Study Shows Plug-in Hybrids Dirtier than Believed

News: Europe

2023-02-20

Study Shows Plug-in Hybrids Dirtier than Believed

Plug-in hybrids pollute up to three times more than advertised, even when fully charged, and emit five to seven times as much CO2 when the engine is running, according to a new study commissioned by Belgian NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) and conducted by the University of Technology in Graz, Austria

The study measured emissions from three popular models: the BMW 3 series, Peugeot 308, and Renault Megane. Like many plug-in hybrids, these cars started as gas/diesel-powered models and then a battery was added on to improve emissions testing performance and mileage

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Deutz and Daimler Form Strategic Alliance

EUROPEAN REPORT 
Emiliano Marzoli
Emiliano Marzoli

Daimler Truck and Deutz have entered a strategic partnership to manufacture engines.  Under the plan, Daimler Truck acquires 4.19% of the shares in Deutz AG, in return for which Deutz pays for access to Daimler Truck internal combustion engines. 

The move is a consequence of Daimler’s decision to stop investing in the development of their medium duty engines (MDEG Series) from 5.1 to 7.7 Litres.  At the same time, Deutz will be able to access Daimler technology and further develop it for off-road applications, such as construction and agriculture machinery. The heavy-duty engines will continue to be manufactured by Daimler Truck at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim and be delivered to Deutz to complete the engine system.   Production of the medium-duty engines is expected to take place at Deutz in 2028. 

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2023-01-22

Cost Increases Cause Losses at HanseYacht Group

EUROPEAN REPORT 
Natasa Mulahalilovic
Natasa Mulahalilovic

Cost increases in several areas caused HanseYachts AG to report a loss of EUR 20.72 million (US$25 million) for the fiscal year 2021/2022 ended June 30, 2022. However, because of the great demand during the pandemic for sailing boats and fully complete order books, production increased from 446 to 568 boats, compared to the previous year.

Revenues totaled EUR 132,38 million, an increase of 22.8% compared to the previous fiscal year. But, at the same time, costs of materials increased 40.7%, personal expenses climbed 22% and other operating costs increased 58%. All this led to a net loss higher by 130.5% compared to the previous fiscal year.

The recent Covid-19 shutdown and worker absenteeism heavily impacted the finances of the group for fiscal year 2021/2022.

HanseYacht Group said it will not exhibit this year at BOOT, the biggest indoor pleasure boat trade show held in Dusseldorf, Germany.

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2022-12-14

Solaris Buses Purchases 25 Fuel Cell Engines

EUROPEAN REPORT 
Emiliano Marzoli
Emiliano Marzoli

Ballard Power Systems has announced the sale of 25 hydrogen fuel cell engines to repeat customer Solaris Bus & Coach, a leading European bus manufacturer.

The 70kW fuel cells will be installed in Solaris’ Urbino 12 hydrogen buses for deployment to Polish public transport operator MPK Poznań and are expected to be delivered in H2 2023.

The buses are to be partially funded by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management’s Green Public Transport program. MPK Poznań requires 30% of its fleet to be zero-emission by 2028. These 25 hydrogen fuel cell buses will increase its zero-emission fleet from 18% to 25%.

Source: Ballard       Read The Article

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2022-12-05

Bauma 2022 Returns Smaller than 2019

After more than three years, BAUMA, one of the largest construction events in the world, reopened its doors for seven days in Munich Oct. 24. Power Systems Research (PSR) had a five-person team at the event, discussing trends with industry representatives, from new products and services to topics around the future evolution f sustainable technologies.

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2022-11-15

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck News

NORTH AMERICA REPORT
Chris Fisher
Chris Fisher

During the past few years there has been plenty of talk about battery electric power replacing diesel-powered internal combustion engines in commercial trucks.  At some point this might be true for short and regional haul freight carriers, but what about the long-haul heavy truck segment? 

