2023_11_Sustainable Truck&Van

MAGAZINE
VADO E TORNO EDIZIONI
www.vadoetorno.com
www.vadoetornoweb.com
www.sustainabletruckvan.com
VADOETORNO SUPPLEMENT
The Star's
CHOICE
16 Cover story
Mercedes eActros
gets bigger, betting
on longer routes
26 Focus
China is at the forefront
of the e-revolution:
trends and data
36 Smart tests
Driving the IVECO
eDaily, Ford E-Transit
and VW ID. Buzz Cargo
November
2023

sustainabletruckvan.com
CONTENTS
NOVEMBER 2023
Awards
10 SUSTAINABLE TRUCK OF THE YEAR
The challenge of emissions reduction
26
Face-to-face
12 THE PLACE TO BE
Solutrans MD, Guillaume Schaeffer, speaking
14 FAR-SIGHTED VISION
Interview with Andreas Follér (TRATON)
ENTER THE
FOLLOW SUSTAINABLE TRUCK&VAN ON:
Cover Story
16 THE NEW FLAGSHIP
Mercedes-Benz eActros 600
Previews
20 ELECTRIC AWARENESS
Renault Trafic E-Tech
24 THE BRAND-NEW ADDITION
Renault Trucks introducing C and T e-models
Focus
26 WATCH OUT THE DRAGON
China at the forefront of the electric revolution
Innovations
30 THE SUN IS SHINING
Scania testing a hybrid truck with solar panels
32 CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
Volvo Trucks: new batteries, enhanced production
34 TRANSITION MADE EASIER
Quantron split between BEVs and FCEVs
30
Smart Tests
36 WALKING IN MY FOOTSTEPS
IVECO eDaily 38S 14EV
WELCOME TO AN
ELECTRIC TRANSPORT
REFRIGERATION WORLD
AT SOLUTRANS
Join us at
SOLUTRANS
LYON, FRANCE
NOVEMBER
21-25 2023
This year at Solutrans, you’ll find solutions,
not challenges at the Thermo King booth.
To help your fleet reach its sustainability targets,
we bring together an electric lineup of refrigeration
units and a host of performance-enhancing solutions.
Discover how you can make a difference tomorrow,
starting today.
HALL 4
BOOTH F 086
44
40 NEVER ENDING STORIES
Ford E-Transit paves the way
44 THE EYE CATCHER
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
Columns
6 At a glance 48 Techno 50 Infrastructure
Who we are. The journey continues
The path that led us to the first paper issue of the
magazine, available online in its digital version and
distributed at the major international exhibitions p.4
3

NEWS WHO WE ARE
A FURTHER STEP, AFTER TWO YEARS AND A HALF OF WEB ACTIVITIES
The journey continues
THE PATH THAT LED US TO THE FIRST PAPER ISSUE OF STV MAGAZINE
Our publishing company,
Vado e Torno Edizioni,
embraced the concept of
sustainability quite a long time
ago. In 2015, when it was not
yet as popular and widespread
as it is today the Sustainability
Index was created, with the
aim of making measurable not
only the ecological impact of
the vehicles we were testing
in our Supertests, but also
their features in terms of
innovation, safety, comfort,
recyclability of components,
to determine its social impact.
Another milestone in the history
of our publishing house was
the creation, in 2016, of the
Sustainable Truck of the Year
Awards (please have a look at
page 10) in the three categories
Tractor, Distribution, and
Van. The Awards are assigned yearly to the vehicles that most stand
out for innovation and sustainability. In the wake of these experiences,
and not only in the freight sector – it is also worth to mention the
successful Sustainable Bus platform – the initiatives have continued
over the years. In June 2021, the Sustainable Truck&Van website
made its online debut.
Riding the wave of an energy transition that is still at the very early
stage, at least for trucks, our platform has established itself as a point
of reference in the debate on the new generation of zero-emission
vehicles worldwide, focusing its attention not only on technology –
which is crucial in our vision – but also, for instance, dealing with
the sector regulations, as well as market trends on a global scale.
Sustainable Truck&Van Magazine, freely available online in its
digital version and distributed at the major international exhibitions,
starting from Solutrans in Lyon, is intended to be a further step in a
sustainable journey that will always see us acting as frontrunners.
SUBSCRIBE
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4

