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GCC:
FTXT, partners deliver 100 heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell trucks for demonstration project in Xiong’an New Area

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/08/20210824-ftxt.html


FTXT Energy Technology, a Great Wall Motor (GWM) subsidiary, along with partners Dayun, Dongfeng and Foton, has successfully delivered a fleet of 100 hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks for the Xiong’an New Area construction project in Hebei Province, China.

The heavy trucks are fitted with high-power 111 kW hydrogen fuel cell systems and hydrogen storage, all by FTXT. The engine has a lifetime of 10,000 hours and can be started at -30 degrees C. All system components are locally sourced, with resulting costs decreased by about 28%.

Rongyi Road is the main artery for transporting construction materials to Xiong’an New Area. In the next five years, fuel cell trucks on the road will increase to more than 1,000. The trucks will be refueled at 10 Service Stations along the 50 km route. The project aims to establish the basis for expansion to other regions based on its success, and to promote the development of a green transportation system nationwide.

FTXT aims to extend the technologies to the first commercial vehicle applications using hydrogen energy in China, in the next 3 to 5 years. During the current stage, FTXT will demonstrate and promote 1,330 FCEVs in Hebei province.

GWM, China’s biggest maker of sport-utility vehicles and owner of FTXT Energy, will roll out its first hydrogen-powered SUV this year, and deploy its hydrogen-powered cars during the Winter Olympics in China next year.
 
All GCC:
Loop Energy partnering with METTEM-M on hydrogen electric powertrains for commercial vehicles in Russia; GAZ bus first project

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210909-loop.html


Loop Energy, a developer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell-based solutions, is partnering with METTEM-M Ltd., a developer of vehicle control systems and systems integrator, to provide hydrogen electric powertrain solutions to commercial vehicle OEMs across Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and greater Europe.

The companies’ first joint project—a hydrogen electric transit bus for GAZ Group, a leading global commercial vehicle OEM provider—is presently on display at the International Commercial Vehicle Show 2021 (COMTRANS) in Moscow, Russia. The 12-meter passenger bus vehicle is expected to enter regular city transport service in Moscow in early 2022 after completing customary road testing and vehicle level certification requirements. . . .

The solution is using GAZ Group’s existing battery electric passenger bus platform, Loop Energy’s high efficiency fuel cell modules, and METTEM’s fully integrated hydrogen electric fuel cell system. . . .




Chevron, Caterpillar to demonstrate hydrogen locomotive prototype

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210909-chevroncat.html




QUANTRON launching electric 12m bus for public transport; available as both BEV and FCEV

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210908-quantron.html


E-mobility specialist QUANTRON AG is preparing to launch the electric QUANTRON 12m low-floor bus. The city bus will be available in two versions: the BEV version can be ordered from the end of 2021, and the FCEV from spring 2022.

The zero-emission bus will be in a similar price range to conventional diesel buses, QUANTRON said. . . .

The battery-electric has a maximum output of 250 kW. The range is up to 280 km (174 miles)—suited for daily city use. The charging power is up to 80 kW with a battery capacity of up to 422 kWh.

The battery is charged via a European standard CCS 2 plug within 3 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the battery. This means that the city bus is fully operational again after being charged overnight, for example.

The battery system is adapted to the respective operational requirements and is compatible with various charging solutions. The bus has a capacity for up to 95 passengers.




Liverpool City Region orders 20 ADL second-generation hydrogen buses

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/08/20210828-liverpool.html


. . . The buses will initially serve the City Region’s busiest route, the 10A between St Helens and Liverpool city center.

The Enviro400FCEV has been developed on ADL’s next-generation H2.0 platform and will be powered by a Ballard fuel cell power module through the efficient Voith Electrical Drive System. The bus delivers a range of up to 300 miles. . . .




Hexagon Purus and Ballard partnering on Class 6 & 7 fuel cell trucks

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210901-ballard.html


. . . The companies introduced a Class 6 prototype at the ACT Expo in Long Beach.

This truck will provide a range of more than 400 miles and refueling times comparable to conventional trucks. It is a zero-emission solution for fleet owners with demanding operations, moving goods through the ‘middle miles,’ without the need to expand their fleet. . . .

The truck will enter California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP) eligible vehicle list in 2022. First fleet deployments will be in and around the Los Angeles Basin area.




Hino Trucks reveals first XL8 fuel cell electric truck prototype

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210901-hino.html


Hino Trucks revealed its first Class 8 Hino XL8 prototype powered by a hydrogen fuel cell electric drivetrain, at the 2021 ACT Expo in Long Beach, California. The truck combines a Toyota hydrogen fuel cell electric drive system in the XL Series chassis. . . .

Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, manufactures, sells, and services a lineup of Class 4-8 commercial trucks in the United States.
 
IVECO and Nikola open JV plant for electric heavy-duty trucks; 25 Nikola Tre BEVs to Hamburg

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210916-nikola.html


IVECO and Nikola formally unveiled the manufacturing facility in Ulm, Germany for Nikola Tre electric heavy-duty trucks; production will begin by year end. The first Nikola Tre models produced here will be delivered to select customers in the United States in 2022.

On the occassion of the launch, the two partners also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hamburg Port Authority AöR (HPA), stating their joint intent to partner in two phases encompassing up to 25 Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicles (BEV) for delivery to the Port throughout 2022.

In addition to the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) production model, the next evolution of this modular heavy-duty platform was also on display to the public in the form of the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) prototype of the Nikola Tre. This subsequent model will enter production in Ulm by the end of 2023. . . .

The production line is currently anticipated to be capable of manufacturing approximately 1,000 units per shift per year and is expected to undergo progressive ramp-up in the following years. . . .
 
All GCC:
Argonne white paper outlines battery and R&D requirements for electric aviation

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210923-anlaviation.html


A new white paper published by the Argonne National Laboratory Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science (ACCESS) outlines a clear set of battery requirements and research and development needs to accelerate the commercialization of electric propulsion for aviation—from air taxis in the near term to 737 class aircraft in the long term. . . .

