Production
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Q1 2026 Truck Production Index Falls 4.2%

St. Paul, MN —The Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) decreased from 119 to 114, or -4.2%, for the three-month period ending March 31, 2026, from Q4 2025. The year-over-year (Q1 2025 to Q1 2026) gain for the PSR-TPI was, 113 to 114, or 0.9%. The PSR-TPI measures truck production globally and across six regions: North America, China, Europe, South America, Japan & Korea and Emerging Markets. This data comes from OE Link™, the proprietary database maintained by Power Systems…
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Zwitterions May Be Key To Solid-State Batteries

Guy Youngs Liquid electrolytes have been key EV batteries for some time now and the lithium-ion formula is the most important component. There are a lot of different formulae that do various things such as the removal of toxic inputs from the supply chain, or reductions in weight, elimination of fire hazards, and cutting costs.
The ultimate goal is to combine all these improvements in one electrolyte, but solid state or semi solid state batteries are appearing before that goal can be achieved and they promise to revolutionize the battery market. But, getting the electrons to move about within a solid is difficult at best. And that’s where Zwitterions come in.
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Graphene Aluminum-Ion Battery Boosts Energy Density
One of the new battery technologies is graphene aluminum-ion battery which is designed specifically with rapid charging in mind. Graphene aluminum-ion batteries avoid the use of lithium and copper, instead using aluminum substrates and a newly developed chloride-free electrolyte. This enables cost and weight reduction, improved safety risks, and eliminates the need for thermal management system. The battery has similar performance characteristics as lithium titanate oxide cells, but can be produced at a much lower cost
The technology works by making atomic sized holes in the graphene, which allows the aluminum ions to penetrate and be held in the graphene to make a higher energy density, thus enabling them to outperform standard lithium batteries.
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The Fast Lane: 3 Ways To Get More Critical Minerals
In modern life, thousands of products (ranging from mobile phones to missiles, or fertilizer even) depend on a few critical minerals such as copper, cerium, rare earth elements and potash. Governments around the world consider these essential to their economy and national security, and their supply chains can be disrupted by geopolitical tensions, extreme weather, or trade restrictions.
For instance, in 2026, the U.S. critical minerals list include 60 minerals that companies in defense, agriculture, power, mining, and other industry sectors, need to get their jobs done. But spiking demand, restricted access, and rising prices can make it challenging to get these minerals
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A Closer Look at CATL’s New Sodium-Ion Battery
CATL unveiled a new sodium-ion battery for energy storage at the ESIE 2026 show in Beijing, in April. The show is the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE). ESIE was born alongside the development of China’s energy storage industry and serves as a key communication and cooperation platform in the energy storage field.
CATL’s new battery expands its sodium-ion lineup beyond passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and auxiliary power, into utility-scale and commercial storage.
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North America 2026 Crawler Production
3,000 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Crawlers expected to be produced in North America during 2026.
Crawler Dozers are heavy, driver-operated machines used for clearing and grading land. Usually, they have continuous treads and a broad hydraulic blade in front. Large crawler dozers normally have a set of claws called a ripper that is installed at the machine’s rear end and can crush hard rock.
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Mack Says MP13 Engine Is EPA ’27 Compliant

Chris Fisher Mack Trucks said at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas its MP13 powertrain has been re-engineered to meet stringent EPA 2027 emissions standards while also getting a performance boost for both highway and vocational applications.
The new MP13 will deliver up to 540 horsepower and 1,950 lb.-ft. of torque, but beyond raw power, the engine increases braking horsepower by more than 20%, reaching 630 braking hp for improved stopping capability.
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Industrial Accelerator Act Finalized
Legal and structural reviews finalized this May have clarified the exact mechanism of the European Commission's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). The draft framework establishes a hard target to lift manufacturing to 20% of EU GDP by 2035 by weaponizing public procurement and introducing strict "Union origin" mandates. Under the final text, specific material quotas will apply to public contracts for buildings, infrastructure, and motor vehicles: 25% of all aluminum used must be low-carbon…
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Daimler Truck Launches Zárate Plant

Fabio Ferraresi Daimler Truck inaugurated a new US$110 million industrial complex in Zárate, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, reinforcing its long term manufacturing strategy in South America. The facility will produce Mercedes-Benz Atego and Accelo trucks alongside OH and OF bus chassis, while also integrating a logistics center and Argentina’s first remanufacturing operation dedicated to commercial vehicle spare parts. The plant replaces part of the former Virrey del Pino operations and is expected to support both domestic demand and export activities across Latin America.
The project represents the first greenfield automotive manufacturing investment in Argentina in approximately 15 years and follows the operational separation of Daimler Truck from Mercedes-Benz Group in 2021. According to company statements, the site is designed to improve logistics efficiency due to its proximity to port infrastructure and to increase production scalability. Installed annual production capacity may reach approximately 10,000 units.
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EU–Mercosur Pact May Reshape SA MHV Industry
The European Union and Mercosur trade agreement started in May 1st and it is expected to affect the competitive landscape of the truck and bus industry in South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina. The gradual reduction of tariffs and expanded market access could increase the presence of European commercial vehicle technologies and components in the region.
The agreement may lower import costs for trucks, buses, engines, and advanced systems from Europe, potentially accelerating fleet modernization…
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