AT A GLANCE
VOLTA TRUCKS FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY IN SWEDEN
A sudden, brutal awakening
ONLY NEW POSSIBLE INVESTORS MAY SAVE THE COMPANY
FORD TRUCKS AND QUANTRON TO COOPERATE UNDER NEWLY-SIGNED LOI
Hydrogen trucks, two is better than one
FORD TRUCKS WILL BE ALSO WORKING WITH CANADIAN BALLARD
In the middle of October, Swedish e-truck manufacturer Volta
Trucks officially opened bankruptcy proceedings. The
decision was made reluctantly by the Board that seemed
to have got into gear and was preparing to start mass
production of its 16-ton vehicle we tested not more than
a year ago.
It all started, according to official communications, from
the crisis involving U.S. battery supplier Proterra, which
in turn had to open the same bankruptcy proceedings
in recent months. The stop in supplies had an obviously
unsustainable impact on Volta Trucks and its investors,
who were crucial in the early launch phase of the Swedish
venture. The sad new was immediately confirmed on
social media via messages posted by the company
management and workers. Volta Trucks had begun smallscale
production of its 16-ton electric truck, the Volta Zero,
in Steyr, Austria. Other smaller variants-specifically, 7.5-
and 12-ton ones-were planned for the next few years. Thus,
the adventure of a company that promised to revolutionize
electric mobility for urban distribution comes to an end in
a way that was hardly predictable, at least in terms of timing.
Is it the end of it all? Perhaps. We do know, however, that
the management of the Swedish company, starting with cofounders
Carl-Magnus Norden and Kjell Waloen, want to try
at all costs not to dissipate the knowledge and development
capital accumulated so far, including the trucks that have
already been made and now lay unused in warehouses.
The road to a possible happy ending is only one: being able to find
new investors willing to trust the idea, even more than the people.
The game is not entirely closed, in short, although the road is as
uphill as ever. Let’s remind that nearly 850 people worked at Volta
Trucks all over Europe. Hubs had already been inaugurated in Paris,
France, and London, UK, with Germany and Italy as next targets.
Volta Trucks was supposed to exhibit at Solutrans, in Lyon.
HYDROGEN TRUCK PLATFORM
Innovative UK-based hydrogenpowered
vehicle manufacturer
HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle
Systems) has unveiled its
modular platform for heavyduty
vehicles that provides a
hydrogen fuel cell powertrain
with medium and high-power
e-axles, up to three hydrogen
tanks and two power outputs.
The company’s tractor unit will
be available with two different
types of e-axle and with up to
three hydrogen tanks, depending
on the customer’s range
requirements. In addition, the
hydrogen fuel cell powertrain can
be specified with two different
power outputs depending on the
customer’s payload and mission
requirements.
.The 16-ton Volta Zero electric truck.
First charging hub
Milence, the joint venture shared by Daimler
Truck, TRATON and Volvo, will open its very
first charging hub in the Netherlands by the end
of November. The announcement was made
via a LinkedIn message on the official page.
Why Venlo? Because it’s “one of Europe’s
leading logistics hubs and ideally positioned for
international trade”, as stated by Milence.
With the new Milence Charging Hub, Truck
Parking Venlo will be the first secure truck
parking facility in the Netherlands to offer a
charging solution for electric trucks. Milence
has denied the presence of MCS (Megawatt
Charging Systems) in the Venlo facility. Not yet,
they said, even though MCS will be added in
the future, when they’re truly available in the
market. The first charging hub will be equipped
with 2 chargers and have 4 charging bays when
it opens at the end of November. Additional
charging bays are planned for 2024.
Truck manufacturers Quantron and Ford Trucks have recently
signed a letter of intent (LoI). Within this strategic cooperation,
“the Quantron Inside technology effective range, innovative e-axle,
customized high-power battery, fuel cell and tank integration,
unparalleled energy-management and optimized aerodynamics for
maximized efficiency will be evaluated for integration into Ford
Trucks’ vehicles, thus enabling emission-free transport solutions.
The focus of the collaboration lies in hydrogen fuel cell-powered
heavy-duty trucks”, as stated by the partners.
It is no coincidence that a couple of months ago Ford Trucks
announced a partnership with Ballard for fuel cell development
and supply. Under this agreement, the 120 kW FCmove-XD fuel
cell engines are planned to be integrated into Ford Trucks’ F-MAX
44-ton long-haul tractor truck that Ford Trucks plans to build and
assemble in Turkey not before 2025. Ballard is among the investors
of the entire Quantron project, in addition to the supplier of fuel cell
stacks installed on Quantron FCEV trucks.
Back to the agreement reached between Ford Trucks and Quantron,
through the first phase of collaboration, Quantron will ensure a
seamless adaptation of Ford’s advanced trucks which will be built in
compliance with the new security regulations.
“Partnering with a renowned vehicle manufacturer like Ford Trucks
enhances Quantron’s position as an innovation leader in the field of
sustainable transport solutions and being a partner for established
Commercial Vehicle OEMs”, stated Michael Perschke, CEO of
Quantron AG.
“We are excited to have Quantron’s support as a seasoned partner
in our endeavor to offer a fuel-cell electric heavy-duty truck to our
customers. This collaboration promises to yield substantial value in
the times ahead. Ford Trucks is committed to investing in innovative
technologies that will shape the future of the heavy commercial
vehicle industry while aligning with our sustainability goals. Our
primary focus is on electrification, closely followed by advancements
in hydrogen technology”, added Ford Trucks leader Emrah Duman.
FURTHER RESHAPING
Electric van manufacturer Arrival
has announced the intention fo
cut workforce by further 25 per
cent. The UK-based company
has been quite in trouble for
some months and was forced to
deeply change its own business.
Arrival won’t be building neither
electric cars nor electric buses
anymore and had announced
the intention to focus only on the
North American
market.
Following the
workforce
reduction action happened
in January, the overall Arrival
workforce counted more or
less 800 people. Some months
later, the company managed to
get further cash injection from
Westwood Capital. Igor Torgov
is the new company CEO. He
replaced interim CEO, Peter
Cuneo, in turn appointed in
November, 2022, when the
company’s
founder Denis
Sverdlov
stepped back.
Güven Öyzurt, CEO Ford Otosan, and Andreas
Haller, founder and Executive Chairman of
Quantron AG, signing the letter of intent for the
joint development of hydrogen trucks.
Battery Experts Forum
Europe’s largest and most established
networking platform for the global battery
community, Battery Experts Forum, was held
in Darmstadt from November 7 to 9. The
international event has reached this year its 18th
edition: it’s a top-class scientific conference with
accompanying trade exhibition along the entire
value chain of battery technology.
The event’s multifaceted program consisted of
tutorials, keynotes and
technical presentations
with a scientific-innovative
character and focuses
on the main topics of the
global market, e-mobility,
battery production, cell
design, battery safety,
battery management
systems and testing
methods, and circular economy.
The event, held in English, is particularly known
for its intensive networking opportunities. The
multinational attendance includes mainly buyers,
R&D specialists and top managers from a wide
range of industries such as medical, garden and
power tools, e-mobility and energy storage, who
are keen to learn and exchange information on
the latest developments in battery technology.
6
7