The paper explores four aircraft concepts: air taxis; 20-passenger commuter aircrafts; 50-passenger regional jets; and 150-passenger, single-aisle 737-class aircraft. For each concept, the paper describes a research area where DOE and NASA could help spur innovation in electric aviation batteries.

For the air taxi and commuter aircraft market, the paper calls for evaluating next-generation lithium-ion chemistries (e.g., silicon, advanced cathode, lithium-metal) under aviation conditions and examining failure modes and safety.

For regional jets, the paper recommends augmenting R&D in solid-state batteries to explore new designs, manufacturing approaches and high temperature operation.

For 737 class aircraft, the paper suggests studying high-energy systems, including sulfur-based batteries and hydrogen carriers, that are far beyond those currently in the R&D pipeline. . . .

In the near-term, lithium-ion batteries could be adapted for short-range aircraft concepts for initial market introduction. Continued electrification and expansion of the electrified aircraft market will occur as battery performance improves and advanced chemistries are adapted for aviation-specific needs. However, electrification of large regional and 737-class aircrafts requires new types of energy storage. So, the next decade will see a global race to commercialize electric flight, according to the white paper. . . .


There are polar charts comparing current capabilities and projected requirements of the different tasks for battery/energy storage techs in terms of energy density, price/kWh, cycle Life, calendar life, temperature range, fast charge (<15 min.), peak discharge power and tolerance to abuse.




Vertical Aerospace, Marubeni to explore the introduction of eVTOL in Japan; conditional pre-order option for 200 units

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210923-vertical.html


Vertical Aerospace, a British eVTOL manufacturer, and Marubeni Corporation, a leading Japanese integrated trading and investment business conglomerate have reached an agreement to explore Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) travel solutions focused on the application of Vertical’s flagship electric aircraft, the VA-X4 (earlier post), in the Japanese market. Marubeni has also agreed a conditional pre-order option of up to 200 of Vertical’s aircraft.

This partnership builds on existing commercial partnerships between Vertical and American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Avolon, Iberojet and Bristow, who with Marubeni, have already collectively agreed conditional pre-orders for 1350 aircraft in total with a value of approximately $5.4 billion.

Vertical and Marubeni will now begin jointly evaluating the requirements for eVTOL aircraft operations in Japan as well as other commercial considerations such as route and network planning, infrastructure requirements and capacity, plus engaging other interested parties who can play a role in launching AAM in Japan. . . .

Marubeni believes that eVTOLs have a number of use cases in Japan, such as inter-city, intra-city, airport shuttle and life support operations, that will benefit both customers and communities.

Marubeni is expecting eVTOL operations to commence in 2025 and will utilize its existing aviation capabilities to maximize the quality of personal transportation.

Vertical is now working with partners in key locations around the world to establish AAM operations in markets where there is expected high demand for eVTOL operations. In the US, American Airlines plans to work with Vertical on passenger operations and infrastructure development. In the United Kingdom, Virgin Atlantic and Vertical plan to work together to explore the joint venture launch of a Virgin Atlantic branded short-haul eVTOL network, including operations and infrastructure development.

The VA-X4, Vertical’s flagship aircraft, is expected to be certified to the same standards as commercial airliners and is expected to be significantly safer and quieter than a helicopter. . . .




Airbus reveals the next generation of electric CityAirbus UAM solution; first flight in 2023

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210922-airbus.html


Airbus announced plans for a new CityAirbus at the company’s first Airbus Summit on “Pioneering Sustainable Aerospace” as the emerging Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market begins to firm up.

The fully electric vehicle is equipped with fixed wings, a V-shaped tail, and eight electrically powered propellers as part of its distributed propulsion system. It is designed to carry up to four passengers in a zero-emissions flight in multiple applications. . . .

CityAirbus is being developed to fly with a 80 km range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h, making it suited for operations in major cities for a variety of missions.

Sound levels are a key factor for an urban mission; Airbus’ extensive expertise in noise-friendly designs is driving CityAirbus’ sound levels below 65 dB(A) during fly-over and below 70 dB(A) during landing.

It is optimized for hover and cruise efficiency, while not requiring moving surfaces or tilting parts during transition. The CityAirbus NextGen meets the highest certification standards (EASA SC-VTOL Enhanced Category). . . .

The Vahana (earlier post) and CityAirbus (earlier post) demonstrators have jointly conducted 242 flight and ground tests and have flown around 1,000 km in total. Furthermore, Airbus has used extensive subscale flight testing and wind tunnel campaigns and has leveraged its computing and modelling power. CityAirbus NextGen is in a detailed design phase right now and the prototype’s first flight is planned for 2023. . . .

Beyond the vehicle, Airbus is working with partners, cities, and city inhabitants in order to create the ecosystem that is essential to enabling this new operating environment to emerge.
 
GCC:
AECOM to develop hydrogen-powered railway in Central Italy

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210924-aecom.html


Global infrastructure consulting firm AECOM signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Spanish renewables group Iberdrola, and Italian partners Cinque International and Ancitel Energy and Environment, to upgrade Italy’s historic Apennine diesel railway with hydrogen trains. This project aims to aid economic growth for the Apennine region.

AECOM and its partners are working on four projects to support sustainable economic recovery in the region, which was badly affected by earthquakes in 2009 and 2016 and has suffered from decades of depopulation.

The first project is the upgrade of the 300-km Apennine line, which will be one of Italy’s first hydrogen railways. The line runs from the town of Sansepolcro in the northern province of Arezzo, to Sulmona, a city in the central province of L’Aquila. The focus on this line is strategically important because it connects a number of inland areas through four central regions. A portion of the line has not been electrified, currently using diesel trains that will be replaced as part of the program.

The MOU also includes pre-feasibility work for a new rail line powered by green hydrogen linking Rome with Ascoli Piceno, a province in the Marche region. . . .

In July 2021, the Apennine Railway project was pre-selected by the European Commission in its framework of activities for the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, which aims to build a pipeline of viable investment projects and scale up the deployment of green hydrogen in Europe. . . .
 
GCC:
Wrightbus unveils two new single-deck fuel-cell- and battery-electric buses

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/09/20210927-wrightbus.html


Wrightbus unveiled the new new single-deck GB Kite Hydroliner fuel-cell-powered bus and single-deck GB Kite Electroliner battery-powered bus last week at the Millbrook Proving Ground.

