Follow PSR’s team of analysts as they track the rapidly expanding global battery electric power market, including, battery technology, transportation, eMobility, mergers and acquisitions and more.
Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, in collaboration with Suspensys, has unveiled the VW Meteor Hybrid, Brazil’s first hybrid concept truck. This vehicle features a diesel engine combined with an electric auxiliary axle developed by Suspensys, enabling intelligent traction management that optimizes performance, reduces travel time, and enhances fuel efficiency.
The intelligent traction system allows the third axle to become driven, transforming the truck into a 6×4 configuration when necessary. This provides additional torque for uphill climbs and improved starting power when towing a loaded trailer. Preliminary studies suggest that this setup can decrease travel time due to the extra power.
Additionally, the regenerative system recovers energy during deceleration and in areas with elevation changes, enhancing efficiency and battery storage. The extent of increased autonomy depends on the operation and route. Initial tests estimate that the Meteor Hybrid concept can reduce diesel consumption by up to 10%, depending on the operation’s topography. This directly impacts CO₂ emissions, potentially avoiding over 25 tons annually.
PSR Analysis. This concept aligns with Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus’s strategy for decarbonization, as it can operate solely on the diesel engine during long trips without the need for charging infrastructure. This flexibility is particularly useful for routes lacking charging stations, increasing the operational versatility of the hybrid model. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research
Bosch and Jiangling Group have signed a joint venture agreement in Nanchang, planning to establish a joint venture to jointly develop and sell electric drive axle systems for light commercial vehicles. The registered capital of the planned joint venture is 500 million yuan (63 million euros), with Bosch holding 60% and Jiangling holding 40%. The newly established company will be mainly responsible for the development, application, production, sales, and service of electric drive axle systems for light commercial vehicles.
Bosch will rely on its experience in electric drive technology to provide core technical capabilities such as electric drive, electric motors, and electric control, while Jiangling Group will contribute its insights in the complete vehicle field and grasp of the local market.
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
For more information on the OEM products market, visit OE Link, the Power Systems Research proprietary OEM products database.
The 35th MOVIMAT show brings together the entire integrated logistics chain for Latin America. Held in conjunction with the 2024 Fenatran International Road Cargo Transport Show in São Paulo, Brazil, the event attracted a diverse range of exhibitors, including buyers from industries such as distribution, wholesale, retail, and e-commerce, as well as the latest integrated solutions focused on Industry 4.0.
Over the five days of the fair, MOVIMAT provided an opportunity to explore new product launches, establish connections, and gain deeper insights into the forklift segment, particularly in terms of production and sales levels.
Notably, there was significant attention on the rapid growth of Lithium-Ion battery technology in the region. The South America Power Systems Research (PSR) team attended the event to learn more about these developments and the companies that are making them happen. PSR
Heitor Greco Aguiari is Analyst – Industrial and Off Highway at Power Systems Research
For more information on OEMs in the industrial products market, visit OE Link, the Power Systems Research proprietary OEM products database.
Fabio Ferraresi
Dir. Business Development South America
Fabio Ferraresi
Dir. Business Development South America
Fabio Ferraresi holds a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of São Paulo, and he received his MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas. He also holds CMQ-OE and CQE certifications from American Society for Quality. He has experience in automotive business in South America and Asia. He has worked for Eaton Corporation for 12 years in Brazil and China in positions such as supplier development manager, supply chain manager, factory manager and quality manager. Fabio also serves as business development director of Grupo Engenho, a consulting company with activities in business management and Operational excellence. Fabio joined the Power Systems Research team in 2014.
Fenatran is one of the largest transport and logistics fairs in Latin America. It is held every other year in São Paulo, Brazil. This year it was held Nov. 4 – 8 and, as usual, introduced significant launches in the road transport sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and connectivity.
This year’s edition featured 600 exhibitors, including 74 new brands, spread across an area of over 100,000 m²; more than 60,000 people attended. The Power Systems Research team in South America visited the show to monitor trends
Randon showcased its innovations at two major global mobility fairs. At the IANA Intermodal Expo in the U.S., it celebrated delivering its first container chassis semi-trailer with the e-Sys system to the North American market. This sale was made through its subsidiary, Hercules Chassis, to South Carolina Port Authorities. Randon also participated in the IAA Transportation fair in Germany, where it focused on expanding exports from its U.S. subsidiary, especially targeting the African market.
PSR Analysis: This announcement opens doors for Randon to increase its market penetration in the U.S. and possibly expand into neighboring markets such as Canada and Mexico. Success with this technology in one of the largest global markets can also enhance Randon’s brand recognition, credibility, and export potential, especially in regions that prioritize advanced and sustainable logistics solutions. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development-South Americafor Power Systems Research
As India continues to embrace electrification across many sectors, agriculture stands as one of the next frontiers for transformation. Despite substantial progress in electric vehicles (EVs) for urban mobility, the Agricultural sector, particularly off-road machinery like tractors, remains largely unaddressed. Yet, with emerging technological innovations and government support, electric tractors are poised to revolutionize Indian farming.
Government Initiatives and the Current Landscape.India’s government has taken significant steps to encourage electrification in multiple sectors. Initiatives such as FAME I & II, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) have propelled the EV market forward. By the end of FY2024, cumulative EV sales reached over 4.1 million units, primarily dominated by two-wheelers and three-wheelers. However, the agricultural sector remains an exception, with minimal progress in electrifying farming machinery.
Randon showcased its innovations at two major global mobility fairs. At the IANA Intermodal Expo in the U.S., it celebrated delivering its first container chassis semi-trailer with the e-Sys system to the North American market. This sale was made through its subsidiary, Hercules Chassis, to South Carolina Port Authorities. Randon also participated in the IAA Transportation fair in Germany, where it focused on expanding exports from its U.S. subsidiary, especially targeting the African market.
PSR Analysis: This announcement opens doors for Randon to increase its market penetration in the U.S. and possibly expand into neighboring markets such as Canada and Mexico. Success with this technology in one of the largest global markets can also enhance Randon’s brand recognition, credibility, and export potential, especially in regions that prioritize advanced and sustainable logistics solutions. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research
The E-bike market size was estimated at USD 38.3 billion in 2023 and is forecast by Power Systems Research to increase to $97.3 B in 2033 with a CAGR of 9.77% between 2024 and 2033. Cities globally are investing in dedicated bike lanes, charging stations, and bike-sharing initiatives for facilitating easier e-bike usage. Moreover, consumers are drawn to the substantial cost savings offered by electric solutions compared to conventional vehicles.
E-Bike Market Trends. Several important technological trends have boosted the production and sales of e-bikes.
Battery Technology. Improved batteries provide lighter weight, lower cost, longer range and quicker charging times.
Smart features, such as GPS navigation, app connectivity, and digital displays enhance the user experience, making e-bikes more appealing and user-friendly.
Shared micro-mobility is part of the public transportation ecosystem. As a flexible transportation option with comparatively low overhead and operation costs, shared micro-mobility can complement higher-volume fixed-route transit services by offering mobility services for many trips at a lower per-traveler cost.
Hyundai Motor in August announced plans to expand its lineup of hybrid vehicles from seven to 14 models in response to slowing global demand for electric vehicles. The company will also use HVs for the first time in its Genesis luxury car brand. The company also announced plans to increase its annual global sales volume by 30% from 2023 to 5.55 million units by 2030, and to invest 120.5 trillion won (about 13 trillion yen) in R&D and capital investment over the 10 years out to 2033. The company will focus on advanced technologies such as next-generation HVs, in-vehicle batteries and automated driving technology.