AT A GLANCE
THE FIRST IVECO-BRANDED ZERO EMISSION TRUCKS
Every end is a new beginning
THE NEW IVECO TRUCKS COME FROM THE END OF THE JV WITH NIKOLA
MAN STARTED SELLING ITS VERY FIRST ELECTRIC TRUCK MODELS
E-truck buyers awaited
THE FIRST 200 UNITS SCHEDULED TO ROLL OUT NEXT YEAR
Following the end of the joint venture with Nikola and the
creation of the EVCO brand, IVECO introduced the heavy-duty
battery-electric and fuel cell trucks marketed under its own brand.
Of course, the trucks are a re-branding of the zero-emission models
developed in the latest years in cooperation with Nikola.
More into details, the IVECO HD BEV has a range of up to 500
km. It features a total battery capacity of 738 kWh (9 packs) with
charging power up to 350 kW, which enables hub-to-hub delivery
missions, a wide range of regional applications, and even missions
requiring extended mileage with charging opportunity during
mandated driver stops. The Artic 4×2 configuration will be the first
to enter the European market in the last quarter of 2023.
On the other hand, the IVECO HD FCEV boasts a range of up to 800
km. With a fast-refuelling time of under 20 minutes, it is conceived
for the long-haul mission in heavy commercial transportation. It
can accommodate 70 kg of H2 usable energy at 700-bar pressure.
According to the plans previously made public by IVECO, the first
units of the IVECO-branded FCEVs will be delivered by the end of
2023, namely in France, Switzerland and Germany, as planned in
the H2Haul European project co-financed by the Clean Hydrogen
Partnership aimed at accelerating the deployment of hydrogen
solutions in the commercial transport industry and enabling the
large-scale fuel cell truck market in the coming years. The IVECO
HD BEV and FCEV feature an electric axle co-designed and
produced by FPT Industrial, IVECO’s sister brand within Iveco
Group specialized in powertrain. Fuel cell technology and key
components are manufactured by Bosch.
8
E-VANS TOGETHER
Two major groups (actually, three) join forces for
electric vans of the future. Volvo and Renault,
with the addition of French logistics group
CMA CGM, today announced plans to form
a new entity with the aim to design a shared
architecture that will be the basis for future
electric vans.
The new company, which will be based in
France, is expected to be launched in 2024, with
production scheduled to start in 2026, according
to the partners’ plans. The vehicles will be built
on “on a new fully electric LCV skateboard
platform that will offer high modularity for different
body types at low cost and breakthrough on
safety requirements”.
Dragged into court
British e-truck manufacturer Tevva is about to file a
lawsuit against ElectraMeccanica (EMV), following
the missed merger agreement between the two
companies, which had been announced at the end
of August, this year. In October, e-mobility specialist
ElectraMeccanica announced the intention to step
back. This was the beginning of quite a harsh
communication battle, which will end in court.
“The Tevva team was deeply disappointed by this
abrupt decision and had no opportunity to respond
to ElectraMeccanica’s claims before they went
public”, stated the British manufacturer of zero
emission trucks.
At the same
time, the lawsuit
is not supposed
to change the
company’s
operations and
targets, at the
moment.
At the end of October, MAN Truck & Bus has officially launched
sales of the eTruck, the first heavy-duty electric truck in the Lion’s
history. According to the manufacturer’s statement, at least 600
order inquiries have already been received, with the first 200 units
scheduled to roll out to selected customers as early as 2024.
With the eMobility Center, MAN laid the foundation for the
development of the new MAN eTGX and MAN eTGS highvolume
electric trucks at its Munich plant around two years ago
and invested heavily in preparations for mixed production of diesel
and electric trucks. 50 prototypes have since been built, and around
4,000 employees from production and sales have been trained for
the switch to electric mobility. At MAN’s Nuremberg site, MAN is
investing around €100 million in setting up battery production.
Developed by MAN specifically for use in commercial vehicles,
batteries will be mass-produced at the Nuremberg plant from 2025.
With their NMC cell chemistry and specially developed temperature
management, the battery packs offer high energy density with a
compact design, long service life and fast charging – even with low
residual battery charge and low outside temperatures.
Focus on hydrogen
SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY WITH NO BARRIERS
Tackling the big issue of sustainable
mobility must contemplate a distinct
change in mindset. Perhaps the
main message we take home after
participating in the second edition of
the Global Mobility Call in Madrid is as
much intangible as it is perspective.
The Spanish exhibition, born on the
initiative of Smobhub, an aggregator
of companies, and actors of
tomorrow’s mobility, and with the active
collaboration of Ifema Madrid, is in fact
an attempt to “bring together under
one roof all the key stakeholders and
actors in the ecosystem of sustainable
mobility,” as Juan José Lillo, co-founder
of Smobhub, creator and curator of
the event, told us. Although focused
on the Spanish market, Global Mobility
Via the HYLA brand, Nikola has officially launched its
hydrogen fuel cell truck with a dedicated ceremony
in Coolidge, Arizona, where the manufacturer has
its HQs. Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric truck
features a range of up to 500 miles (800 km) and an
estimated fueling time as low as 20 minutes.
According to the U.S.-based manufacturer, Nikola
and its dealers have received 223 non-binding orders
for its hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks from 23
customers.
Notable fleet operators such as J.B. Hunt, AJR
Trucking, Biagi Bros. and TTSI, are among the
growing list of customers committing to the future of
sustainable trucking. It’s quite useful to remind that
since the end of the joint venture with Iveco, Nikola’s
truck business now focuses only on the North
American market and mainly on hydrogen-powered
trucks.
Call is evidently trying to become
more international, and with some
appreciable results, gathering 500
speakers, more than 100 exhibitors and
over 8,000 professionals, 60 per cent of
which in apex managerial position.
The second edition of the
Global Mobility Call was
held in Madrid from 24
to 26 October. The next
edition is scheduled in
November 2024.
9

AWARDS
STY 2024
THE CHALLENGE
Visit the STY website
OF EMISSIONS
REDUCTION
The Sustainable Truck of the Year Awards are asseigned yearly by
a professional jury in three categories: Tractor, Distribution, Van.
The nominees (three per each category) will be announced at the
beginning of 2024. The awarding ceremony of the STY 2024 is
scheduled in Spring, next year.
The EU Energy Council held on October
17 confirmed the CO2 emission reduction
targets: -15% in 2025 (already planned),
-45% from 2030 (previously it was -30%),
-65% from 2035, and -90% percent from 2040,
compared to 2019. At the same time postponing
the possibility of including biofuels as ‘eligible
in the future’ until 2027. Such decisions are
being made while one of the new players in ZE
transportation, namely Volta Trucks, has just
filed for bankruptcy, Arrival (van) drastically
reduces plans, Iveco’s former partner Nikola is
in trouble, and Tesla’s long-awaited Semi truck
remains quite controversial. And while biofuels,
if one adopts the ‘well to wheel’ method
of calculating CO2 emissions, thus considering
the entire production cycle, show that they can
cut CO2 by 90 percent.
In such a context, the Sustainable Truck of the
Year Awards aim to reward vehicles that meet
the concept of sustainability declined on several
fronts: from emissions to safety, up to social
and economic impact. Thus, if for the Van and
Distribution categories the transition to electric
seems desirable, as well as possible and somehow
economically sustainable, it’s far more
challenging when it comes to road tractors.
The Award
As the first and
only European
award that
acknowledges
sustainability in
the field of trucks
and vans, the STY
rewards yearly
three vehicles
that stands out
within several
aspects such as
safety; comfort;
recyclability of
components;
connectivity; brand
commitment on
sustainability.
10 11