The new buses were developed following the award of funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator (ARMD) Competition. . . .

The buses are expected to go into production in the first quarter of 2022.

Both GB Kite models can carry 90 passengers. The Hydroliner has a range of up to 640 miles while the Electroliner up to 300 miles on a single charge, the fastest charging version can be charged in just 2.5 hours. Both buses share an 86% parts commonality with their Double-Deck sisters; this delivers significant benefits to operators in terms of reducing complexity and costs for fleet maintenance.




IEVS:
Volvo Trucks Notes Its Largest Electric Truck Order In U.S.
16 Volvo VNR Electric will be delivered by the end of this year across Southern California.

https://insideevs.com/news/536013/volvo-largest-electric-truck-order/


. . . A total of 16 Volvo VNR Electric were ordered by the warehousing and distribution company Performance Team – A Maersk Company, and will be delivered by the end of 2021 across Southern California.

Jason Walker, executive vice president of operations of Performance Team – A Maersk Company said:

“We’re seeing a 30% growth rate in our warehousing and distribution business. Customers are looking for more truck power to meet high volume delivery demands. This new order of Volvo VNR Electric trucks will give us firsthand experience on their performance carrying regional loads and environmental benefits. Our findings will help determine next steps in our fleet modernization and the electric infrastructure necessary for future operations,”. . . .

Volvo VNR Electric specs:

range of up to 150 miles (240 km) depending on configuration

Three configurations:

Straight truck - up to 150 miles, a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,200 lbs
4x2 tractor - up to 120 miles, can carry a GCVW of up to 66,000 lbs
6x2 tractor- up to 120 miles, can carry a GCVW of up to 82,000 lbs
264 kWh battery
top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h)
system output of 455 hp with up to 4,051 lb/ft torque
dual-motor drivetrain with two-speed I-Shift automated transmission
fast charging (80%) in 70 minutes using 150 kW DC charger
 
Both GCC:
QUANTRON presents Q-Light fuel-cell transporter; 3.5t-4.2t range

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211001-quantron.html


QUANTRON is presenting the Q-Light fuel-cell-electric transporter at the NUFAM trade fair for the commercial vehicle industry in Europe. As a hydrogen fuel cell transporter in the 3.5 to 4.2 tonne range, the Q-Light FCEV is unique in Europe. The transporter is available with different body variants and can be used in a variety of ways.

The vehicle is offered in cooperation with QUANTRON partner and fuel cell expert AE Driven Solutions. It is based on a reliable and proven powertrain technology that is already in use in more than 400 vehicles throughout Europe. . . .

The payload of the Q-Light FCEV is analogous to that of a comparable diesel vehicle. The refueling time can also be compared to that of a diesel vehicle. The Q-Light FCEV can be driven flexibly in electric or fuel cell mode. The battery capacity is 37 kWh and, like the 15 kW fuel cell used, has a long service life. The waste heat from the fuel cell can also be used to heat the interior, for example, so that additional electricity can be saved. . . .
.

Depending on requirements, the vehicle can be equipped with up to four hydrogen tanks and thus achieve a range of up to 500 km. In the future, the power of the fuel cell will also be scalable, so that the vehicle can be offered in different versions, such as a 7.2 t variant.




Höegh Autoliners signs Letter of Intent with China Merchants Heavy Industry to build ammonia-ready Aurora class vessels

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211002-höegh.html


Under the terms of the LoI, the first two vessels will be delivered in the second half of 2024. The Aurora class has DNV’s new “ammonia-ready” notation, which makes it the first in the segment to be ready for operation on carbon-neutral ammonia.

DNV’s “Fuel ready” notation is applicable for ammonia, LNG, LPG and LFL (methanol) as a ship fuel—either individually or for more than one fuel at the same time. It is built around two mandatory options, (D) Design and (Ti/Tc) Tank, with basic and optional levels of preparation that offer a simple framework for all involved parties in newbuildings.

Optional attributes cover the structure, engine and machinery, piping and bunkering, and miscellaneous requirements. With all of the options, owners can choose to prepare for a later installation of any system or go ahead with the actual installation and obtain certification of the system during construction.

Together with its capacity to carry up to 9,100 cars the Aurora ships will be the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers to be built.

MAN has been working with Höegh to optimize a propulsion system that can run on various biofuels and conventional fuels, including LNG. With what Höegh CEO Andreas Enger called “minor modifications”, the system can transition to use future zero-carbon fuels, including green ammonia. . . .
 
Both GCC:
California’s GET bus adds 5 more fuel-cell buses from New Flyer

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211005-get.html


New Flyer of America has received an order from the Golden Empire Transit District (GET bus) for five forty-foot fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2 heavy-duty transit buses, purchased off of the California Department of General Services (CDGS) contract. It follows a prior (2020) GET bus purchase of five forty-foot fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses.

New Flyer was selected by CDGS as an approved supplier of electric vehicles in 2019. The CDGS contract simplifies potential future bus procurement for California local government agencies for up to five years. Both orders were supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and state funds.

The buses deliver on the agency’s Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan, designed to transition its fleet to 100% zero-emission by 2040, in accordance with the California Air Resources Board’s Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation. GET bus is the mass transportation provider in Bakersfield, California, transporting more than six million passengers per year.

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. . . .

Built on New Flyer’s proven Xcelsior platform, the Xcelsior CHARGE H2 can save 85 to 135 tons of greenhouse gas per year from tailpipe emissions compared to a diesel bus.




Maryland city deploys BYD electric Class 6 refuse truck

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211005-byd.html


Hyattsville, Maryland, is deploying a BYD 6R Class 6 electric refuse truck, one of several fully-electric or hybrid vehicles in the City’s fleet, and the first commercially deployed Class 6 refuse truck in the country, according to BYD.

The BYD 6R is capable of working an entire shift without recharging. With its short wheelbase, this truck is more compact, allowing for excellent maneuverability on urban streets where space is limited. The truck has 211 KWh of initial battery capacity and is capable of 120 kW DC CCS1 charging.

