AFV Truck/Commercial Vehicle topic

Alstom and Snam to develop hydrogen trains in Italy

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. . . The partners, after the conclusion of
the first phase dedicated to feasibility studies planned in Autumn, aim to develop, already at the beginning of 2021, railway mobility projects including both hydrogen-powered trains and the related technological infrastructure, as well as management and maintenance services.

As part of the agreement, Alstom will manufacture and maintain newly built or converted hydrogen trains, while Snam will develop the infrastructures for production, transport and refueling. . . .

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Yanmar developing hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime applications

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. . . The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Toyota Motor Corporation to develop a hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime applications based on hydrogen fuel cell system components including high pressure hydrogen tanks on MIRAI, a hydrogen fuel cell automobile manufactured by Toyota.

With a view to realizing an easily installable module with superior cruising range, Yanmar aims to install the maritime fuel cell system on its own boat and start a field demonstration test by the end of FY2020. Furthermore, the company plans to expand the technology for a variety of applications and deployments. . . .

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Toyota, 5 Chinese companies establish R&D JV for commercial vehicle fuel cell systems in China

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. . . In accordance with the Technology Roadmap for Energy-Saving and New Energy Vehicles announced by China in 2016, the FCEV market, primarily for commercial vehicles, is growing at a pace not seen anywhere else in the world. Based on the belief that industry-wide efforts to build the foundations for the widespread adoption of FCEVs under an open structure rather than measures by individual companies will be essential for the spread and firm establishment of FCEVs in the Chinese market, which is undergoing these extreme changes, these six companies, which share a common vision for FCEVs, decided to establish an R&D joint venture. . . .

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ABB partners with Vigor selects ABB as propulsion and energy storage partner for hybrid-electric ferries

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American shipbuilding company Vigor Fab LLC has selected ABB as the hybrid-electric propulsion and energy storage system provider for the newest additions to the Washington State Ferry fleet—the largest US ferry system.

The new Olympic Class ferries, which will have the capacity to carry 144 cars and 1,500 passengers each, mark a new era for the Washington State transport operator in the shift toward technologies that enable significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use.

Upon delivery in 2024, the initial vessel of the series will be the first newbuild in Washington State Ferry’s fleet to feature hybrid-electric propulsion and a high capacity energy storage system. The new vessels will be able to fully operate on battery power and will have the capability to revert to hybrid mode, if required.

Leveraging ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power distribution system and proven drive technology, the new ferry design will optimize energy use, whether drawing on main engine power, battery power or a combination of the two. The battery power can also extend zero-emissions capability along the supply chain by using renewables and hydroelectric power.

A DC-based power system enables simple, flexible and functional integration of energy sources such as variable speed gensets and shaft generators, batteries and fuel cells. Also, a DC- and power-electronics-based power system provides a solid platform for digital solutions onboard a vessel.

By 2040, the Washington Ferry System plan is to replace 13 existing diesel ferries with hybrid-electric newbuilds and to convert six other ferries to plug-in hybrid, with recharging capacity installed at many ferry terminals. All hybrid vessels will be capable of charging at the terminal, and some of the vessels will be capable of operating in fully electric mode on shorter routes.

With the addition of newer-built, clean energy ferries to the fleet, fuel consumption is projected at 9.5 million gallons in 2040, compared to 19 million gallons in 2018, with CO2 emissions expected to fall below 2050 reduction targets by 2034. . . .

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PEUGEOT introducing electric e-Traveler van

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The new PEUGEOT e-Traveler electric van offers two battery capacities (50 kWh, 18 modules or 75 kWh, 27 modules) for up to 330 km (205 miles) of range in the WLTP certification cycle. Based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy modular platform, the PEUGEOT e-Traveller offers maximum power of 100 kW and maximum torque of 260 N·m available from start-up. . . .

Available in multiple set-ups adapted to passenger transport, the new PEUGEOT e-Traveller comes in three lengths (Compact, Standard and Long) with up to 9 seats.

The e-Traveller offers 3 driving modes from its mode selector:

Eco (60 kW, 180 N·m): for maximum range,
Normal (80 kW, 210 N·m): optimal for everyday use, and
Power (100 kW, 260 Nm): optimizes performance when transporting several people and luggage.
Performance in POWER mode is:

Maximum speed of 130 km/h
0 to 100km/h in 13.1s
1000m standing start in 35.8 s
Acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in 12.1 s
Etraveler

Two braking modes are available, with suitable types of battery charging:

Moderate, which feels close to an internal combustion vehicle,
Augmented (accessible from push “B”, for “Brake” located on the gearbox control), for increased deceleration when the accelerator pedal is released. . . .