FACE-TO-FACE
SOLUTRANS’ MANAGING DIRECTOR SPEAKING
THE PLACE TO BE
Solutrans’ new Managing
Director, Guillaume
Schaeffer, whom
we met in Milan, seemed to
be quite happy about how the
event has been welcomed.
Nearly all the European truck
manufacturers will be showcasing
their products and
solutions, except for Volvo
Trucks. And all the Stellantis
brands will be back in Lyon.
Mr Schaeffer, this is your
first edition as exhibition
director. What are your expectations?
“The exhibition has been
sold out since June. We are
very happy about how it was
welcomed by the manufacturers
and companies working in
transport and logistics. This
year, we should reach 95,000
square meters exhibition
space, increasing the visits of
professionals. Let me say we
come from the 2021 edition,
in the middle of the pandemic,
with 1,000 exhibitors and
over 55,000 professional visi-
“The big news is Stellantis coming
with all their brands. Two years ago,
they were not present. We consider
Solutrans as the place where the
companies and organizations can
speak about energy transition in freight
transportation”.
tors. This year the fair will be
more international and even
bigger”.
Compared to 2021, it seems
that more OEMs are going
to exhibit. What’s the reason,
in your opinion?
“We’ll have almost all the
light and heavy vehicle manufacturers.
Speaking of heavy
trucks, Volvo decided not to
come as their internal strategy,
and we respect their decision.
All the other manufacturers
will be there, some of
them launching new vehicles
and products. Lyon will host
the full ecosystem of the commercial
transport, including
cold chain, tyre manufacturers,
energy suppliers and all
the major organizations”.
What about light commercial
vehicles?
“The big news is Stellantis
coming with all their brands.
For Guillaume
Schaeffer,
manager
with quite a
long-lasting
experience in
the MarCom
department
at Total,
Solutrans
2023 will be
the first edition
as Managing
Director.
Two years ago, they were not
present. We consider Solutrans
as the real European
event focusing on commercial
transportation and we see
Solutrans will be the place
where the companies and organizations
can speak about
energy transition in freight
transportation”.
One of the main topics of
this year’s exhibition is of
course energy transition in
the commercial vehicle sector.
It’s not easy to tackle
this topic in a thorough and
attractive way. How will
Solutrans face such issue
this year?
“It’s really the subject of the
industry. Our mission is to
support the players, making
exhibitors able to face the
subject. We have a huge conference
programme. Just to
make an example, we’ll speak
about how the transition will
be managed during the Olympic
Games in Paris, 2024.
Solutrans 2023 will host three
main conference centers with
more than 50 specialists.
Some focuses are on the Low
emission zones, the impact
of logistics into the Olympic
Games, car parks and retrofitting,
how to finance zero
emission trucks, for instance.
The last day of the event is
dedicated to employment, in
“Small electric vehicles and cargo
bikes are becoming crucial for urban
transportation all over Europe. Some
manufacturers have indeed extended
their range, from big trucks to very
small vehicles. These vehicles all have
to be integrated”.
collaboration with the national
employment organization.
Finally, the one we called
‘One workshop, One energy’
formula is very important to
give exhibitors the opportunity
to face the topics in an
efficient way. It’s a formula
with 4 workshops per day,
a 35-minute themed pitch
and 80 people per session
allowed, targeted to vehicle
manufacturers or any other
company involved in research
into fuels”.
Urban mobility, the future
of European cities, zero-emission
vans and cargo
bikes. What about those hot
topics?
“Low emission zones will be
more and more widespread
in Europe. We’re speaking
about small electric vehicles
and cargo bikes, for instance,
which are becoming crucial
for urban transportation all
over the continent. We have
also the retrofitting solutions
presented at the show.
Some manufacturers have
indeed extended their range,
from big trucks to very small
vehicles. These vehicles all
have to be integrated, up to
cargo bikes. As for the latter,
we will have a dedicated test
area in Hall 1. Cargo bikes
are increasingly widespread
in Paris, for instance, but we
can see them in other French
cities, as well as other European
capitals”.
How is the test drive area
conceived, this year?
“We’ll be preparing two test
tracks outside the exhibition
grounds, as well as new
spaces to host both exhibitors
“After the pandemic, it’s become
even more important to keep contact
with the communities between an
edition and the next one. That’s why
we are thinking of organizing even
more events and meetings in the
meantime”.
and visitors. We’ve thought of
a sort of eco-friendly village
named ‘Road testing village’
that is made with former containers
and wood structures,
so re-usable materials in order
to promote a more sustainable
way. From here, test
drives will be organized and
planned.
As we all know, trade fairs
have been hugely affected
by the pandemic. Is there
some kind of legacy the Covid-19
left in this sector? Has
something changed when it
comes to plan and organize
an international exhibition
like Solutrans?
“The exhibitions are the place
where people can meet all the
actors of a sector in the same
venue. It’s become even more
important now to keep contact
with the communities between
an edition and the next one.
That’s why we are thinking of
organizing even more events
and meetings in the meantime.
Already in 2021, when
the pandemic was still spreading,
we provided the Solutrans
digital. Now, we see such
tools as a good way also for
the visitors who are coming to
see all that they could not visit
during the show itself. That’s
why we aim to make these
digital tools more powerful in
the future”.
12
13