A 390 kW motor delivers 3,152 N·m (2,325 lb-ft) of torque, with a top speed of 70 mph (113 km/h) with maximum gradeabilityi of 25%. . . .
 
Both GCC:
California’s Foothill Transit orders 20 New Flyer hydrogen fuel-cell-electric buses

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211008-newflyer.html


New Flyer of America has received a new contract from California’s Foothill Transit for 20 zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell- electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2 forty-foot heavy-duty transit buses. This order is supported by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds.

Foothill Transit is based in West Covina, California, operating one of the largest fleets of electric buses in America and providing more than 14 million trips annually in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Foothill Transit is a leader in deploying zero-emission bus (ZEB) technology in the United States. It was the first in the country to put battery-electric buses on the road, and was the first bus-only public transit system in North America to reach the American Public Transportation Association’s Platinum Level for its significant sustainability achievements.

We were excited to be the first grid-powered battery electric bus pioneer, and have continued our zero emissions evolution with the first battery electric Alexander Dennis double deck bus launch earlier this year. Our path to a fully zero emission fleet continues with the addition of NFI hydrogen fuel cell technology. We envision a future where a variety of strategies work together to allow us to achieve our zero-emission goals.

—Doran Barnes, CEO, 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. Fuel cell-electric technology is fully zero-emission and an innovative way to obtain extended-range operation similar to existing transit vehicles.

Built on New Flyer’s proven Xcelsior platform, the Xcelsior CHARGE H2 can save 85 to 135 tons of greenhouse gas per year from tailpipe emissions compared to a diesel bus.




Wärtsilä and Eidesvik Offshore to partner on converting ship to ammonia-fueled engine

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211010-wartsilanh3.html


The technology group Wärtsilä and Norwegian ship owner Eidesvik Offshore ASA have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at converting an offshore supply vessel (OSV) to operate with an ammonia-fueled combustion engine with required fuel supply and safety system. This project will be the first of its kind and has a provisional completion target by the end of 2023.

The OSV considered for a retrofit currently has Wärtsilä dual-fuel engines operating primarily with LNG fuel. The conversion will allow the vessel to operate with a 70% ammonia blend. Wärtsilä has already successfully laboratory-tested an engine fueled with a 70% ammonia blend. (Earlier post.) The ultimate goal is to achieve operation with 100% ammonia and with a minimum ignition fuel requirement.

As a non-carbon-containing fuel, ammonia has the potential to reduce emissions of CO2 significantly. Both Wärtsilä and Eidesvik have stated their commitment to supporting the industry’s efforts to decarbonize its operations. . . .

Wärtsilä and Eidesvik are also partners in the EU-funded ShipFC project to equip a platform supply vessel, the Viking Energy with a 2MW fuel cell running on green ammonia. The installation is scheduled to take place in late 2023. (Earlier post.)

This ammonia conversion project also ties in with one of the ongoing work streams of the Wärtsilä-led Zero Emissions Energy Distribution at Sea (ZEEDS) project, aimed at developing ammonia-powered newbuilds and converting suitable existing vessels.
 
GCC:
Ballard to power Talgo fuel cell passenger train in trials ahead of planned 2023 launch

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211013-ballard.html


Ballard Power Systems will supply eight of its 70 kW FCmove-HD fuel cell modules to Talgo S.A.—a leader in the design, manufacture, and maintenance of high-speed light-rail trains, headquartered in Madrid, Spain—for trials of its Talgo Vittal-One commuter and regional passenger train. Talgo plans to conduct its demonstration in early 2022 in Spain, with expected commercialization in 2023. . . .

The modular system being designed by Talgo is intended for installation on all types of passenger trains, as well as in upgrades or retrofits from diesel to hydrogen power.

The system utilizes hydrogen and fuel cells for propulsion, complemented by batteries that assist the train from a standing start and take advantage of the braking system for recharging.

Unlike the extended battery systems in the automotive industry, hydrogen technology is the logical answer to the needs of heavy transport and, in particular, of those railway lines that do not have catenary electrification systems, and which today depend on trains powered by diesel engines, Talgo says. . . .

Talgo’s Vittal train is designed to provide medium-speed and high-frequency services on Suburban and Regional lines. The Vittal-One is the hydrogen version (so named in reference to the place of hydrogen in the periodic table).

In July 2021, Talgo and Repsol announced they would promote renewable hydrogen-powered trains; Repsol, currently the leading hydrogen producer in Spain, will use its logistics infrastructure to supply renewable hydrogen to the railway network.
 
Both GCC:
Nikola and PGT trucking sign LOI for 100 Nikola FCEV trucks

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211015-nikola.html


Nikola Corporation announced a collaboration with PGT Trucking, Inc. (PGT), an international multi-service flatbed transportation company, to advance electric drive heavy-duty transport. This collaboration includes a Letter of Intent (LOI) to lease 100 Nikola Tre heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) following the satisfactory completion of a Nikola Tre FCEV demonstration program under terms to be agreed to between the parties.

The lease order will include the Nikola Tre FCEV, scheduled maintenance and hydrogen fueling solutions.

Deliveries of the FCEVs to PGT are anticipated to begin in 2023 when production commences at Nikola’s Coolidge, Arizona manufacturing facility.

Designed for longer or continuous metro-regional applications, the Nikola Tre FCEV cabover has an anticipated range up to 500 miles and will become an innovative addition to PGT’s freight-hauling fleet that serves the steel, building materials, machinery, oil & gas, raw materials, aluminum and automotive industries.

PGT operates in excess of 1,000 power units and more than 1,500 trailers and is headquartered in Aliquippa, PA.




HYVIA unveils Renault Master Van H2-TECH prototype

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211015-hyvia.html


HYVIA, the joint venture between Renault Group and Plug Power (earlier post), has unveiled the Renault Master Van H2-TECH prototype. A large van for transporting goods, with 12 m3 of cargo volume and a range of up to 500 km, the van will be available in 2022.

Master Van H2-TECH is equipped with a 30kW fuel cell, a 33kWh battery and tanks containing 6kg of hydrogen (4 tanks of 1.5 kg each). . . .