Connected to the passenger
compartment's heat transfer circuit, the battery's thermal regulation enables rapid recharging, optimized range and increased service life.

Two types of on-board chargers are available, to suit all uses and all customer charging solutions, with a 7.4 kW single-phase charger as standard and an optional 11 kW three-phase charger.

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lorenfb said:

Nikola (NKLA), EV tuck company, begins stock trading.

VectoIQ Acquisition, a blank check company led by former GM execs and focused on the smart transportation industry, disclosed on Tuesday that virtually all shareholders voted to approve the pending acquisition of hydrogen-powered electric truck startup Nikola Corp. Currently listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol VTIQ, the company is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq under its new ticker NKLA on Thursday, June 4.

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Nikola expects to generate revenue by 2021 with the roll-out of its BEV truck, followed by FCEV truck sales starting in 2023 and the initial build out of hydrogen fueling stations to serve Nikola customers' fleets, such as Anheuser-Busch. The company states that it has more than 14,000 pre-orders representing more than $10 billion in potential revenue over two and a half years of production.

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https://www.renaissancecapital.com/IPO-Center/News/68644/Electric-vehicle-startup-Nikola-set-to-begin-trading-under-symbol-NKLA-foll

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Shares of Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ:NKLA) (NASDAQ: VTIQ) were surging on Monday, after the company's founder and chairman said that it will begin taking reservations for a new electric pickup truck in late June.

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On paper, at least, the Badger is a promising product. While it may not steal significant market share from the Detroit truck giants, it could prove to be a headache for Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and its much-hyped Cybertruck.

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Daimler Truck AG consolidates all fuel cell activities in new company Daimler Truck Fuel Cell GmbH & Co. KG

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. . . Daimler Truck AG concluded a preliminary, non-binding agreement with Volvo Group in April of this year to establish a new joint venture for the development, production and commercialization of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and other applications such as stationary use. Daimler Truck Fuel Cell GmbH & Co. KG is later to transition into this planned joint venture. (Earlier post.)

Volvo Group will acquire 50% of the company for this purpose. All potential transactions are subject to examination and approval by the responsible competition authorities. Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group plan to start series production of heavy-duty fuel cell commercial vehicles for demanding and heavy long-distance haulage in the second half of the decade. . . .

Planned cooperation with Rolls-Royce plc on stationary fuel cell systems. The cooperation planned between Daimler Truck AG and the British technology group Rolls-Royce plc in the field of stationary fuel cell systems demonstrates very specific opportunities for the commercialization of fuel cell technology through the planned joint venture with Volvo Group. Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division plans to use the fuel cell systems from the planned joint venture between Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group and Daimler’s many years of expertise in this field for the emergency power generators of the MTU product and solution brand that it develops and sells for data centers. A comprehensive cooperation agreement is to be prepared and signed by the end of the year. . . .

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Electric-Truck Startup Nikola Bolts Past Ford in Market Value
Shares skyrocket after chairman takes aim at pickup market on Twitter
https://www.wsj.com/articles/electric-truck-startup-nikola-bolts-past-ford-in-market-value-11591730357

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ULEMCo delivers water tanker converted to use hydrogen dual fuel

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UK-based ULEMCo has worked with Yorkshire Water to produce what is believed to be the first water tanker anywhere to operate on hydrogen fuel. The new 7.5 tonne bowser has been converted from a standard truck to use hydrogen dual fuel, an approach that allows fleet managers to transition more quickly to low carbon operation.

Based on an average duty cycle, the
new ULEMCo vehicle is expected to deliver a 33% reduction in carbon emissions. The benefit is further enhanced by the vehicle refueling from an ITM hydrogen fuelling station in Sheffield that is powered directly from renewable wind. . . .

This first hydrogen powered vehicle will be put to work this month, and is the first step in Yorkshire Water’s plan to decarbonize its fleet and reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

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Australian startup H2X launches to produce hydrogen-powered hybrid vehicles

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T&E study: EVs can be cheaper for Uber drivers to run than latest diesels in many European capitals

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. . . Medium-sized battery-electric cars are on average 14% cheaper to run than equivalent diesels today, if slow charging overnight near home and/or fast charging at preferential rates are available. The savings can be higher (24%) in the case of Parisian drivers. In monetary terms, these savings amount to €3,000 (US$3,400) every year. This is because of cheaper electricity, lower EV retail prices and higher purchase incentives in France. . . .