FACE-TO-FACE
TRATON GROUP’S CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
FAR-SIGHTED VIEW
When we at Sustainable
Truck&Van had
our last conversation
with Andreas Follér, he
was Head of Sustainability at
Scania. Now he’s Chief Sustainability
Officer at TRA-
TON: something has changed.
“Shifting from a brand-centric
focus to a Group-level perspective
has made it necessary
to find a way to ensure
that all employees across this
vast organization can collaborate
seamlessly. While
the strategies and solutions
for addressing sustainability
may vary among the different
brands, my aim is to identify a
complementary approach that
fosters support and cooperation
among our companies”,
he said.
Which action is Traton taking
to fulfil the Paris Agreement
targets?
“We have three main approaches
– user face, supply
chain, and direct emissions
from operations.
“Talking about the Paris Agreement,
both Scania and MAN have already
obtained certified science-based
carbon reduction targets. Navistar is
progressing towards establishing its
own, and VW Truck & Bus has a leading
position in South America”.
Both Scania and MAN have
already obtained certified
science-based carbon reduction
targets, and Navistar is
progressing towards establishing
its own. Additionally,
Volkswagen Truck & Bus is
expected to take a leading
position in the Latin American
market, although the pace of
electrification in the region
appears to be somewhat slower.
As part of the TRATON
Group, we are fully dedicated
to aligning Scania, MAN,
Navistar and Volkswagen
Truck & Bus and our product
offerings with the objectives
of the Paris Agreement by
adhering to science-based targets.
Achieving this alignment
necessitates a comprehensive
360-degree approach to decarbonization”.
The major TRATON brands
are investing a lot to manufacture
EV batteries in-
Currently
serving
as Chief
Sustainability
Officer at
TRATON,
Andreas
Follér plays
a crucial role
in integrating
sustainable
practices and
technologies
within
TRATON
Group’s
operations.
house. Why are such investments
worthy?
“We have opted not to produce
battery cells internally
as part of our strategy. Instead,
we are focused on establishing
partnerships and
collaboration with leading
battery cell manufacturers.
This collaborative effort involves
integrating, researching,
and jointly developing
electric vehicle (EV) cells
tailored specifically for heavy
goods vehicles (HGVs).
At the beginning of September,
we have indeed inaugurated
our state-of-the-art battery
factory in Södertälje, Sweden.
This facility will play a
crucial role in our operations,
as it will receive battery cells
from Northvolt. These cells
will then be processed into
modules and subsequently
assembled into packs, which
will be integrated into our
vehicles. Importantly, this
battery factory is conveniently
located adjacent to our Scania
chassis assembly plant,
streamlining our production
processes”.
We know that both Scania
and MAN are working on
hydrogen-powered trucks,
even though it’s not clear
when they’ll be available
on the market. How promising
is such technology for
“We have opted not to produce
battery cells internally as part of our
strategy. Instead, we are focused
on establishing partnerships and
collaboration with leading battery cell
manufacturers. Scania has recently
opened its facility in Södertälje”.
heavy-duty transport? And
will it only be fuel cells or
even hydrogen-powered
ICEs?
“We are working within our
R&D departments on these
technologies.
Scania may be the only OEM
that currently has, and has
had for a year or two now,
fuel cell trucks running in the
streets of Sweden and Norway.
We are definitely exploring
these technologies more
and more. I cannot answer
today when we will launch
more products like this, but
we aren’t closing the door to
any green technologies. The
TRATON Group focuses on
developing whichever technologies
make the most sense
for our customers”.
There are lots of expectations
about the MAN
eTruck. Why is it important
in the overall TRATON decarbonization
strategy?
“The preparation of first-generation
e-Trucks by each of
Scania, MAN, Navistar and
Volkswagen Truck & Bus is
a pivotal step. It signifies our
dedication not only to our valued
customers but also to the
broader transport community.
Our aim is to underscore our
commitment and provide tangible
solutions. These initial
products will serve as invaluable
learning experiences for
us. We are committed to closely
collaborating with our customers,
ensuring a continuous
cycle of improvement. Our
primary goal is to enhance
the user experience and facilitate
the seamless operation
of these cutting-edge technologies
for our customers”.
“I hold unwavering confidence in the
capable management team and the
dedicated individuals involved in the
Milence project we share with Daimler
Truck and Volvo. I eagerly anticipate
the launch of the first charging point as
a significant milestone”.
Finally, the Milence project
has quite ambitious targets
and not so much time ahead
to achieve them. Are you
still confident about it?
“Milence represents a collaborative
effort between
the TRATON Group, Daimler
Truck, and Volvo Group.
While we are not directly
involved in the operational
management of the company,
I hold unwavering confidence
in their capable management
team and the dedicated individuals
contributing to Milence’s
success.
The team at Milence faces
significant challenges in resolving
the intricate issues
surrounding the installation
of charging points along Europe’s
highway corridors.
This can undoubtedly be a
source of frustration.
Nevertheless, it’s encouraging
to witness a growing recognition
of the imperative and
economic viability of establishing
charging infrastructure
for heavy commercial
road transport. This momentum
is being driven by various
stakeholders, including
energy utilities, landowners,
and policymakers. Milence
is making notable strides in
this regard, and I eagerly anticipate
the launch of the first
charging point as a significant
milestone in this journey”.
14
15

COVER STORY
MERCEDES eACTROS 600
THE NEXT
FLAGSHIP
For the model’s history and for what the
eActros in particular represents and means,
not only to Mercedes, the launch
of the battery-powered ‘600’, the first truck
expressly designed and built for long-haul
transport, would have deserved a more prestigious
setting than the Break autohof Hamburg
Nordheide, the albeit very modern and somewhat
unique service area (equipped, among
other things, with a freeflow parking system
for trucks with reservation facilities, a multienergy
point, three-star hotel, stores, lounge
area, and even a brewery). The service area
is located in Egestorf, a small municipality in
Lower Saxony, about half an hour’s drive south
of Hamburg on the A7 route.
Conversely, the very decision of the company’s
top management to raise the curtain
on their much-anticipated zero-emission road
flagship in this location that makes utmost
sustainability its pride, should be understood
as a desire to immediately drop into the road
and daily use a heavyweight truck that, in the
words of Karin Radström, Ceo of Mercedes-
Benz Trucks, “like no other Mercedes’s truck
before, represents the transformation of road
freight transport toward carbon neutrality”.
Design first
Another turning point, but this time it is even
more important than what the Actros has been
able to do in its nearly 30 years of file, always
under the banner of hi-tech and elegance and
with the ambition, looking at contents, to set itself
as a genuine benchmark. With the eActros
600, Mercedes now looks even further ahead,
to the future precisely, intending to redefine
the standards of freight transport in terms of
technology, sustainability and design.
The e-truck sales will begin no earlier than
2025, since the eActros will not enter series
production in Wörth until the end of next year,
after the first fifty or so units are built, some of
which will be tested in daily use by customers
themselves.
Of course, it is the first feature of the vehicle
that leaps to the eye. This is a new styling
language, which Mercedes has set up and de-
Equipped with three lithium-iron-phosphate battery packs with
a total installed capacity of 621 kWh for 500 km of range,
Mercedes eActros 600 electric truck model features a design
developed with the highest aerodynamic efficiency
in mind. Series production will start not before 2025.
16
17

