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.
Mercedes-Benz says it’s developing a solar paint that would allow electric vehicle owners in places like Los Angeles to power their daily driving without ever plugging in.
The German automaker teased the idea recently during a future technology showcase at its R&D center in Sindelfingen, Germany. The photovoltaic material starts as a paste and is applied to body panels in a layer that’s just 5 micrometers thick—thinner than a human hair. Covering every body panel of a mid-size SUV with the material would create 118 square feet of sun-harnessing surface area, a more than three-fold increase compared to the 32 square feet available from a single flexible panel on the roof.
Mercedes claims such a vehicle could capture enough energy to drive about 12,500 miles a year in sun-soaked Los Angeles
PSR Analysis: This is an interesting twist on vehicles with solar panels (Aptera, Sono Motors, etc.) but most of these don’t generate enough energy so I would question the figure of 12,500 miles a year, but even if it’s a quarter of that, it’s still significant savings. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
The world’s largest EV battery maker is advancing a new type of battery, which promises higher energy density. According to a new local report, CATL is investing heavily while ramping up its workforce to bring all-solid-state EV batteries to market.
The company’s solution has an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg for lithium ternary batteries, 40% more than current batteries. However, the report said charging speed and cycle life are not quite where they need to be
PSR Analysis: With trial production reportedly kicking off, we could see CATL launch all-solid-state EV batteries soon. The benefits of solid state batteries (higher energy density leading to longer range, rapid charging, safety and lower weight) are well known. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
The global outboard engines market size was $10.58B in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $19.13B by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.53% from 2024 to 2034, according to Power Systems Research (PSR).
Source: Power Systems Research
Summary. The outboard engines market produces, sells, and distributes outboard motors. These engines are independent propulsion units positioned externally on a boat’s transom instead of being integrated within the hull. These engines, which are used to power a variety of watercraft, such as boats, dinghies, pontoons, and fishing vessels, usually consist of a powerhead, gearbox, and propeller.
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has filed an antitrust lawsuit against some of the nation’s largest heavy-duty truck manufacturers alleging a plot to stifle the availability of internal-combustion semi-trucks in favor of electric ones.
In the lawsuit filed Nov. 19, Hilgers said California and the California Air Resources Board have “recently embarked on a mission to eliminate the [internal combustion engine] vehicle and mandate the electrification of our nation’s vehicle fleet.”
While other lawsuits have been filed against California and CARB attempting to halt or slow down the regulations, including one led by Hilgers to block CARB’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, Hilgers’ new lawsuit targets manufacturers themselves, including Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), International Motors, Paccar, Volvo Group North America, and the Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association.
4-Wheeled ATV is short term for All Terrain Vehicle. It commonly has 4 wheels and is designed to be driven off road. It seats one person, or sometimes two, one in front of the other.
Product: Industrial Utility Vehicles These four-wheel gas, electric and diesel vehicles are used for a wide variety of applications such as moving people, equipment and supplies around a college campus, landscaping job or construction site. Most brands are zero-emission, high-performance, affordable, and low maintenance vehicles.
Product: Personnel Carriers These low speed, low cost passenger carts are perfect for shuttling people and cargo. These vehicles can comfortably and smoothly transport up to six people and their belongings. Standard features include headlights, brake lights, and taillights. The carriers are used on golf courses, in neighborhoods, on campuses, at airports and in industrial parks.
Turf Utility Vehicles are specifically designed to meet the needs of sporting facilities such as golf courses and stadiums. They are commonly used for landscaping, heavy loading, dumping and transporting people or light material. Suppliers offer a wide variety of gas, electric or diesel utility vehicles. Vehicles can be customized with enclosed cabs, tool racks, dumpers and more for use on college campuses, parks, corporate campuses, apartment complexes.
This product 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. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research
The Personal Watercraft/Jet-ski Market size was valued at USD 2.544 billion in 2023, according to Power Systems Research, and is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.44% between 2024 and 2032.
Market Trends. Manufacturers are investing in developing PWCs made of environmentally friendly materials and e-powered personal watercraft that are cleaner and more efficient.
The Trucking Association of New York (TANY), along with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and other state transportation stakeholders, called on legislators to reconsider implementation of California Air Resources Board (CARB) Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations set to take effect in the state just more than two months from now.
Donald Trump has always pushed for more oil drilling and fewer regulations, left the Paris Agreement in his first term as president, says he hates “windmills,” has promised to scrap offshore wind on “day one” if he won the 2024 election, and calls climate change a “scam.”
And now that he’s won, this is a direct threat to the US’s pledge to reach net zero by 2050. After all, federal policy directly impacts the pace of renewable energy growth, especially when it comes to incentives and research funding
Donald Trump will push fossil fuels and undo renewable energy policies, but it ultimately won’t stop clean energy’s momentum
PSR Analysis: The clean energy market isn’t solely driven by US federal policy. Over the last decade, solar, wind, and EVs have become more cost-competitive and popular. State policies play a huge role too, and many states are committed to their own clean energy goals regardless of who sits in the White House. Only time will tell the true impact of Trump’s victory. PSR
Super materials trailblazer Lyten will invest over $1 billion to build the world’s first lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory in Reno, Nevada. The factory will be capable of producing up to 10 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of batteries annually once it’s fully online. Phase 1 is set to go live in 2027.
Lyten’s gigafactory will cover 1.25 million square feet on a 125-acre campus in the Reno Air Logistics Park. Initially, it will employ around 200 people, eventually expanding to more than 1,000 jobs
PSR Analysis: Lithium-sulfur batteries are considerably lighter than lithium-ion batteries and use materials that are more abundant, so they should have a lower cost than Lithium ion batteries and their widespread use could reduce the pressure on lithium supplies. However, they are less stable and have a shorter lifespan, so unless Lyten has resolved these issue, this approach could backfire. PSR
The push to commercialize solid-state batteries is underway with industries from automotive to storage betting on the technology. But while the technology has been taking longer than expected to take off, semi-solid-state batteries, which use a hybrid design of solid and liquid electrolyte, have been making steady progress toward commercialization.
The latest findings from Taipei-based intelligence provider TrendForce show that all-solid-state battery production volumes could have GWh levels by 2027. This rapid expansion could lead to cell price declines, reaching the $84-$98 level by 2035.
PSR Analysis: The benefits of solid state batteries (higher energy density leading to longer range, rapid charging, safety and lower weigh) are well known. If the costs can come down because of mass production, then this will become a significant game changer. PSR
Nevada Gets World’s First Lithium-Sulfur Battery Gigafactory
