The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved a plan to invest $423 million that the state will receive from the National VW Environmental Trust. The mitigation plan will invest primarily in zero-emission replacements for heavy-duty trucks, buses and equipment. There is also money to reduce emissions at freight facilities and marine projects, and for… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "US Hybrid"
Vanner’s new system decouples bus accessories from engine speed
As transit agencies around the world gradually make the transition to electrified vehicles, some companies are finding ingenious ways to try to improve fossil fuel systems in legacy vehicles. Power conversion specialist Vanner has unveiled a new single-belt electrical system which is designed to decouple electrically-powered vehicle accessories from a diesel or CNG engine. The… Read more »
JetSuite to buy up to 100 Zunum Aero hybrid planes
Private aviation company JetSuite has announced plans to add up to 100 Zunum Aero electrified aircraft to its fleet. Washington-based Zunum Aero, profiled in the July/August issue of Charged, is developing a “hybrid-to-electric” plane with a capacity of 12 passengers, a maximum cruise speed of 340 mph and a take-off distance of 2,200 feet. The aircraft is optimized… Read more »
Shipping industry stakeholders partner to establish standards for maritime use of lithium-ion batteries
More than a dozen shipping-related organizations, including flag states, research institutions, battery and propulsion suppliers, fire extinguishing system providers and ship operators, have formed a joint development project to advance the understanding of the use of lithium-ion batteries in the shipping industry. The new project aims to create a deep pool of expertise from different… Read more »
New Flyer commissions electric bus simulator
Bus manufacturer New Flyer is steadily electrifying its lineup – among other projects, it is delivering 525 hybrid buses to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. To help operators get used to the new technology, the company has commissioned an e-bus simulator at its Vehicle Innovation Center in Anniston, Alabama. The Xcelsior CHARGE Bus Simulator, designed… Read more »
Ford to offer hybrid versions of most of its SUVs
Ford wants us to know it hasn’t given up on hybrids and EVs, even though it hasn’t updated its existing plug-in models since 2013. That was the message from several company execs at a recent press event in Dearborn. Ford will introduce hybrid versions of five of its SUV models by 2020, and produce seven… Read more »
DC-DC converter design and testing – emerging solutions for hybrids and EVs
Sponsored by Keysight Technologies The DC-DC converter is a key component in hybrid and EV architectures, converting the higher voltage bus (MH – 48 V or EV/HEV – 100s of V) to the traditional 12 V power bus, from where most electrical loads are powered. There is extreme downward cost pressure on design and test, across… Read more »
Cummins acquires Johnson Matthey’s automotive battery business
Engine builder Cummins has acquired Johnson Matthey’s UK automotive battery systems business, a subsidiary that specializes in high-voltage battery systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. Cummins and Johnson Matthey also agreed to collaborate on the development of battery materials for commercial heavy-duty applications. Last October, Cummins acquired Brammo, which is known for designing and developing… Read more »
Williams Advanced Engineering and Airbus collaborate on high-altitude electric drone
Aircraft manufacturer Airbus and Williams Advanced Engineering have signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate ultra-lightweight materials, battery technologies and electrical cell chemistries into Airbus’s Zephyr High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) program. Zephyr is a solar-powered unmanned aerial system, or drone, that will fly at more than 65,000 feet – above commercial air traffic – for… Read more »
California ARB approves $663-million funding plan for clean cars, trucks, buses
The California Air Resources Board has approved $663 million in new funding for projects to reduce emissions, particularly in disadvantaged and low-income communities. The plan allocates $398 million to incentivize clean heavy-duty trucks, buses and freight projects. While diesel trucks account for only 2% of vehicles in the state, they emit the majority of the… Read more »