Currently, the lack of a sufficient charging infrastructure, range anxiety and the extreme weights associated with the batteries are significant deterrents to mass adoption of long-haul battery electric trucks.  However, hydrogen fuel cell trucks for long-haul applications appear to be a viable option in this segment.  Even though fuel cell trucks currently have a greater range and lighter weight than battery electric trucks, they have the same problem as electric trucks: a lack of refueling infrastructure.

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2022-09-28

Vinfast To Export Initial 5,000 EVs To Europe and the U.S.

SOUTHEAST ASIA: VIETNAM REPORT

Vinfast has announced plans to export approximately 5,000 EVs to the U.S., Canada, and Europe by the end of 2022. This is the first time for them to export EVs. The company also plans to start construction of a new EV plant in the U.S. by the end of this year, accelerating its global strategy.

According to the plan, exports to the U.S. and other countries will begin in early November, with delivery to customers starting in December. Vinfast’s CEO revealed that the company has orders for approximately 65,000 EVs worldwide.

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Report from Cannes Yachting Festival 2022

EUROPE REPORT
Natasa Mulahalilovic
Natasa Mulahalilovic

The Cannes Yachting Festival is one of the largest in-water shows in the world, and this year it celebrated its 45th birthday. Founded in 1977, the show normally takes place every September. However, it missed out in 2020 because of Covid-19 restrictions, but it was back in 2021, posting the best performance results ever.

This year, the show was held Sept 6-11, and featured a fleet of about 700 boats, ranging in length from 3 to 50 meters. It included motor and sailing vessels, monohulls and multihulls, inboards, sterndrives and outboards, diesel, petrol, waterjet, hybrid and electric, tenders, RIBs and others displayed in the two main city ports of Le Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. This year, more than 56,000 visitors attended the show.

The new Polish Sunreef 80 Eco was the star of the festival. The all-electric, fully autonomous luxury catamaran of 23.87 m in length, 164 m2 covered with solar panels, is a unique boat in the industry. This luxury catamaran is equipped with ultra-light batteries with a density of 5.2 kg/kWh. The innovative system is entirely created and produced by the company itself offering the best efficiency in the marine world.

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2022-08-20

MAN Plans to Launch New Generation Engine

Natasa Mulahalilovic
Natasa Mulahalilovic

Four years after introducing the most powerful engine for yachts, the V12-2000, MAN Truck and Bus has launched a new generation, high speed engine, the V12X. The official launch will take place at the Cannes Yacht Festival in France at the French Riviera Old Port, Sept. 6-11.

The latest MAN creation develops 2200 HP (1618 kw) at 2300 rpm.  The 12-cylinder engine, with 30 liters displacement is unique in the marine pleasure market.

As all other MAN compact, high speed, diesel engines, the V12X fully meets the EPA Tier 3 recreational, China Marine Recreational Stage II, IMO Tier II and RCD 2013/53/UE, 97/68/EC emission standards and directives.  

The new engine is designed for installation into medium and larger size motor yachts, sport fishing boats and cruisers. MAN Truck and Bus has a strong and lengthy collaboration with many yacht builders such as Azimut-Benetti group, Beneteau Yachts, Ferretti Group, Princess Yachts and others.

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100,000th lithium-Ion Forklift for Jungheinrich

EUROPE REPORT
Emiliano Marzoli
Emiliano Marzoli

German OEM Jungheinrich has accomplished a remarkable goal, delivering its 100,000th lithium-Ion Forklift truck.  An ETV 216i Reach truck was the star of this milestone, with 15 other identical models delivered to the Amazon warehouse in Leipzig. 

In 2011, Jungheinrich was the world’s first industrial truck manufacturer to launch a series-produced truck with a lithium-ion battery. Since then, lithium-ion technology has become the fastest-growing battery technology for industrial trucks. 

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PSR Analysis: According to Jungheinrich, compared to a diesel truck of the same performance class, an electric truck with a lithium-ion battery emits less than half the CO2 during its entire lifetime, including its manufacture. By using electricity from renewable energy sources, the CO₂ emissions of the vehicles in operation can be reduced by up to 90%.  It is not a surprise to see the increase of battery electric trucks in the European production mix. 

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