Power Systems Research (PSR) is an international research company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. It operates a second North America office in Detroit, Mich., and has offices in five other countries. PSR analysts have been collecting and analyzing global engine and powertrain data and information since 1976, and we use this data to develop targeted forecasts by industry segment and region.

Our team of experienced analysts works with OEMs, engine and component manufacturers, dealers, fleet managers and industry experts to compile detailed and focused data that has become an industry standard. It’s the leading source of global information on engines and power equipment powered by IC and alternate sources. Whether you need detailed global data, forecasts or customized local market studies, we can provide you with Data, Forecasting and Solutions. Let’s start today.

DATAPOINT: NA Tillers, 2022 Production: 245,000 Units

Tillers are used to cultivate soil to prepare a smooth area for planting. These are self-propelled, walk-behind machines which are used for home gardens or small farm areas.

245,000 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Tillers to be produced in North America (United States and Mexico) in 2022.

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

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Personal Watercraft Production Grows

Michael Aistrup
Michael Aistrup

Summary.Technological advancements in the PWC (Personal Watercraft) market have led to the introduction of quieter and cleaner PWCs. PWC manufacturers have also focused their designs on today’s consumer base–families–by continuing to manufacture more of three person models which offer state-of-art features and functions.

The PWCmarket will continue to grow over the forecast period based on an increase in leisure spending and increasing demand of PWC for utilization in sports.

Personal watercraft, also known as a jet ski, is a watercraft having a hull that is driven by an internal water jet pump engine. The PWC is designed in such a way that it does not hold water if it capsizes. PWCs are fast and have the ability to rapidly change direction. PWCs are controlled by a driver who either stands or sits on the watercraft. It is a popular choice for sports and recreational activities.

Initially, PWCs were equipped with a two-stroke engine, but with changing technology, PWCs are now powered with state-of-the-art four stroke engines.

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BorgWarner Buys EV Charging Company

Guy Youngs
Guy Youngs

Global auto supplier, BorgWarner has announced it is buying EV charging company Rhombus Energy Solutions. The deal will boost its EV charging presence in North America while adding to its European market and will accelerate its charging business by leveraging its existing capabilities. This is the latest in a round of EV related acquisitions the company has made. In August 2021 it took control of AKASOL,(a German EV battery company) and in March 2022, BorgWarner acquired 100% of Santroll Automotive Components (a light vehicle eMotor business).

Source: Electrek Read The Article

PSR Analysis: This acquisition will generate good revenue for BorgWarner and continues their move into this market. It’s also a good example of the many acquisitions that OEMs are making into the broad arena of electric power as they see future opportunities. Other recent examples include: Nikola acquiring Romeo Power to bring its battery supply inhouse, Terex investing in Acculon Energy, and Cummins acquiring Meritor (Cummins believes eAxles will be a critical integration point within hybrid and electric drivetrains).    PSR

Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

Tesla Offers Lounges at Supercharger Stations


Tesla has linked up with bk World to provide its Supercharger stations to offer services to customers while their vehicles charge. Tesla has been trying to deploy its Supercharger stations at properties that include amenities that offer food, coffee, and restrooms, but that is not always easy. At a few locations, Tesla has deployed its own lounges to offer those amenities, including one test site in Germany which even has a swimming pool, and another has a restaurant.  

Source: Electrek Read The Article

PSR Analysis: With over 300 lounges planned in Europe, Tesla is trying to make the recharge wait time more enjoyable for customers, and at the same time generate another revenue stream. Providing customers with activities while they wait could encourage charger use and could develop charging stations into a destination location like selling customers of IKEA meatballs when they visit a store. Anything to help relieve the boredom of a charge waiting time that can run to an hour or more is an improvement.   PSR

Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

Australian Solar Park Could Generate Hydrogen for Less Than $2/kg


Frontier Energy conducted a pre-feasibility study (PFS) at its Bristol Springs Solar project in Australia to show that it has the potential to be a low-cost green hydrogen producer, with power sourced from the company’s planned first stage 114 MW DC solar farm. The solar would power a 36.6 MW alkaline electrolyser, producing an estimated 4.4m kilograms of green hydrogen per year.

Source: PV Magazine Read The Article

PSR Analysis: With green hydrogen costs being around $3/kg to $6.5/kg, production of green hydrogen at this cost significantly boosts the use of hydrogen as a fuel for either Hydrogen ICEs or FCEVs. It also closes the price gap with dirty hydrogen which is generated using fossil fuels. Dirty hydrogen costs around $1.8 per kg, according to S&P Global.  PSR

Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

BMW Focuses on Hydrogen Fuel-cell EVs


BMW remains primarily focused on electrified combustion engines and battery electric cars, but it is adamant that hydrogen FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) will play a part of its transportation package. A limited batch of hydrogen-fueled BMW X5s soon will enter production, and the company says it is already planning for the next model with FCEVs making their way into its 2025 next-generation electric vehicle portfolio

Source: H2 Energy News Read The Article

PSR Analysis: This moves BMW into the Toyota/Hyundai camp supporting FCEV, with Tesla and VW being firmly in favor of battery-powered Electric Vehicles only. BMW is developing its position so that it can offer a full range of alternative power vehicles and meet customer demand whichever way it goes.   PSR

Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

North America Economy Faces Multiple Problems

Jim Downey
Jim Downey

SUMMARY. The United States economy is facing several serious problems that don’t have simple solutions and are not likely to be solved for several years, reaching out to the presidential elections in 2024.

Take your pick of problems: Inflation. Stock Market. Climate Changes. Interest Rates. Housing Prices. Gasoline Prices. Food Prices. Social Unrest. Political Conflicts. Worker shortages. Supply Chain Shortages. Russia-Ukraine Conflict.

The bottom line here is that consumers, investors, businesses, and governments are uncertain about what the future holds for the next several years, and this uncertainty makes it difficult to build multiple-year action plans, whether it’s for purchases, manufacturing, marketing, or investing.

Uncertainty makes people nervous, and Uncertainty is the name of the game in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.

However, we’re still optimistic about the U.S. economy and we see 2022 production growing by 11.6% but that activity is likely to fall to 2.7% next year and drop again to 1.5% in 2024.

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UTV & ATV Market Dynamics  

NORTH AMERICA REPORT
Michael Aistrup
Michael Aistrup

Market Overview. The global UTV/ATV market size was US$ 8.66 billion in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.13%. PSR forecasts the global market to grow to US$ 11.67 billion by 2026

The North American UTV/ATV market was valued at US$ 6.66 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach US$ 8.50 billion in 2026, registering a CAGR of about 5.00% during the forecast period (2022 – 2026).

Applications. UTVs/ATVs were originally associated with sports and recreational activities. Application of these vehicles has diversified, and they are now being used in the agricultural sector and for patrolling, hunting, gardening, and other activities.

A recent application is the United States Army. The military has shown interest in acquiring UTVs/ATVs with features such as rapid transportation, the ability to carry nine fully armed soldiers, agility, and a minimum of 55 mph. 

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DATAPOINT. North American Pavers, 2022 Estimated Production: 2,900 Units

NORTH AMERICAN REPORT

2,900 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Pavers to be produced in the U.S. and Canada during 2022.

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Exports: Collectively, up to 40% worldwide.

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