The next prototypes to come will be:

Master Chassis Cab H2-TECH: a large van with even more cargo space (19 m3) and a range of about 250 km.

Master Citybus H2-TECH: an urban minibus that can carry up to 15 passengers, ideal for businesses, municipalities, and local public services, with a range of about 300 km.
 
GCC:
HaaS company Hydra Energy delivers first converted hydrogen-diesel co-combustion heavy-duty truck; up to 40% hydrogen

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211021-hydra.html


Hydra Energy, the Hydrogen-as-a-Service (HaaS) provider for commercial fleets looking to reduce emissions and costs with limited risk and no up-front investment (earlier post), has delivered its first hydrogen-converted, heavy-duty truck to paying fleet customer Lodgewood Enterprises.

Hydra offers a proven hydrogen-diesel, co-combustion retrofit approach; the retrofitted engines can run up to 40% hydrogen, with a concomittant reduction in emissions. Hydra has completed three years of successful on-road testing of the hydrogen-diesel, co-combustion injection system proving no loss in fuel efficiency, range, power, torque, or payload capacity and a carbon emissions reduction of up to 40% per converted truck.

Lodgewood Enterprises, a full service short- and long-haul trucking company based out of Prince George, British Columbia, received the initial truck marking the first of 12 semi-trucks to be converted with Hydra’s fully reversible, hydrogen-diesel conversion kit at no cost to Lodgewood. The clean trucks will run on low-carbon hydrogen at a fixed discount below the cost of diesel which Hydra has sourced from Canadian industrial chemical provider, Chemtrade. . . .

Hydra’s HaaS model connects existing low-carbon hydrogen supply and demand in a way that delivers immediate off-takers for chemical companies’ by-product hydrogen and guarantees commercial fleet operators long-term fuel contracts at diesel-equivalent (or lower) prices. For Prince George-based trucking companies specifically, this entails a special discount due to Hydra’s agreement with Chemtrade in the region.

Hydra pays for and installs fully reversible, hydrogen-diesel, co-combustion conversion kits into commercial fleet trucks and the necessary fueling stations reducing risk and investment for fleet customers. Further risk reduction was achieved with Hydra’s completion of a successful three-year pilot test program in Prince George covering more than 200,000 km on commercial routes with commercial drivers tackling the freezing temperatures and uphill climbs for which the region is known. . . .

Other fleet owners in the Prince George area with round trips no longer than 1,000 km can test out the Lodgewood converted truck and sign on to have their trucks converted later next year. This is when the hydrogen capture at Chemtrade’s local plant will be completed, and low-carbon hydrogen fuel will be flowing.

Hydra’s technology has been in development since 2012. Moving from prototype to commercially proven technology has been possible due to the support of the Government of Canada’s Innovation Research Assistance Program (IRAP), the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF), Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), Innovate BC, the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), NSERC, MITACS, and Just Business.
 
GCC:
Daimler Truck’s GenH2 fuel-cell truck prototype receives license for road use

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211026-genh2.html


The further enhanced prototype of the hydrogen-based fuel-cell truck Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck has received approval from German authorities for use on public roads. In April, the truck manufacturer began to conduct tests of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, which was unveiled in 2020, on the company’s test tracks.

There, the truck, which aims to achieve ranges of up to 1,000 kilometrtes and more without any stops for refueling in its series version, has successfully accumulated several thousand miles by now. Now, testing is expanded to public roads—for example, on the B462 road near Rastatt.

There, as part of the eWayBW project, freight will be electrified to test catenary trucks in operation. The project will also include comparative tests of the purely battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros with the catenary trucks and fuel-cell trucks from other manufacturers. Daimler Truck has no plans for catenary trucks. . . .

The first series-produced GenH2 Trucks are expected to be handed over to customers starting in 2027. Daimler Truck has the ambition to offer only new vehicles that are carbon-neutral in driving operation (“tank-to-wheel”) in Europe, Japan and North America by 2039. To achieve this goal, Daimler Truck is electrifying its vehicles and pursuing a dual-track strategy with the use of battery-powered drive systems or based on hydrogen.

This combination of technologies enables Daimler Truck to offer customers the best vehicle options for their specific use cases: the lighter the load and the shorter the distance, the more likely it is that batteries will be used. The heavier the load and the longer the distance, the more likely it is that fuel cells will be system of choice, the company said.
 
GCC:
CTOs of 7 leading aerospace manufacturers issue joint call to action to deliver sustainable aviation plans

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211027-cto.html


. . . This statement updates a commitment made by a unified group of CTOs in June 2019 as part of a shared position to support the aviation sector’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The CTOs of Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Safran will also issue a call to action to policymakers, research institutions, suppliers, fuel producers and airport operators to build on the progress made in recent years and deliver on the aviation sector’s sustainability agenda.

The joint statement comes as the CTOs come together to discuss progress in aviation sustainability at a pre COP26 event and industry showcase held in London by ADS, the organization that represents the aerospace, defense, security and space industries in the United Kingdom.

The CTOs of each company have committed to working together to focus on three core areas of aviation technology:

Advancing the state-of-the-art in aircraft and engine design and technology;

Supporting increased availability and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and investigating hydrogen as a fuel of the future; and

Continuing to develop novel technologies that will eventually enable net-zero carbon aviation while maintaining the safety and quality standards of the industry.

The seven CTOs, whose firms have spent more than $75 billion in R&D combined over the past five years, are calling for:

A sustained and planned approach from policymakers to support the development of novel technologies and stimulate the ramp-up of SAF and green hydrogen production capacity.

A globally consistent approach to regulation and certification standards.

Collaboration between research institutions and aerospace suppliers in the development of the new technologies.

Investment in SAF production capacity by fuel producers.

Investment by airport operators in the infrastructure required to support novel aviation technologies.

Since the 2019 joint commitment, actions taken by the seven companies towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions have ranged from improvements to the fleet-in-service today and technologies for the future:

Airbus announced its ambition to deliver the world’s first zero-emission aircraft by 2035, unveiling three hydrogen-powered concept aircraft that highlight the company’s commitment to developing this high-potential technology for commercial aviation. Airbus is also engaged in 100% SAF climate-impact projects that are a part of its overall roadmap towards certification for the entry-into-service of 100% SAF on its fleet by 2030.