COVER STORY
Highlights
Model type Mercedes eActros 600
Est. range
500 km
Battery type lithium iron phospate (LFP)
Battery capacity
621 kWh
E-motor power (cont.) 400 kW (543 hp)
E-motor power (peak) 600 kW (815 hp)
Start of sales by 2023
Series production end of 2024
Testing the truck.
Sales of the new
Mercedes-Benz
eActros 600 will
begin in 2024,
while production
will start in 2025. In
the meantime, the
truck will be tested
under challengin
conditions all over
Europe.
veloped by aiming not so much and not only
at the creation of a modern and attractive line
in looks, but by aiming to achieve greater aerodynamic
efficiency. Well, the result is fully
achieved, as thanks to the 80 mm longer
front end and airflow improving solutions, the
Pro Cabin’s CX coefficient is 9 percent lower
than the current Actros with a diesel engine.
This translates into lower energy consumption,
which benefits driving range.
Named after its battery capacity
At the inside, the heart of the vehicle is three
battery packs, each with a capacity of 207
kWh, thus 621 kWh in total. This, thanks to
lithium-iron-phosphate cell technology, ensures
the use of more than 95 percent of the installed
capacity.
The combination with the 800-volt electric
axle (designed and developed by Mercedes itself)
with two electric motors and four-speed
transmission capable of generating 400 kW
continuous power (600 kW peak), results in
what the company calls “vigorous acceleration”
and the almost uninterrupted availability
of torque.
Range and price
The driving range of this Mercedes’ heavyweight
truck is claimed to be 500 kilo-
meters. In truth, they are still very little for a
vehicle dedicated to long distance. Mercedes
itself, however, claims that 60 percent of its
customers’ long-haul trips are made over distances
of less than 500 kilometers.
Last, but not least, there are the issues of
price (about two and a half times that of a thermal
engine truck) and charging infrastructure,
which are rapidly developing all over Europe
(let’s remind that Daimler Truck is involved in
the Milence project, together with Traton and
Volvo, with the target to build at least 1,700
public stations by 2026), but at the moment
are totally insufficient for the needs of a 44-ton
truck. However, that is a different matter.
18
19

PREVIEW
RENAULT TRAFIC E-TECH
ELECTRIC
AWARENESS
On the sustainability chessboard, understood
as the offer of full electric vehicles,
Renault can now deploy its team
in full force: Master, Kangoo and Trafic, with
the latter in the role of leading edge of a trident
that actually needs no introduction, since the
corresponding versions equipped with a combustion
engine already are points of reference
in their respective market segments.
After all, speaking of the Trafic, a best seller
that has been on the market for over forty years
(the first model was launched in 1980) and has
to its credit something like over 2.4 million vehicles
produced and sold, well, it is clear what
type of appreciation and consideration it can
enjoy from professional customers, even the
most demanding ones.
The strength of the Trafic, the third best-selling
light van in Europe, is being a model perfectly
calibrated to fulfill the various missions
in urban and interurban areas. Modern and elegant
in its line, which was gradually refined
over time, it remains aesthetically attractive
Renault’s popular medium-sized van, in the full electric
version, adds sustainability to the recognized strengths that
make it one of the most appreciated vans. No compromises
in terms of modularity and customization compared to the
variants with combustion engine and driving range up to 300 km.
20
21

PREVIEW
Highlights
Model type Renault Trafic E-Tech
Est. range
297 km (WLTP)
Battery type
lithium-ion
Battery capacity
52 kWh
AC charger
up to 22 kW
DC charger
up to 50 kW
Est. charging time (DC) 60 min (15-80%)
E-motor max. power 90 kW (122 hp)
E-motor max. torque
245 Nm
Always connected.
Through the My
Renault App or with
the standard Easy
Link multimedia
system, the Trafic
can count on a
rich bouquet of
specific services
for full electric
vehicles, including
battery charging
programming.
thanks to the exact proportion between the
living space for the driver and passengers as
well as the space dedicated to freight. This
compartment has well-designed volumes right
from the entry versions, as well as easily accessible
through double rear doors and large
single or double side openings. Added to all
this are high performances ensured by its proven
kinematics, which is characteristic of the
entire range and offers extensive customization
possibilities.
A complete and thorough range
Now, this range is expanding to the essential
battery version, that is full electric with zero
emissions. Talking about range, in this case, is
not at all an exaggeration. The Renault Trafic
Van E-Tech Electric is offered in two lengths
(5,080 and 5,480 mm), in as many heights
(1,967 and 2,498 mm), with load compartment
volumes from 5.8 to 8.9 cubic meters depending
on the version and the possibility, for the Trafic
L2, of a 4,150 mm loading length obtained by
exploiting the through bulkhead located in correspondence
with the passenger seat. To all this,
the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric adds robustness
and the ability to transport large loads, summed
up by the 1,100 kilos payload.
The heart of the electric Trafic is the 122
horsepower (90 kW) motor with 245 Nm of
torque. It is powered by the lithium ion battery
(guaranteed for 8 years or 160 thousand
km, with free replacement if the capacity drops
below 70 percent of the nominal value) with
a capacity of 52 kWh. The range is up to 297
km before recharging, which is entrusted to the
combined AC 7 kW plus AC 22 kW on-board
charger (it is part of the standard equipment
and allows you to recover 50 km of autonomy
in less than 25 minutes). It is completed by the
50 kW direct current charger.
Behind the wheel, you can enjoy the pleasure
of silent and brilliant driving (with the Eco
mode guaranteeing optimal range management,
while the ARBS system maximizes energy recovery).
The electric Trafic is also offered as
an always connected vehicle. Through the My
Renault smartphone app, or with the Renault
Easy link multimedia system, the driver can
access, depending on their needs, a series of
connected services specific to electric vehicles.
This is another Trafic’s gem.
22
23

