Hyundai Doosan Infracore announced that it has been selected as the lead company for the national project “Development of Hydrogen Engine System and Storage and Supply System for Construction Machinery and Commercial Vehicles” by the Industrial Technology Evaluation and Management Agency.

Through this project, the company plans to develop a 300kW, 11-liter class hydrogen engine and hydrogen tank system with zero carbon emissions, which will be installed in commercial vehicles such as trucks and large buses, and construction equipment such as excavators by 2024. After verification, the company aims to begin full-scale mass production in 2025.

“Although hydrogen engines have high energy density, they are expensive and require technological maturity to ensure durability under adverse operating conditions,” said a company official. “For this reason, the engine system is more suitable for construction machinery and medium- to large-sized commercial vehicles than for passenger cars.”

Source: Wow! Korea

PSR Analysis: Hydrogen products in Korea are still far from practical at this point. Hydrogen can be classified as green, blue, or gray depending on the cleanliness of the production process, and the hydrogen fuel cell power plant in Korea that began operating in June emits 10 tons of carbon for every ton of hydrogen it produces. At this point, Korea’s hydrogen industry is still in the gray stage, but I do not think it is time to discuss whether the technology is good or bad, as it will take time for the technology to become more advanced.

The idea that hydrogen is better suited for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles than for passenger cars makes a lot of sense. However, mass production of a commercial model by 2024 is certainly a very high goal. With the lithium-ion battery industry currently thriving in South Korea, I will keep a close eye on the future development of hydrogen in the country. PSR

On May 13, Komatsu announced that it had developed a fully electric compact excavator equipped with lithium-ion batteries. This is Komatsu’s first excavator that does not use cylinders or other hydraulic equipment in the drive unit. In addition to emitting no exhaust gas, the new excavator can be operated remotely and can be used in dangerous places.

Komatsu, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding on May 13, announced this concept model as a response to a decarbonized society.

For the time being, the company does not plan to sell it to the general public. This model is connected to the outside world via wireless LAN, and the driver can operate it remotely without boarding the machine. The remote operation makes it suitable for indoor demolition, disaster rescue, and other dangerous work sites.

Source: The Nikkei

PSR Analysis: The model presented is a concept and will not be sold to the general public, but it is significant from the perspective of visually realizing the future of power excavators. Komatsu has already launched a battery-powered compact excavator in Japan in 2020, but the cylinders that move the excavator’s arms were hydraulic. This model does not use any hydraulic equipment, which improves energy efficiency and reduces the burden of maintenance.

On the same day, Komatsu also announced the success of a demonstration experiment in which a single driver can switch between multiple construction machines, including hydraulic excavators and bulldozers, from a remote location using 5G high-speed communications.

These efforts by Komatsu, a leader in the industry, are in line with what is required in the field, and the market is calling for the early introduction of new technologies. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is a Research Analyst, covering Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research

To meet the pure electric future, Taiwan Audi has joined hands with strategic partner Noodoe to accelerate the deployment of Taiwan’s charging network. Evaluating home charging station installation and a cloud-based charging operating system paired with Taiwan Audi’s charging solution aims to realize a pure electric mobile life.

From north to south, Taiwan spans only about 500 kilometers.  At the same time, the main population centers are concentrated in the seven largest metropolitan areas. These cities–while clearly defined–are connected by a comprehensive road network that provides excellent advantages in the development of electric vehicles. Audi has been actively promoting the deployment of electric vehicles in Taiwan since last year. It is expected to introduce the first electric vehicle model ─ Audi e-tron – before the end of 2020 with a battery life of 417 kilometers (WLTP). Through the 150kW fast charge mode, it can be charged in 30 minutes to 80% power.

In order to reduce “range anxiety” among consumers, Audi Taiwan has carried out comprehensive charging network planning from three perspectives; household charging, fast charging and public charging. 

Audi will strategically ally with Noodoe home charging systems to assist consumers in the installation and evaluation of home charging systems and other services. Audi will also provide car owners with convenient fast charging services in at least five exhibition centers around the country before the end of 2020.

Upon its launch in the near future, the Audi e-tron will be able to be charged at more than 300 public charging stations across Taiwan. Currently, department stores, restaurants and other locations have gradually begun adding public charging stations to provide consumers with support anywhere and anytime.

Audi hopes that consumer habits surrounding electric car ownership will become like owning a mobile phone.  You charge it immediately when you return home.  Or, if you need a charge while out, you can find a public fast charging station right away.

Source: U-car.com.tw             Read The Article

PSR Analysis:  Adoption of any new technology takes time.  The new device or service may be promoted to increase efficiency, improve functionality, reduce cost, save time, improve society or protect the environment.  In the end, the long-term success of the technology is determined by end user satisfaction.  Audi and Noodoe’s approach to helping consumers view an EV the way they view their cell phone is insightful and practical and gets to the heart of the challenges faced by EV manufacturers everywhere.

Government subsidies can help make EV’s affordable to purchase, while product appeal can entice others.  But, to really conquer range anxiety and other fears, the OEMs and their partners must address consumer concerns about how and when and where to charge their EV.  

Noodoe’s technical online assessment of a potential buyer’s house to determine suitability for a home charging unit is the first step in their evaluation and is a direct assault on fear and confusion.  Demonstrating that the prospect’s home is a good match for EV charging coupled with Audi’s product and service offerings pave the way for more likely acceptance by the consumer.  And, as the consumer learns more about the charge monitoring services provided and the charge network that exists outside the home their apprehension is further reduced. 

There is still much to be done, but Audi and Noodoe have embarked on a path that has a good chance to convince consumers that charging their EV can become as much part of their daily lives as charging their cell phones.  Now, about that total cost of ownership… PSR

Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region for Power Systems Research

ST. PAUL, MN–A team of international analysts from Power Systems Research (PSR) analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on the global production of Off-Highway Equipment and MH-Duty Vehicles in several regions today.

The team examined the impact of the coronavirus in North America, Europe, Asia, India, and South America for the remainder of 2020 and into Q1 2021.  Download your copy of the presentation here.

Presenters
Here is the team of PSR analyst/presenters:

• Joe Zirnhelt, President and CEO
• Jim Downey, Vice President-Global Products
• Chris Fisher, Senior Commercial Vehicles Analyst
• Yosyf Sheremeta, PhD, Director Product Management 
• Erik Martin, Director-Asia Region
• Jinal Shah, Regional Director-South Asia Operations
• Emiliano Marzoli, Senior Business Development Manager – Europe
• Christopher Bamforth, Europe Market Analyst
• Carlos Briganti, Managing Director, South America

Topics That Were Discussed
The one-hour session examined several topics, including:

• Global production outlook for Off-Highway Equipment and Medium & Heavy Vehicles
• Situation updates by region
• Impact on supply chain by region
• Impact on production and manufacturing by region
• Production forecasts by region for 2020

Even as the coronavirus affects markets and industries and companies worldwide, we’re continuing to work effectively for our clients. We’re adjusting our operations hourly to meet the changing needs caused by coronavirus. Our IT staff has adapted PSR systems so our analysts around the world can work at home and communicate easily and effectively with each other and with the home office.

Key employees are working on-site at our headquarters, and we’ve established tight and ongoing cleaning procedures in our building to ensure their safety. We’re continuing with our regular data updates and production schedules, so our clients will continue to receive the high level of consistent service that they’ve come to expect from us since 1976.

The coronavirus has an incredibly dangerous and disruptive impact on people and business, but we’re adapting and adjusting to meet the challenge.

We appreciate the relationships we have developed with you over the years.  If we can assist you as you navigate these challenging times, please call.  We’re here and ready to help. PSR