Scania’s main strategy as they provide a higher uptime and improved costs per km or hour of operations, Scania said.

The fuel-cell-electric trucks will be built on Scania’s battery-electric vehicle platform and leverage Cummins’ PEM fuel cell systems and hydrogen fueling and storage solutions.

Once Cummins has added fuel cells to the trucks, the 20 trucks will be delivered to HyTrucks in 2024.

The HyTrucks project will enable Scania to learn even more about how to install fuel cell systems, the operations and what customers experience.

We have been clear that battery-electric is what we see as the main track for all applications. That said, we are open to what our customers want also with regards to other solutions, like hydrogen. In some operations and geographies where battery-electric vehicles are not optimal, we see that fuel-cell-electric vehicle will be used. We keep a close dialogue with our customers on what is best both for their total operating economy and our planet.


—Fredrik Allard, Head of E-mobility, Scania. . . .

Hylane GmbH buys 18 Hyzon fuel-cell-electric trucks

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/04/20220412-hyzon-1.html

Hylane GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of DEVK Versicherung, one of Germany’s largest motor insurers, has purchased 18 fuel-cell-electric trucks from Hyzon Motors, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2022.

Under Hylane’s sustainable mobility model, fleet owners can deploy Hyzon vehicles in their operations through a rental agreement with Hylane. Further, it is expected that customers will only pay for the miles actually driven; Hylane plans to cover maintenance or downtime costs. Through this pay-per-use approach, Hylane expects to minimize the risk for customers while accelerating the rate at which zero-emission vehicles replace diesel.

Hylane has already confirmed rental contracts for the first vehicles and is in talks with numerous prominent transport companies interested in transitioning their fleets to zero-emission options.

Germany is expected to be one of the major global markets for zero-emission commercial vehicle technologies in the coming years. Germany recently announced support for a total ban on sales of combustion engine cars from 2035, and there are already significant domestic incentives in place to transition heavy vehicles off diesel. . . .

Hyzon focuses exclusively on the commercial vehicle market, with a near-term focus on back to base (captive fleet) operations, for its fuel-cell vehicles. Utilizing its proven and proprietary hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyzon aims to supply zero-emission heavy duty trucks and buses to customers in North America, Europe and around the world.

California Energy Commission awards $2M to Symbio H2 Central Valley Express heavy-duty fuel cell truck project

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/04/20220415-symbio.html

The California Energy Commission (CEC) selected Symbio, Michelin, and Faurecia along with GTI and other industry partners, to develop and demonstrate a hydrogen-fueled, regional-haul Class 8 truck, as major contributors to a state-supported hydrogen mobility project.

The “Symbio H2 Central Valley Express” project, supported with $2 million from the CEC, will develop and demonstrate a hydrogen fuel cell truck that matches the performance of a 15-liter diesel truck providing a zero-emission solution for demanding regional-haul trucking operations. . . .

Telematics systems will be installed on the truck and operational data on performance and energy usage will be collected; this is the primary purpose of the project. Data will then be analyzed within existing laboratory and industrial environments. . . .

Starting in the second half of 2023, the truck will run for 12 months on a challenging 400-mile route between the Inland Empire and Northern San Joaquin Valley. Located inside California natural gas investor-owned utility territory, it will utilize existing and future hydrogen infrastructure primarily provided by Air Liquide, Shell and Trillium.

10 Solaris hydrogen buses to go to Upper Bavaria

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/04/20220421-solaris.html

Two private bus companies from Bavaria—Busreisen Ettenhuber GmbH and Martin Geldhauser GmbH & Co KG.—have ordered a total of 10 Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen buses. 5 Urbino 12 hydrogen buses have been ordered by the carrier Busreisen Ettenhuber GmbH, and another 5 units will head to the bus company Martin Geldhauser GmbH & Co. KG. The deliveries are slated to be completed by March 2023. . . .

The buses will be capable of covering at least 350 km on a single refill. These hydrogen-powered Solaris buses will also feature a relatively small Solaris High Power traction battery, whose role is to support the fuel cell at moments of increased demand for electricity.

The buses will carry up to 34 seated passengers each. . . .

Interest in this emission-free drive solution has been increasing in Europe. The latest orders for hydrogen buses landed by Solaris include a delivery of 5 hydrogen buses to Palma de Mallorca, 5 hydrogen units for Austrian operator OBB Postbus, and up to 20 hydrogen buses to the Czech city of Usti nad Labem.

 

[WetEV]

Hydrogen for grant money again.

Yawn.

 

[GRA]

Hydrogen for grant money again.

Yawn.

Then you must get really tired of yawning after all the government money being used to subsidize PEVs and syn/biofuels (and largely in the past but still some, PV and wind).

Meanwhile, via GCC:

ZEFER and H2ME deliver 100 hydrogen taxis to Copenhagen

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/04/20220422-zefer.html

Two pan-European projects—the ZEFER (Zero Emission taxi Fleets for European Rollout) and H2ME2 (Hydrogen Mobility Europe) projects, both funded by Europe’s Clean Hydrogen Partnership—have deployed 100 hydrogen taxis in Copenhagen with app-based taxi company DRIVR. The Toyota Mirais run on green hydrogen from renewable energy, following the installation and opening of a new hydrogen refueling station (HRS) in the city.

This latest deployment of taxis means the wider ZEFER project has achieved its full complement of 180 FCEVs in high-utilization, captive fleets across Europe with deployments in three capital cities (Paris, London and Copenhagen).

The taxi deployment in Copenhagen will complement 60 taxis previously deployed to hydrogen taxi company Hype by STEP (Société du Taxi Électrique Parisien) in Paris, and 60 other passenger cars in London deployed between private-hire firm Green Tomato Cars (50) and the Metropolitan Police (10).

To date the 120 vehicles operated under the ZEFER project have driven more than 7 million kilometers (4.35 million miles) fueled only by hydrogen. This high mileage is achieved as the project deliberately targets the very long daily mileage applications which are most suitable to hydrogen vehicles.

They have achieved this without major safety or reliability incidents and vehicle performance has been rated highly by drivers and fleet managers, with limited breakdowns or issues encountered relating directly to the hydrogen drivetrain.

The Danish government has targeted all taxis to be zero-emission by 2030; DRIVR won the public tender to deliver ad-hoc taxi services in the City of Copenhagen. The 100 new hydrogen taxis will complement DRIVR’s existing low-emission fleet, already comprising hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen vehicles. . . .

 

[WetEV]

Hydrogen for grant money again.

Yawn.

Then you must get really tired of yawning after all the government money being used to subsidize PEVs and syn/biofuels (and largely in the past but still some, PV and wind).

A yes, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Oh, and LED bulbs as well. The L-prize.

Ten million dollars. Energy savings were more than than in 2012, and have grown rapidly since then. Incandescent bulbs, other than for special uses, are basically gone. Projected to save 569 TWh annually by 2035.

The first retail L-prize bulbs sold for $50 to $60, or less when subsidized by local governments. Today, better LED bulbs are $1.25 each unsubsidized. Society's ROI in the thousands of percent. That was a Good use of government money.

The Bad? Hydrogen for autos. Doesn't make sense, unless you take some very special chemicals first.

The Ugly? Hydrogen for trucks. Oh, not for short and medium haul. BEV trucks work better there.