NEDO Begins R&D of Hydrogen Aircraft

News: Regions

2021-11-21

NEDO Begins R&D of Hydrogen Aircraft

The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) says it will launch a four-topic research and development project for the development of next-generation aircraft, including core technologies for hydrogen aircraft and drastic weight reduction of major structural components of aircraft.

By using Japan’s strengths in elemental technologies such as hydrogen and materials, the project aims to increase the ratio of participation in international joint development of airframes and engines (currently about 20-30%) and contribute to the decarbonization of the aviation sector. It will be implemented as part of the Green Innovation Fund project with a total of 2 trillion yen. The budget is 21.08 billion yen. Kawasaki will develop the core technology for hydrogen aircraft, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. will develop complex shapes and dramatically reduce the weight of major structural parts of aircraft.

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Important Russian Mega-Project in Doubt

Maxim Sakov
Maxim Sakov

The government is considering cancelling construction of the high-speed railway between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

One alternative being considered is the replacement of the high-speed railway for selected cargo between the two cities. This option is lobbied by Russian Railways.

The plans to build a high-speed railway between Moscow and St. Petersburg were announced last August. The project was included in the federal budget for 2022-2024. Completion of construction work was expected in 2027.

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PSR Analysis: The most obvious reason for uncertainty of a mega-project like this, is a shortage in the budget. However, the Russian budget now is healthy and has a growing surplus. So, the Russian government may be considering a scenario where this money is required somewhere else. If this assumption is correct, it’s a crisis scenario.   PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant-Russia Operations for Power Systems Research

Assembly of Russian Railway Machine Kits Started in India

Technical specialist of Sinara Transport Machines (STM) has started work on assembly of RTM-32 kits in India. They also will supervise trial starts of finished machines. Kit assembly works are performed under a State program “Made in India”, if there is a localization level of 51%.

Based on Russian kits, there will be made rail padding and straightening machines, which are used during railway construction, repair, and maintenance. Also, the machines are working with wooden and concrete rail ties. Assembly is based on the production plant of San Engineering & Locomotives Co. Ltd, located in Bangalore which is acting as STM partner in the project.

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Chip Shortages Cause Worst Festive Season in Decade for Auto Industry

Aditya Kondejkar

2021’s festive period from Navratri to Diwali (October) marked the worst performance for India automakers in nearly a decade. Usually, sales of PVs peak during the period, however, the demand was much lower this year. 

Further, two-wheeler and tractor sales dropped by about 10%. The major reason for this drop is supply-side challenges on semiconductors and lack of demand in entry-level segments for both PVs and two-wheelers.

In the commercial vehicles space, the situation was somewhat better with an increase in demand for interstate movement of goods.

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Weichai Delivers 150-Ton Mining Trucks

Jack Hao
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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Argentina Car Sales Drop 24%, But Production Grows

Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

Sales in October 2021 are 24.1% lower than the same period of 2020 in Argentina, at about 25,000 units. This is also 1.6% lower than September 2021. On the other hand, production has grown 42.8% in October 2021 over October 2020 with 41,000 units produced, driven by strong exports.

Source: Automotive Business     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Brazil’s shortage of cars is due to a shortage of semiconductors and supply chain issues caused by the demand increase for Argentinian cars and the effect of higher exports. Economic issues and exchange rates boost the high demand in Brazil.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development South America for Power Systems Research

Brazil Government Signals Concessions for Proconve L7 Introduction

The current production limit for Production of L6 emissions level of Dec. 31 is expected to  be extended by three months for new vehicles finishing. All the other terms should be kept as it is.

Source: Automotive Business      Read The Article

PSR Analysis: With the semiconductor shortage, there are about 93,000 incomplete vehicles in Brazil waiting for parts, such as infotainment, auxiliary control systems and engines. This extension will bring some relief, but it does not solve the issue. A new rush at the third and fourth week of March is certain, and a new extension likely will be requested. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development South America for Power Systems Research

Chinese Higer Bus To Produce Electric Buses in Brazil by 2023

This Chinese OEM confirmed the plans to start the production of its vehicles in Brazil by 2023 after the initial phase of importing the first units in 2022. In 2021, road tests of the Azure A12BR will take place in São Paulo using the regular city bus fleet.

Source: Automotive Business     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Higer Bus has announced an investment of US$ 10 million for production infrastructure but it has not announced the location of the manufacturing facility. Although they say there are many suppliers in Brazil, as ZF, Dana, Valeo, Bosch and Siemens, the amount seems low and limits the operation for something similar to a CKD with shared assembly infrastructure. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development South America for Power Systems Research

Stellantis Confirms Second Electric LCV in Brazil

Soon after the recent launch of the Peugeot e-Expert, Stellantis announced the Citroën e-Jumpy on Friday Nov. 12. Price, drives, batteries configuration, autonomy have not been announced yet. However it announced the growth expectations from 1.2% Market Share to 4% with the new electric launches.

Source: Automotive Business     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Although it has not been announced, the most likely scenario is that Citroën e-Jumpy will use the same configuration as its European product, the Peugeot e-208 GT. European Battery has 75kWh with Autonomy for 330 km per charge over the EMP2 platform. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development South America for Power Systems Research

BMW Starts Production of CE 04 EV Motorbike

Emiliano Marzoli
Emiliano Marzoli

The CE 04 falls somewhere between a maxiscooter and a light electric motorcycle, with a distinguished concept style.  Initially, the rated power will be 42 Hp, giving the CE 04 a 2.6 seconds to 50km/h and 120 km/h max speed.   A second model will be soon available with 31 Hp, with slower acceleration but similar top speed.

Acceleration won’t be the only difference.  The battery in the faster model will be bigger, with 8.9 kWh of capacity and is rated for up to 130 km (81 miles) of range. The reduced power model has a maximum range of 100 km (62 miles).  It will be possible to charge the bike under different circumstances, at home, or public places.  Two built-in chargers will be available, ranging from 2.3 kW to 6.9 kw.  Charging will take from 1 hour and forty minutes to 4 hours depending on the selected option.  BMW said that 20 to 80% battery charge will take 45 minutes, making this a very practical vehicle.

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