Mercedes-Benz Trucks is bringing an electric heavy-duty truck to market in a small series. The Urban eTruck has 25 tons gross vehicle weight, a payload of 12.8 tons, and a range of up to 200 km. “A low two-figure number of units” will be delivered to customers in Germany this year. They will be used… Read more »
French train manufacturer Alstom has developed a passenger train that incorporates both fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries The company presented the zero-emission Coradia iLint at the recent InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin. The German state of Lower Saxony has ordered 14 units, according to Die Welt, and plans to put them into service in December…. Read more »
Workhorse Group (NASDAQ: WKHS) has announced that its electric delivery trucks are achieving 30+ miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) during stop-and-go parcel, bakery, and uniform delivery routes – up to six times better than the typical 5-8 mpg achieved by gas- or diesel-powered medium-duty trucks. The company estimates that total savings on fuel and maintenance… Read more »
As growing EV sales make the headlines, the general public is becoming more aware of the batteries they carry around in their pockets and laptop cases. A recent episode of PBS’s Nova, “Search for the Super Battery,” offers a digestible summary of some of the advances happening in the battery field. In an attempt to… Read more »
The Taiwanese harbor city of Kaohsiung has launched a new hybrid ferry. Visedo OY, a Finnish manufacturer of electric drivetrains for marine vessels and other heavy-duty applications, worked alongside Taiwan’s Ship and Ocean Industries R&D Center (SOIC) to retrofit the 100-ton, 23-meter-long passenger ferry with a Visedo electric propulsion system, replacing the original 300 hp… Read more »
WiTricity’s DRIVE wireless charging system features a charging pad on or under the ground and a matching device on the underside of a vehicle. It charges an EV automatically, using magnetic resonance technology, and requires no cables or moving parts. WiTricity and Nissan have announced a collaboration that aims to ensure that wireless charging systems… Read more »
It’s pretty clear where the major automakers stand on federal emissions and fuel economy standards. Barely two days after his election, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers sent a letter to Trump urging him to “reform” federal fuel economy, emissions and safety regulations. Last week, executives of 18 automakers sent a second letter reiterating the request… Read more »
As expected, Tesla’s Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2016 Update depicts steady progress toward the company’s ambitious goals. Compared to Q4 2015, almost all the numbers are soaring. Vehicle deliveries are up 27%, gross margins are up 110 basis points, and revenue is up 88%. Of course, expenses are way up, but losses are down,… Read more »
Chinese battery builder Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) and Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive have formed a strategic partnership to develop electric automotive solutions. As part of the deal, CATL has taken a 22% ownership position in Valmet. CATL currently offers NCM and LFP Li-ion chemistries in cells, modules and packs. The companies’ strategy is… Read more »
Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Efficient Drivetrains Incorporated (EDI) have unveiled a new Class 6 PHEV utility truck with exportable power capacity that can be used to manage both planned and unplanned outages. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain offers an electric range of 50 miles, and reduces emissions by 80 percent compared to legacy vehicles…. Read more »
