TORONTO, Ont. -- When engineers at Kenworth brought their hydrogen-electric hybrid Zero Emission Cargo Transport (ZECT) to Mount Vernon, Wash., they were sure to let first responders know the truck was on site, and trained them on how to respond should an emergency arise.
MONTREAL, QC -- Trucks that run on alternative fuels promise to be easier on the environment, but the equipment itself can be tougher on a capital budget. Consider natural gas. It’s historically cheaper than diesel, but the trucks that use it can cost an extra $50,000 to $100,000 over the price of their conventionally fueled counterparts, depending on the spec’s.
MONTREAL, QC - More than 30 of Tesla's new fully-electric Class 8's could be on the road in Canada as soon as 2019. Three companies - including Canadian grocery and pharmacy giant Loblaw Companies - have wasted no time in making the move to the newly launched trucks. Tesla showcased the new Class 8 vehicles with an unveiling event in California last Thursday. Loblaw, J.B. Hunt, and Walmart announced Friday they each had secured pre-orders with the company. Although a final price for the trucks hasn't been listed yet, Loblaw put deposits of $5000 per truck on 25 of the vehicles, currently set to be released sometime in 2019. Walmart is also reporting a buy-in of 15 trucks, 10 of which will go to its Canadian operations, while the others will go to operations in the United States.
PITTSBURGH, PA - Hyliion is adding a spark to Class 8 engines. The vehicle hybridizing company launched its second product this week, promising to save fleets up to a combined 30% in fuel costs by electrifying traditional Class 8 tractors. The company's new 6X4HE system can be installed on new trucks or retrofitted on older models to create an electric subsidized Class 8 truck. Hyliion says the system is easily attached to the truck frame, and is self-contained.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The trucking industry has to "put on the brakes" when it comes to its thirst for diesel if it hopes to meet targets to slash Greenhouse Gas emissions, according to Wilfried Achenbach, Daimler Trucks North America's senior vice president - engineering and technology. But electric vehicles don't yet offer the answer when the steps to produce electricity are considered. Speaking at the NTEA's annual Green Truck Summit, Achenbach stressed that diesel engines continue to be the industry's "workhorse" because of their high torque and long-life, delivering 10 kwh of energy per kilogram in a format that is easy to refuel and readily available.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Ford is expanding its Qualified Vehicle Modifier program to include companies that develop and install electrified and hydraulic hybrid powertrains. XL Hybrids, Lightning Hybrids, and Motiv Power Systems have already been named as the first three developers.
Rudolf Diesel must be rolling in his grave. The 19th-century inventor gave birth to the engine that bears his name. Now the country where he did the work is looking to bring the technology to an end. German legislators recently passed a resolution that calls for a ban of all internal combustion engines as early as 2030.
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