Boeing committed that their commercial airplanes will be capable to fly on 100% SAF by 2030, continues to test new technologies on its ecoDemonstrator program and announced a partnership with SkyNRG and SkyNRG Americas to scale up SAF. Boeing and Kitty Hawk also formed Wisk, a joint venture to advance the future of urban air mobility with more than 1,500 test flights of its self-flying, all-electric air taxi. Boeing completed a fifth hydrogen flight test program; this time with subsidiary Insitu on their ScanEagle3 unmanned aerial vehicle which was powered by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell.

Dassault Aviation actively promotes the use of SAF and its Falcon range is already SAF-compatible. Within Clean Sky 2 at the European level and France’s civil aviation research council (Corac), Dassault Aviation’s work focuses on lowering fuel consumption by reducing aircraft drag and weight. With the European Sesar program, Dassault Aviation works to improve flight efficiency and fuel consumption through the use of specially-tailored flight paths. Dassault Aviation is also involved in Corac projects related to the use of hydrogen in future aircraft.

GE Aviation is maturing a megawatt-class integrated hybrid electric powertrain to demonstrate flight readiness for single-aisle aircraft with NASA, and is leading industry efforts to define standards for 100% SAF.

GE and Safran jointly launched the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program in June 2021 to demonstrate and mature disruptive technologies including open fan and hybrid electric targeting more than 20% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today’s most efficient engines. Program goals include ensuring 100% compatibility with SAF and hydrogen.

Pratt & Whitney announced a major new investment towards developing a hybrid-electric flight demonstrator, in partnership with De Havilland Canada, Collins Aerospace, and the Canadian government, targeting a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions compared to current regional turboprop aircraft. Pratt & Whitney is also developing technologies for a more efficient engine core and recently opened a new engineering and development facility in Carlsbad, California, dedicated to ceramic matrix composites (CMC) to support this effort. It is continuing to validate engines operating with up to 100% SAF.

Rolls-Royce has joined the UN Race to Zero and has pledged to prove all its Trent engines—accounting for 40% of the world’s long-haul fleet—are compatible with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2023, aligned with the UN Race to Zero breakthrough on SAF take-up by 2030. It has tied its SAF compatibility goals to executive remuneration and has tested two widebody and one business jet engine types on 100% SAF; and signed an MoU with Shell agreeing to develop and accelerate the use of SAF. It has developed and flown what it expects to be the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft and signed agreements in the all-electric and UAM markets with customers to power products due to fly by the middle of this decade.

Safran has created a strategic partnership with TotalEnergies to accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions of the aviation industry by jointly working for the development and deployment of SAF that could completely replace fossil kerosene in current and future engines. Safran and Airbus will leverage the skills and test facilities of their JV ArianeGroup to prepare hydrogen technologies for aviation. . . .
 
GCC:
Boundary Layer Technologies reveals ELECTRA all-electric hydrofoiling ferry concept

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/10/20211031-electra.html


Boundary Layer Technologies, a California-based marine technology startup, revealed its concept design for a fully electric hydrofoiling ferry: ELECTRA. ELECTRA, with a 9,000 kWh battery, has a range of up to 100 nautical miles and cruise speed of 40 knots—twice the speed and range of existing electric ferries—due to Boundary Layer Technology’s proprietary hydrofoil technology and podded propulsion system.

Compared to fossil fuel alternatives, ELECTRA’s battery-electric propulsion significantly reduces cabin noise by up to 20dB compared to conventional ferries. It’s foiling system also offers excellent seakeeping and ride comfort. . . .

The ELECTRA ferry offers OPEX reductions of up to 35% compared to fossil fuel burning fast ferry alternatives, as well as helps operators de-risk the future cost uncertainties of carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes being implemented globally.

We think Electra is an exciting development of ferry technology and shows promise for decarbonizing ferry operations and adding to the customer’s experience.

—Patrick Murphy, President, Blue & Gold Fleet, contract operator of San Francisco’s 15 high speed ferries

Boundary Layer Technologies has already developed the hydrofoil and control systems required for ELECTRA, and plans to have the first vessels in operation by Q1 2024 in regions such as the United States, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean.
 
All GCC:
Lightning eMotors enters Canada’s commercial EV market with delivery of 10 electric refrigerated delivery vehicles

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211101-lightning.html


Lightning eMotors, a provider of all-electric powertrains and medium-duty and specialty commercial electric fleet vehicles, announced the successful delivery and deployment of 10 all-electric cargo vans to Montreal, Canada-based Goodfood Market Corp. . . .

Lightning eMotors electrified T-350HD cargo vans for Goodfood by installing an all-electric powertrain, electrical infrastructure, and control software to support the vehicle. Each of the refrigerated electric vehicles deployed by Goodfood has an estimated range of 120 miles/195 kilometers on a full charge of its 86 kWh battery pack, regenerative braking for improved efficiency, and can comfortably hit 75 miles/120km per hour.

Supported by a supplier and integration partnership with Volta Air, the electrified fleet also boasts a dedicated, 12-volt battery-powered refrigeration system to optimize delivery range in support of Goodfood’s same-day/last-mile delivery operations. These units have a cooling capacity down to -15 deg. C (+5 deg. F).



Canadian Pacific expands hydrogen locomotive program; additional locomotives, fueling stations; $15M from ERA

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211102-cp.html


. . . The grant enables CP to increase the number of hydrogen locomotive conversions in the project from one to three and add hydrogen production and fueling facilities. The program will create a global center of excellence in hydrogen and freight rail systems in Alberta.

CP is receiving the 50/50 matching grant from ERA’s Shovel Ready Challenge program. It builds on the $15 million CP already planned to invest in the development project in 2021.

In December 2020, CP announced it would design and build North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive using fuel cells and batteries to power the locomotive’s electric traction motors. With the grant announced today, CP will build upon its early program research to convert an additional line-haul locomotive and a yard switcher locomotive.

