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Volvo CE Pushing Alternative Powertrains
EUROPE REPORT
Emiliano Marzoli Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has started testing its prototype “HX04” Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Articulated truck. Carolina Diez Ferrer, Head of Advanced Engineering Programs at Volvo CE expects that this prototype will “give valuable insights into the opportunities of hydrogen in the energy transformation alongside battery-electric solutions.”
The on-going development of the hauler began in 2018 and experienced partnerships with different Swedish institutions and companies. Fun fact: The machine is nicknamed “Electric Charlie,” a homage to “Gravel Charlie,” the world’s first Articulated hauler produced by Volvo in 1966.
Shell has been involved in the project, supplying the Hydrogen refuelling station for Volvo’s test track. The Volvo HX04 is charged with 12 kg hydrogen in about 7.5 minutes, enabling it to operate for approximately four hours. Fuel cells work by combining hydrogen with oxygen and the resulting chemical reaction produces electricity which powers the machine.
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Union Budget Push To Expand Highways and EVs
INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar The 2022-2023 Budget is focused on building long-term strength using investment as the growth lever while maintaining policy stability and inclusivity. The 35% increased capex outlay, major infrastructure projects like 25,000 km road construction, 100 Cargo terminals, Project GatiShakti, 5G network, optic fiber cable laying and the recent PLI schemes are major positives.
Source: Auto Guide India Read The Article
“The blueprint of a digitally enabled, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, coupled with measures that will drive sustainable yet inclusive growth at a rapid pace for the next twenty-five years. These are the bedrock of the proposals announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, as we redefine our economy in a post-pandemic world. Setting the direction for creation of urban fossil fuel free zones, policy for battery swapping and energy as service and incentives for creating a vibrant start-up eco system, India could soon emerge as a fore-runner of green mobility solutions for the world” – Sunjay J Kapur, President ACMA (Automobile component manufacturers association of India)
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Low Interest Funding Set for Low Emission Off-Highway Machines
SOUTH AMERICA REPORT
Fabio Ferraresi The program called Low Carbon FINAME is dedicated to the acquisition of new machines that contribute to carbon emission reduction, with a focus on EV Buses, EV Trucks and Off-Highway Machines electric and Hybrid. OEMs have to register their products before December 2024 to access lower interest rates.
Source: M&T Read The Article
PSR Analysis: The incentives for funding are an important driver to make an EV competitive when compared…
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Kohler Engines Introduces Small Diesel
EUROPE REPORT
PowerTALK, January 2022
Kohler Engines has introduced a new series of small diesel engines: the KSD. At launch three models will be available:
- KSD 1403NA (Naturally aspirated)
- KSD 1403TC (Turbocharged)
- KSD 1403TCA (Turbocharged with aftercooler)
Later on, more variants will be released, completing further the series. Developed as a new electronic engine, this platform is capable of meeting all current emissions legislations, globally. All engines sit in the critical below 19 kW power node, and with 1.4L is a compact solution that can fit different applications.
One key aspect of the engine is the specific blend between indirect injection and electronic control. According to Kohler, this enables maximum engine performance, response and very low-end torque.
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Global: Recovery Is Strong, but Uneven
GLOBAL REPORT
Yosyf Sheremeta SUMMARY. The global economy performed very well in 2021 and continues to recover, along with trade, employment and incomes. But the revival is unbalanced, with regions/countries, businesses and people facing very different economic realities. Recent improvements also conceal structural changes, which means that some sectors, jobs, and technologies will not return to their pre-pandemic trends. Based on the most recent economic developments and trends, Power Systems Research remains somewhat optimistic about the global recovery.
Many of us hoped to be in the post-Covid phase by now, but it is evident that there is no quick way out. The pandemic has had a profound impact on the world economy, and it will continue to challenge established norms of life and business into the foreseeable future. As we start the new year, many challenges remain, new and old alike: re-surgency of COVID variants, restrictions on travel, supply chain challenges, shortages of materials/goods, inflation, and employment, as well as renewed geopolitical tensions across many parts of the globe.