Charging is a key barrier for the uptake of EVs by professional drivers. Because slow charging is cheaper and publicly accessible but takes several hours, slow charging stations in residential areas where drivers live is key to significantly reducing operating costs. In parallel, dedicated fast chargers are needed for EV drivers to top up during the day, while having a break or waiting for customers. . . .

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I-5 electric truck charging sites mapped out by electric utilities; West Coast Clean Transit Corridor

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The West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative, a study commissioned by a collaboration among nine electric utilities and two agencies representing more than two dozen municipal utilities, recommends adding electric vehicle charging for freight haulers and delivery trucks at 50-mile intervals along Interstate 5 and adjoining highways. . . .

The study’s final report proposes a phased approach for electrifying the I-5 corridor. The first phase would involve installing 27 charging sites along I-5 at 50-mile intervals for medium-duty electric vehicles, such as delivery vans, by 2025. Then, later, 14 of the 27 charging sites would be expanded to also accommodate charging for electric big rigs by 2030, when it is estimated that 8% of all trucks on the road in California could be electric.

Of the 27 proposed sites, 16 are in California, five are in Oregon and six are in Washington. An additional 41 sites on other highways that connect to I-5 are being proposed for electrification. Those highways include Interstates 8, 10, 80, 210 and 710 and state routes 60 and 99 in California; I-84 in Oregon; and I-90 in Washington.

The report recommends expanding state, federal or private programs that provide funding for electrification, which could further accelerate electric truck adoption and expand economic opportunities associated with building sites. Several utilities in California—LADWP, PG&E, SDG&E and SCE—have programs aimed at supporting the adoption of electric trucks, but more support will be needed to reach electrification levels identified in the study and to meet state climate goals.

Other key findings in the report are:

Most utilities in California, Oregon and Washington have enough capacity in urban areas along I-5 to support interconnections with the medium-duty charging sites. Rural areas are more of a challenge and none of the rural areas currently have capacity to serve heavy-duty site development. . . .

Clean fuel policies in West Coast states continue to drive transportation electrification in the near term and additional state, federal and private programs that provide funding for electrification could further accelerate electric truck adoption. . . .

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Nikola Founder Exaggerated the Capability of His Debut Truck

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GRA said:

smkettner posted a link to this in the H2 and FCEVs topic, but I think it belongs here so am reposting it with the article headline. Bloomberg:

Nikola Founder Exaggerated the Capability of His Debut Truck

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https://www-bloomberg-com.cdn.amppr...exaggerated-the-capability-of-his-debut-truck


Basically says they showed a non-functional prototype at the roll-out. Not exactly an unknown practice, as the article mentions, but unquestionably deceptive.

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smkettner said:

This is not like Tesla in that Tesla has a working prototype running cross country.

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Ballard receives follow-on orders for 15 fuel cell modules from Wrightbus to power UK buses

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. . . Including the new order for 15 modules, Ballard currently has orders in-hand from Wrightbus for a total of 50 modules to power FCEBs in the UK, 35 of which were previously announced in 2019.

Of those 35 modules, 20 are to power buses planned for deployment in London and 15 are for buses planned for deployment in Aberdeen. Ballard expects to ship all 50 modules in 2020. . . .

Ballard, Wrightbus and Ryse
Hydrogen—also a Bamford-owned business—are founding members of the H2Bus Consortium, announced in June 2019 and focused on deployment of at least 1,000 zero-emission Fuel Cell Electric Buses and related infrastructure in European cities at commercially competitive rates. Ryse Hydrogen is working toward the creation of a green hydrogen ecosystem for the production, distribution and dispensing of clean hydrogen fuel. . . .

Ballard currently has orders in-hand from multiple bus OEMs—including Wrightbus—for a total of 127 fuel cell modules to power FCEBs in at least 7 cities in the UK, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, all under the Joint Initiative For Hydrogen Vehicles Across Europe (JIVE) program funded by FCH-JU.

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Volvo Trucks deploys first pilot all-electric VNR Truck at TEC Equipment in Southern California

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The first pilot Volvo VNR Electric truck will operate at the Volvo Trucks North America TEC Equipment dealership in Fontana, California. The zero-emission truck will transport local parts between the TEC Equipment dealerships in Fontana and La Mirada.

The TEC Fontana dealership has two 50 kW chargers inside its truck maintenance bays, as well as a 150 kW charger located outside to enable fleet customers to fast charge at the dealership. Over the past year, the Volvo LIGHTS team worked with Southern California Edison (the local utility) and San Bernardino County (Authority Having Jurisdiction, or AHJ) to install the high-power infrastructure. . . .