PREVIEW
RENAULT TRUCKS
THE BRAND-NEW
ADDITION
WELCOME CARGO BIKES
Thorough range.
From 44 tons up
to the cargo bikes
for ‘last’ last mile
distribution. Renault
Trucks counts
on a complete
zero-emission
vehicle range to
be recognized as
a primary electric
commercial vehicle
brand. The E-Tech
T and C range will
debut in Lyon.
Announced a little less than a year ago,
the heavy electric vehicles in the Renault
Trucks range are set to make their
debut right at Solutrans, the company’s ‘home’
fair, which has its headquarters in Lyon. Expected
to complete a range that has recently
been enriched, on the opposite side, by the
medium-sized Trafic van, the E-Tech T and C
by Renault Trucks are designed for regional
transport and construction, respectively. All,
strictly, with zero emissions.
As for design, the new Diamond logo stands
out. It is set in a fabric composed of the typical
Renault Trucks chose its home trade show, Solutrans,
to preview its heavy-duty electric E-Tech T and C trucks for
regional distribution and construction, which are on their way
to series production. One more step toward the goal
of selling only ‘zero-emission’ vehicles in 2040.
graphic elements of the French manufacturer’s
E-Tech line: thus, blue hubcaps, vertical stripes
on the vehicle sides, and distinctive E-Tech license
plate, precisely, at the front.
With safety in mind
In addition, with the aim of optimizing the
overall safety, the truck front has been moved
forward 115 millimeters and radars have
been placed on the sides. The chassis is also
equipped with a platform that can be modified
to optimize battery space. The completely reworked
grille is inspired by the world of elec-
tronic music, with a design reminiscent of an
equalizer. The vehicle front is fully painted to
reinforce the electromechanical idea.
Modular battery platform
We will know more, precisely, in Lyon, for one
of the most anticipated ‘unveiling’ of Solutrans
2023. All to be discovered, for example, is the
battery configuration, as well as the power delivered
by the electric motor. The heavy-duty
trucks in the E-Tech range – it is much certain
– will be manufactured at the Renault Trucks
plant in Bourg-en-Bresse, not far from Lyon.
A matter of ‘zero emission’ range
breadth: first among European
manufacturers, Renault Trucks has
committed itself to a very particular
segment of vehicles such as cargo
bikes designed to integrate freight
transport in urban centers with very
light vehicles and, above all, with zero
impact on the environment. The idea is
to entrust electric bikes with last-mile
deliveries, within an integrated system
with larger vehicles such as trucks and
vans. This cargo bikes project is shared
with Kleuster, a manufacturer also
headquartered in Lyon.
Moving up the segment, we find the Trafic
E-tech, the Master E-Tech, the D and D
Wide E-Tech (the latter is also available in
LEC, Low Entry Cabin), and the brand new T
and C E-Tech series.
Talking about batteries, for example, it is easy
to imagine how the concept of modularity has
been carried forward, as it has characterized
distribution vehicles since the Z.E. line.
The trade show debut of Renault Trucks’
E-Tech T and C trucks coincides with the start
of series production – this is another, by no
means minor, step on the road to the oft-ballyhooed
goal of getting to selling only electric or
fuel-cell commercial vehicles in 2040.
24
25

FOCUS. CHINA
THE ELECTRIC REVOLUTION
WATCH OUT THE
DRAGON
China has been riding the electric revolution
since the early years of the new millennium.
This has allowed them to accumulate
a significant competitive advantage that
Western manufacturers are now struggling to
close. It is no coincidence, therefore, that authoritative
newspapers such as the New York
Times have written that, in the transition towards
electric mobility, “the only winner so far
is China”, also arguing that Western countries
may have to wait decades to close the technological
gap between them and the Dragon. All
this despite the ambitious goals that the EU
has set itself and despite the great effort that
the United States guided by President Biden
are making to stimulate electric mobility by
investing over 200 billion dollars.
Let's get local
A very significant piece of data was released
by the China Passenger Car Association, according
to which in the first half of 2023 (for
the second time in history) local manufacturers
surpassed foreign ones in car sales for
How did China create a cutting-edge automotive industry in
alternative traction? And will the offensive launched against
Western manufacturers in the automotive sector also be
replicated among commercial vehicles? Maybe it is still early
to say, but data and trends can suggest some answers.
26
27

FOCUS. CHINA
EYE ON: YUTONG
With a dedicated global event held in June in Zhengzhou,
China, primary truck and bus manufacturer Yutong introduced
the so-called YEA (Yutong Electric Architecture). It’s an
advanced, scalable and self-evolving EV architecture that
enhances the Chinese manufacturer’s CVs through a native
powertrain design. The new architecture integrates hardware
and software and was developed in-house. The YEA can
improve computing power by 200% and control efficiency by
100%. Yutong is considering selling trucks even outside China.
Farizon Auto,
the new energy
commercial vehicle
manufacturer
belonging to the
Geely Group, is
targeting indeed
the European
market. The
international launch
of the newly-built
SuperVAN with
an innovative and
modular design will
be in 2024.
the Chinese domestic market, reaching 54%
of total sales. These were naturally driven by
sales of electric and hybrid cars, which reached
3.5 million in the first half of the current year
alone, more or less a third of the total.
Compared to the automotive sector, the situation
in the ‘heavy-duty’ industry is much
more fluid, with the main Chinese brands still
focused above all on the domestic market,
which has by far the most important volumes
globally. In the first half of 2023, according to
Interact Analysis, 104,000 electric buses and
trucks were sold, a 57% increase compared to
the first half of 2022. A growth driven above all
by lower tonnage vehicles, in particular light
trucks, which grew by 45%, with approximately
30,000 units throughout China. Significant
figures are also starting to be recorded with
regard to heavy trucks, with approximately
11 thousand vehicles marketed in the first six
months of 2023. To make an example, in Europe
(Switzerland and Norway included), just
over a thousand trucks with a gross vehicle
weight equal to or greater than 16 tonnes were
sold throughout 2022.
Electric trucks, a Chinese thing
It is therefore not surprising that, again according
to Interact analysis’ experts, 9 of the top 10
brands for global electric truck registrations in
2022 are Chinese: the ranking is led by Sany
with a 13% share, ahead of Xcmg and Geely,
just under 10%, and Yutong with 7%. The only
exception to the Dragon’s excessive power is
Volvo Trucks with a 4 percent share and 1,211
registered vehicles.
In the first half of this year, Geely itself re-
corded rapid growth on the Chinese market.
This statistic, however, takes buses into consideration,
with a market share rising from 11
to 26% of total registrations, also thanks to the
Farizon car brand dedicated to new generation
vans. Also seeing strong growth this year is
Chery, and Foton, a manufacturer with strong
specialization in freight transport, and one of
the very first to approach the European market.
So, what should we expect from the evolution
of the Chinese heavy automotive sector in the
near future? According to analysts cited by the
Cnevpost website, by 2025, 16% of heavy-duty
trucks sold in China will be electric. And there
is great confidence in the potential of battery
swapping, for which around half of the BEV
trucks currently circulating in China are already
equipped.
In addition to the sectors of waste collection
or street cleaning, which are highly influenced
by public policies, transport relating to the coal
industry or steel production will be the areas
most permeated by electric mobility, while
issues related to vehicle autonomy remain in
long-distance transport.
And all signs suggest that the European market,
even more than the American one, which
is currently more influenced by duties, could
become the main target for Chinese manufacturers
also among commercial vehicles.
28
29

