PowerTALK™, March 2024

In the March 2024 issue of PowerTALK News you’ll find two articles describing changes at Van Hool, the Belgian bus manufacturer, as it struggles to meet EV competition. Another EV article describes possible EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports. You can also read an update on EV battery technology from Michael Aistrup as well as a report on the record sales performance in 2023 by Rolls Royce power systems business unit by Natasa Mulahalilovic, Finance and Admin. Manager – Europe.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT:

  • Germany Drops Subsidies for Electric Semi-trucks and Buses
  • Lithium-Air EV Batteries Tapped For Net Zero Economy of The Future
  • Why Are Hydrogen Fuel Cells So Expensive?
  • Europe May Slap Retroactive Tariffs on Chinese EVs

GLOBAL:

  • Van Hool To End City Bus Production in Belgium
  • E-Battery Technology Increases Application Opportunities

DATAPOINT: North America Trencher Production  

EUROPE:

  • Rolls Royce Posts 16% Revenue Gain
  • Van Hool Making Major Changes      

BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

  • Car OEMs Announce US$ 14.3 Billion Investment in Brazil
  • AG and CE Segments Poised for Substantial Growth in Brazil

JAPAN: Kubota Plans To Produce Batteries for EV AG Equipment
SOUTH KOREA: SK Plans World’s Largest Semiconductor Manufacturing Base
CHINA: Electrification of Construction Machinery Industry Accelerates
INDIA: EV Market Provides Opportunities and Challenges

Kubota Unveils First Fuel Cell Tractor

JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

On March 28, Kubota unveiled the first prototype of a fuel cell-powered tractor. Although no release date has been set, the company will consider installing fuel cells in unmanned, automated tractors. Kubota is also developing battery-powered agricultural equipment, but the company believes that hydrogen-powered fuel cells will be effective for medium-large sized agricultural equipment.

Kubota is rushing to commercialize fuel cells because it believes demand will grow in developed countries such as Japan, Europe and the United States as a result of the trend toward decarbonization. The prototype machine has about 60 horsepower and has three hydrogen tanks installed above the cabin, which are used in Toyota’s Mirai fuel cell car. It generates electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen to power the engine. In the experiment, a tractor was equipped with a plowing unit to till the soil.

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John Deere Announces Investments in Brazil

BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA REPORT 
Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

John Deere, has announced the acquisition of the condominium housing the company’s regional office in Indaiatuba (SP) and the Parts Distribution Center for South America (SA-PDC) in Campinas (SP), along with adjacent land for future expansion. The company also recently has acquired two plots in the Montenegro Industrial District (RS). These investments are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to development and expansion in the national market.

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