Starting in 2021, Southern California businesses will have the opportunity to lease Volvo VNR Electric trucks from TEC Equipment to gain firsthand experience with these advanced trucks in their fleet operations. . . .

As part of the Volvo LIGHTS project, two local fleet operators—NFI Industries and Dependable Supply Chain Services—will also begin demonstrating the pilot Volvo VNR Electric trucks for full operations in their regional routes later this summer.

The Volvo LIGHTS project was made possible by an award to South Coast AQMD of $44.8 million from CARB as part of California Climate Investments (CCI). . . .

As a result, South Coast AQMD contributed $4 million from the Clean Fuels Fund and awarded a $45.6M contract to the Volvo Group to design and implement the project. Volvo and its partners have promised no less than $45.7M matching contribution to increase the total project value to more than $91M for South Coast AQMD to administer.

The Volvo LIGHTS team also includes partnerships with Rio Hondo College and San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) to create electric vehicle repair and service technician programs to prepare the region’s workforce for the introduction of battery-electric freight trucks. The colleges have already begun introducing the curriculum in the classroom and enrolling students for the fall.

Rio Hondo and SBVC are also working with the Volvo LIGHTS team to design a training program with fire departments within the Inland Empire communities—including San Bernardino County (which covers the TEC Fontana dealership), Chino and Ontario—to ensure that the region’s first responders are fully prepared to safely respond in case of an incident or accident involving a heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle (HD BEV).

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lorenfb said:

smkettner said:

This is not like Tesla in that Tesla has a working prototype running cross country.

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Really? Laughable, in that Tesla hasn't mentioned it in over a year until Nikola went public.

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Wärtsilä to design and equip two zero-emissions battery-powered ferries

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. . . The ships are to be built for Norwegian operator Boreal Sjö at Holland Shipyards in the Netherlands. . . .

The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in the beginning of 2021 and the ships are expected to commence commercial operations in autumn 2021. . . .

The two ferry designs are not identical. One is for a 30m vessel capable of carrying 10 cars and approximately 100 passengers, while the other is for a 50m vessel for 35 cars and 149 passengers, including crew.

The ferries will serve the Launes – Kvellandstrand – Launes, and Abelnes – Andabeløy – Abelnes routes in Norway.

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Motiv Power Systems delivers nine electric box trucks to Community Resource Project

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. . . The electric trucks will be deployed in greater Sacramento to provide home energy audits, weatherization and HVAC services to low-income residents in an area where air quality is some of the worst in the country. . . .

Funding for the electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure comes from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD), California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). . . .

Utilizing fifth generation software, Motiv has over 100 vehicles on the road, providing customers with greater than 99% uptime. Key customers include USPS, Aramark, AmeriPride, Bimbo Bakeries, Winnebago Industries, and several school districts across the country.

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Nikola claims to be BEV and fuel cell leader, hasn't delivered a vehicle yet

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. . .In a LinkedIn post published Sunday, Milton said that battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles don't compete; they complement each other. Fuel cells make more sense for trips of more than 300 miles, while batteries are better suited to trips under 300 miles, Milton said. . . .

Nikola plans to focus on hydrogen fuel-cell commercial trucks because it's the less expensive option, Milton said.

Milton expects battery-electric trucks to operate primarily in urban areas, where they'll be subject to electricity rates set by utility companies. On the other hand, Nikola plans to build hydrogen stations along major highways, tapping directly into adjacent federal transmission lines via power purchase agreements, Milton said.

Milton quoted an average $0.26 per kilowatt-hour to charge a battery-electric truck in California, but claimed Nikola will able to get electricity at $0.04 per kwh to run its roadside hydrogen-production stations.

The trucks themselves will also be cheaper to run, Milton said. He estimated that a 500-mile electric truck will require 1,100 kwh of batteries, costing $122,000 per truck. and added that repeated fast charging could lead to battery degradation.

Charging could also overwhelm the grid, Milton claimed. Each truck would require 1 megawatt hour of energy and would require "major modifications and new power plants" to create the needed grid capacity, Milton said.

A battery-electric truck could weigh up to 10,000 pounds more than a fuel-cell truck, putting it at a disadvantage in payload capacity, Milton said. Each pound of payload capacity lost means less revenue for the operator.

"It's not only efficiency, it's cost per mile," Milton reiterated on Twitter. "They don't go hand in hand. . . ."

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