This work will refine the process of converting diesel-electric powertrains to hydrogen-electric powertrains over a series of three categories of locomotive, which collectively represent most locomotives in use throughout North America.

To support hydrogen locomotive operations, the project will include installation of hydrogen production and fueling facilities at CP railyards in Calgary and Edmonton. The Calgary fueling facility will include an electrolysis plant to produce hydrogen from water. This facility will operate on renewable power from solar panels at CP’s headquarters campus and produce zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The Edmonton facility includes a small-scale steam methane reformation system that will generate hydrogen from Alberta’s natural gas resources. The system will be constructed to accommodate the possible future addition of greenhouse gas capture equipment.



First China-developed hydrogen fuel cell locomotive starts trial runs

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211102-chinah2loco.html


The first China-developed hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive—from core power to main components—has started trial runs on a 627 km railway line for coal transport in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The hydrogen energy locomotive project was jointly launched by the Inner Mongolia subsidiary of the State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC), CRRC Datong Co., Ltd., and the Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd. of SPIC. CRRC Datong developed the locomotive, using the hydrogen fuel cell system developed by SPIC Hydrogen Energy Company.

Relying on its own railway, SPIC Inner Mongolia took the lead in putting the locomotive into application, realizing a closed loop from domestic R&D to application.

Li Lingtao, deputy chief engineer with CRRC Datong Co., Ltd., said that the hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive has a design speed of 80 km/h. It can run with 700 kW of continuous power for 24.5 hours when fully loaded with fuel and its maximum traction load on straight roads reaches 5,000 tonnes.

Without changing any basic railway line conditions, the hydrogen locomotive can perform multi-purpose tasks such as operation, shunting, and rescue in various locomotive depots, car depots, marshalling yards, large factories, mines, ports, etc.

Compared with traditional diesel locomotives, the hydrogen locomotive will reduce carbon emissions by about 80 kg per 10,000-ton kilometer. The new-energy locomotive is expected to cut carbon emissions by about 96,000 tonnes a year running on the coal railway linking the Baiyinhua coal mine in Inner Mongolia with the port of Jinzhou in northeast China’s Liaoning Province. . . .

The next step will be to develop jointly a 2000 kW hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive suitable for broader railway industry applications.




REV Group receives first order for electric fire truck

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211102-rev.html


REV Fire Group, comprising the REV Group companies E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Emergency Response, Smeal, and Ladder Tower, will build an all-electric E-ONE Vector fire truck for Mesa Fire and Medical Department in Mesa, AZ.

REV Fire Group first announced the introduction of its all-electric fire truck, now named Vector, in August, and Mesa’s is the first confirmed order announcement. The customizable Vector has the industry’s longest electric pumping duration which allows four hose lines to be in use for four hours on a single charge. A range-extender diesel engine is used for backup when pumping beyond four hours on a hydrant or for extended operation in blackouts and natural disasters.

This rig supports the City of Mesa’s Climate Action Plan and goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

H&E Equipment, an E-ONE authorized dealer, is coordinating the Mesa order and delivery is expected in 2022. . . .

E-ONE is a leading fire apparatus manufacturer, making emergency vehicles, rescue trucks, aerial fire trucks, rescue pumpers and custom fire apparatus; the company has produced more than 28,000 vehicles delivered around the world.




DOE awarding combined $127M to 5 Supertruck 3 projects; battery-electric and fuel cell trucks

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211102-st3.html


. . . Now, selectees for SuperTruck 3 will work to improve medium- and heavy-duty truck efficiencies and reduce emissions of freight transportation.

For SuperTruck 3, the DOE will fund five heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers with a combined $127 million to pioneer electrified medium- and heavy-duty trucks and freight system concepts to achieve higher efficiency and zero emissions. Projects will be funded over five years, subject to appropriations, and recipients will match federal funding, dollar-for-dollar:

PACCAR Inc will develop eighteen Class-8 battery electric and fuel cell vehicles with advanced batteries and a megawatt charging station will also be developed and demonstrated. (Award amount: $32,971,041)

Volvo Group North America, LLC will develop a 400-mile-range Class-8 battery electric tractor-trailer with advanced aerodynamics, electric braking, EV optimized tires, automation and route planning. A megawatt charging station will be developed and demonstrated. (Award amount: $18,070,333)

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC will develop and demonstrate two 2 Class-8 fuel cell trucks with 600-mile range, 25,000-hour durability, equivalent payload capacity and range to diesel. (Award amount: $25,791,669)

Ford Motor Company will develop and demonstrate five hydrogen fuel cell electric Class-6 Super Duty trucks targeting cost, payload, towing, and refueling times that are equivalent to conventional gasoline trucks. (Award amount: $24,952,314)

General Motors, LLC will develop and demonstrate four hydrogen fuel cell and four battery electric Class 4-6 trucks. The project will also focus on development of clean hydrogen via electrolysis and clean power for fast charging. (Award amount: $26,061,726)

The SuperTruck 3 Program is expected to launch later this year.
 
Both GCC:
Gridtractor launches fleet electrification services to accelerate zero-emission agriculture

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211104-gridtractor.html


Gridtractor has launched from stealth to develop charging technology, fleet electrification, and energy management services for electric tractors and heavy farm equipment. Gridtractor will help farmers integrate electric charging and vehicle to grid (V2G) into their operations to strengthen the power grid with its smart energy platform.

In addition, the company estimates farms can save 55-75% on fuel costs by going electric, and up to 90% by supplying stored power to irrigation pumps and to the grid. The company’s first customer, Terranova Ranch, will utilize the Gridtractor Planning Model Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to determine the best deployments for electric tractors and integration with existing electrical infrastructure at dozens of irrigation pump sites and solar arrays. . . .

The company is developing control hardware and SaaS that will help farmers manage fleets of tractors, irrigation pumps, and solar arrays to optimize the economics of energy production, consumption, and storage. The company is launching operations in California initially to take advantage of extensive electrical infrastructure on farms, lucrative incentives for electrification, and cutting-edge pilots for vehicle grid integration (VGI).

