hybrid
Hyliion axle breathes new life into hybrids
TORONTO, Ont. -- Hybrid is no longer a four-letter word. It may still leave a sour taste in the mouths of those who invested heavily in the hybrid concept a decade or so ago, but Hyliion’s 6-by-4 Hybrid Electric (6x4HE) propulsion system will put money in fleets’ pockets without the help of tenuous government subsidies. Come to think of it, Hyliion might even sweeten the industry’s feelings on 6x2 axles.
Kenworth hydrogen hybrid almost road-ready
SEATTLE, WA -- Kenworth is the latest player in the battle to get to zero emissions, testing a T680 electric hybrid day cab with a hydrogen fuel cell. The Kenworth T680 ZECT hydrogen hybrid is being tested in Seattle. The US $7 million Class 8 regional hauler has been in the design phase since October 2016, working to be an alternative-fuel drayage vehicle for ports like Long Beach and Los Angeles in California -- where emissions are being restricted -- and an inner-city delivery truck for places like London, England, where emissions are set to be banned outright by 2050.
Hyliion is turning diesel engines into hybrids
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.
Past has a role in Volvo’s vision
ATLANTA, GA - Keith Brandis, Volvo's director - product planning, says the road toward improved connectivity, electro-mobility, and automation also involves looking at the way trucks with older technology operate in developing nations - and exploring how trucks have become the major or only supplier of goods in eight out of 10 communities.
Cummins commits to electrification and more
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Cummins is pledging to launch a fully electrified powertrain in 2019, and a range-extended electric powertrain in 2020. But senior executives stress that these rollouts will be for urban transit vehicles, and that electrified long-haul trucks are still years from reality. "We are not just a diesel engine company," proclaimed Chief Executive Officer Tom Linebarger, during a Wednesday conference call. "Technology is what we do. Innovation is what we do." An internal electrification business group is combining Cummins expertise with selected partners, as they collectively develop power storage, related electronics, and traction motors.
Ford expands modifier program for electrics, hybrids
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.
Diesel Dilemma: Are the days of our favorite fuel numbered?
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.