Power Systems Research witnessed a strong economic recovery globally in 2021, despite regional differences. Output in most OECD countries has now either surpassed or is about to reach pre-pandemic levels, but lower-income economies, particularly those where vaccination rates are low, are at risk of being left behind. Furthermore, the rebound will continue to vary widely among different market segments.
Global inflation re-surfaced in 2021 and presents a real risk to economic recovery in all regions. The renewed inflationary pressure risks lasting longer than was expected a few months ago. The surge in retail and wholesale energy costs in late 2021 will undermine economic growth prospects for large parts of Europe and Northeast Asia well into 2022. Rising food and energy prices already have impact on low-income households in particular.
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Weichai Delivers 150-Ton Mining Trucks
Jack Hao The 150-ton large-scale mining truck delivered by Weichai has accumulated more than 50,000 hours of trial operation, with a total mileage of more than 360,000 kilometers, a 70% increase in efficiency, and a 10% reduction in unit energy consumption.
This product is equipped with a powertrain system consisting of Weichai Group’s 17-liter engine + 3300 Nm high torque 8-speed gearbox + 60-ton drive axle. The operation equals the output of two trucks, which significantly reduces the number of vehicles need for a specific job, greatly reduces operating costs, and brings considerable economic benefits to customers
Source: Weichai Power Read The Article
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Global Economy On the Path To Economic Recovery, Despite Increased Uncertainty
Yosyf Sheremeta The global economy is on a healthy rebound trend, but issues with supply chain, logistics and the re-surgency of COVID-19 during Q3 2021 remained. Power Systems Research witnessed a strong economic recovery globally in H1 2021; however, many challenges still remain. The rebound will continue to vary widely among different regions/countries, but a complete recovery is not expected until the global pandemic is under control. With some minor changes among regions and market segments globally, our overall forecast from last quarter remains in place, and that is good news to our industry players, OEMs, powertrain, and component suppliers.
The global economic performance last quarter was in line with our initial projections from earlier this year. As we projected last quarter, we did not expect any rapid economic recovery in H2 2021, however, we continued to witness a steady increase in economic activities. During the last quarter of 2021 Power Systems Research expects this trend to remain in place.
Government support in the form of fiscal policies and public health management are driving the economic rebound and largely explain variations in performance across countries. With the targeted monetary support to consumers and certain industries, the demand for products and services globally is coming back, and we expect this trend to carry over into Q1 2022.
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Subsidy Program for Scrapping Diesel Vehicles Ineffective
FAR EAST: SOUTH KOREA REPORT
About half of those who received South Korean government aid to scrap their old diesel vehicles early have purchased diesel vehicles again, according to a new study. The government spent 845.4 billion won (about 79.6 billion yen) in the last five years (2016-2020) to scrap 959,000 aging diesel vehicles, but the number of all diesel vehicles increased by 9% during the same period. The government has pointed out that diesel vehicles are the main culprit of particulate matter…
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KAMAZ Introduces Hercules Articulated Truck
The first pictures of the new KAMAZ articulated mining truck have been published, showing a configuration of the truck with a 6×6 chassis. It will compete with the Caterpillar 740 and Volvo A40F.
The articulated frame will increase maneuverability and off-road characteristics of the truck. Hercules will be equipped with a hybrid powertrain. The new truck will use a KAMAZ R6 engine of 450 hp, and the nominal output of every electric motor will be 517 hp. The load capacity of Hercules is 40 tons, and the full weight is 75 tons. A light option with 4×4 format and 25-ton capacity are also in the plans.
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US$ 22 Billion in Green Hydrogen Projects Planned in Brazil
From January to June, six Intention Letters to install H2V facilities have been signed by companies and the total of investment involved is around US$ 22 billion. One of the players is the Australian Fortescue, one of the six biggest producers of iron ore in the world. Companies of renewable energy such as the also Australian Energix Energy and petrochemical as British Petrol are also behind the investment plans.
Source: Valor Read The Article
PSR Analysis: The investment is…
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