As part of the company's turn-key service offering, Gridtractor will provide farm operators with site and project managers to assist with implementation and liaison with utility companies and electrical contractors to ensure the technology is deployed and operating efficiently. Like several Charging-as-a-Service models for electric bus fleets, Gridtractor CEO David Meyers sees excellent potential for this type of solution in the agricultural community. . . .

The longest pole in the tent for transportation electrification is building out the infrastructure to support a massive increase in demand on the grid, and with the vehicle-to-grid component of our solution, we can essentially turn an electric tractor into a giant battery. We estimate that on top of the field savings, farmers can save 15 percent for smart charging and Vehicle-to-Load/Vehicle-to-Grid applications, for a total of 90% cost savings that will be supplemented by lower maintenance and repair costs.

—David Meyers





CNH Industrial enters into exclusive multi-year technology licensing agreement with Monarch Tractor for tractor electrification

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211104-cnh.html


CNH Industrial has entered into an exclusive, multi-year licensing agreement for electrification technologies with Monarch Tractor, a US-based AgTech company specializing in fully electric autonomous tractors. This agreement is the latest development between the two parties, building upon the minority investment stake made by CNH Industrial in March 2021.

The license agreement foresees the launch of a scalable, modular electrification platform focusing on low-horsepower tractors. These will be developed across multiple product families in the coming years, using an agile process that continuously gathers farmers’ input to ensure the development of differentiated solutions aligned to customer needs. . . .

Monarch Tractor introduced its fully electric, driver optional, smart tractor integrated on a single platform in December 2020 . . . The company has secured several hundred working farms as preliminary customers.

Key features of the Monarch Tractor include:

Renewable Technology – Traditional diesel tractors produce roughly 14 times the emissions as the average car. The Monarch Tractor is 100 percent electric and has zero tailpipe emissions. It also serves as a 3-in-1 electrification tool operating not only as a tractor, but with extra storage acts as an ATV, and has the capabilities to perform as a powerful generator in the field.

Driver Optional – The Monarch Tractor can operate with or without a driver. The company utilizes the latest autonomous hardware and software technology to provide driver-assist and driver-optional operations. The tractor can perform pre-programmed tasks without a driver or an operator can use Monarch’s interactive automation features including Gesture and Shadow modes to have the tractor follow a worker on the job.

Unprecedented Safety – The Monarch Tractor is packed with safety features including roll and collision prevention, vision-based Power Take Off (PTO) safety and 360 deg. cameras to keep operations running smoothly and employees safe, day or night.

Deep Learning & Sensing Suite – The Monarch Tractor collects and analyzes over 240GB of crop data every day it operates in the field. It can work with farmers’ current implements as well as the next generation of smart implements. Sensors and imaging are processed to provide critical data points that can be used for real-time implement adjustments as well as long term yield estimates, current growth stages and other plant/crop health metrics. Utilizing machine learning, Monarch Tractor is able to digest this data and provide long-term analysis of field health, improving accuracy the longer it runs. Additionally, the data collected is securely stored in a Monarch cloud.

Smart Device Operation – Via a smartphone or personal device, users receive tractor alerts, updates on current micro-weather conditions, detailed operations reports, data collection, analysis, and storage for more efficient farm planning.

Powerful – Monarch Tractor’s electric drivetrain is capable of providing 40HP (30KW) of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 70HP (55KW) in a small footprint for multi-purpose usage.
 
All GCC:
CN purchases Wabtec’s battery-electric locomotive

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211105-cn.html


. . . CN’s Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad (B&LE) Company received a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to help with the purchase of the battery-electric locomotive. . . .

The Wabtec FLXdrive technology, with its 2.4MWh battery pack, can reduce train fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30%. The anticipated efficiencies and emission reductions from the technology will be significant and help open the door to new alternatives beyond the diesel-powered locomotives used today. . . .




Wright Electric to develop electric 100-passenger aircraft for one-hour regional flights

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211105-wright.html


. . . The Wright Spirit aircraft design builds on the BAe 146 platform—a 100 passenger, 4-engine aircraft known for its operation out of noise-sensitive airports. The existing BAe 146 hydrocarbon-based propulsion system will be replaced with Wright’s all-electric, emissions-free propulsion system.

The path was set in early 2020 with Wright’s announcement and development of a megawatt propulsion system for an all-electric commercial aircraft. Throughout the last two years, the company has been proving key components of the system including a high-efficiency, high-power density inverter and a 2 MW (2,700 HP) motor.

By focusing on one-hour flights, the Wright Spirit addresses the world’s busiest city pairs, such as Seoul-Jeju (world’s busiest route, 14 million passengers annually), London-Paris, Rio de Janeiro-São Paulo, and San Francisco-Los Angeles.

To develop the integrated propulsion system, Wright has assembled a team of companies with expertise in generation, energy storage and propulsion design. The program now proceeds with on-going ground testing and final selection of the propulsion system. In 2023, the aircraft will begin flight testing with one all-electric propulsor. The development program will then accelerate towards flight testing with two all-electric propulsors by 2024 leading to the full-electric aircraft by 2026.




Sha Steel Group, Hyzon Motors and Guofu HEE to deploy 49-ton hydrogen trucks for steel shipment trial operation in China

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


Hyzon Motors announced a joint demonstration project with Zhangjiagang Haili Terminal Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Fortune 500 company Sha Steel Group, the 4th largest steel company and the largest private steel enterprise in the world.

Under the demonstration agreement, Hyzon Motors expects to supply 49-ton hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks for a 60-day trial at Sha Steel Group’s operating base in Port of Zhangjiagang. The hydrogen-powered vehicles will provide transportation services from Sha Steel’s plant to the port. During the trial, local supplier of hydrogen equipment and storage systems Guofu HEE will provide hydrogen through its hydrogen refueling station in Zhangjiagang.

Pending successful completion of the initial trial, the three parties expect to expand their business collaboration to accelerate the implementation of fuel cell electric vehicles, hydrogen refueling stations, and hydrogen production across the steel transportation industry.

Through the collaboration, the companies plan to localize the production of fuel cell electric vehicle core components, reducing manufacturing and distribution costs.

Hydrogen was officially included as a zero-emissions solution for long-term energy storage and load balancing in China's 2035 emission reduction goals. . . .
 
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