INNOVATIONS
SCANIA
THE SUN IS
SHINING
It comes to mind when, a few years ago,
Scania strongly argued that there would not
be a single recipe capable of eliminating
emissions and thus making a decisive impact
on solving the issue of protecting the environment.
Precisely that belief was at the basis of
the Swedish brand’s decision not to impose a
single specific technology on the market.
Now, with the aim of reducing emissions but
also operating costs at the same time, Scania
has participated in a so far unique project. It
was initiated and conducted in partnership with
Uppsala University, Eksjö Maskin&Truck,
By starting the tests of the road tractor with a plug-in hybrid
motor coupled to a trailer ‘clad’ in solar panels capable of
generating energy for the powertrain, Scania is taking sustainable
transport into a new dimension. In the meantime, the battery
assembly factory has been inaugurated in Södertälje.
Midsummer, Ernsts Express, Delakraft, and
financed partially by Vinnova, the government
agency for the innovation and development of
low environmental impact trucks.
Increased battery capacity
The protagonist is the 560 horsepower plug-in
hybrid in three-axle configuration attached to
an 18-meter long trailer covered in thin and
light solar panels (these are as powerful as
a house equipped with similar panels, have
maximum efficiency of 13.2 kW at peak, and
are estimated to be able to provide 8 thousand
kWh of energy/year if used in Sweden). It is
the first time that we have heard of solar panels
used to generate energy for the powertrain. For
their part, the batteries have a total capacity of
300 kWh (100 on the tractor and 200 on the
trailer).
The vehicle uses tandem solar cells based
on the combination of Midsummer and other
perovskite cells: a solution which, by allowing
greater efficiency in the process of transforming
sunlight into electricity, would significantly
increase energy production compared to that
produced by panels. It follows that, if used
in the sunniest countries of southern Europe,
these panels could even quadruple the energy
produced. The solar panel Scania will be tested
by the transport company Ernsts Express on
public roads, with the aim of collecting further
data, verifying its efficiency and, who knows,
also its possible feasibility in the near future.
Battery production in Sodertälje ¨
The range of innovations at Scania, however,
does not stop here: at the beginning of
September, the battery assembly factory was
inaugurated with great fanfare in Södertälje.
“A key tool to accelerate electrification,” said
Christian Levin, president and CEO of Scania
and the Traton Group. A strategic and decisive
stage, especially if we consider that Scania
aims to sell 50 percent of electric vehicles
by 2030. The inauguration actually comes after
the presentation, held last April, of a new
cell developed jointly with Northvolt, which
manufactures it in their gigafactory in northern
Sweden. Starting in September, these cells
have been assembled into battery packs in the
new 18 thousand square meter plant in Södertälje,
where 550 specialized operators work in
a highly automated environment, effectively
allowing the start of mass production of the
Griffon electric range.
The huge
investment Scania
made in Södertälje
to build the newly
inaugurated
battery assembly
factory goes side
by side with the
development of
the company’s
electric truck range.
Production has
lately commenced
for trucks with R
and S cabs with
400 or 450 kW
of engine power.
These trucks
feature new green
battery packs and
e-adopted chassis.
30
31

INNOVATIONS
VOLVO TRUCKS
CHALLENGE
ACCEPTED
GOLDEN HERITAGE
The Volvo FH electric truck pictured
above is the heir of a model that
celebrates this year its 30 th anniversary.
Almost 1.5 million Volvo FH units have
been sold in the last thirty years in over
80 countries all over the world. Engine,
aerodynamics, driver comfort were only
some of its breakthroughs.
Volvo Trucks continues its journey toward electrification: new
batteries with increased capacity for the mid-range (Volvo FL and
FE Electric) are about to be launched. And to meet increasing
demand of zero-emission vehicles, the Belgian factory in Ghent
has been equipped for e-truck production.
Volvo Trucks, the only European name
in the 2022 electric truck sales top ten
– which is basically monopolized by
Chinese brands – confirms its vocation to play
ahead in the field of zero-emission vehicles.
And if the vehicles – whether medium or
heavy-duty – are for all intents and purposes
available on the market, now the challenge
shifts to other elements: first and foremost, the
vehicle’s range. Starting with the Volvo FL and
FE Electric for distribution, the Swedish company
(the only traditional manufacturer that did
not attend Solutrans 2023) promises to revolutionize
the concept of range, relegating the
infamous recharging issue to the past.
How? By working on the battery composition
to increase their capacity and reach the
threshold of 450 kilometers in the case of the
Volvo FL Electric and 275 kilometers in the
case of the FE Electric. On closer inspection,
these ranges are more than enough to allow
truck users to be comfortable on their city or
suburban trips. “With a range of up to 450 km,
our electric trucks are ready to replace our customers’
fleet of urban diesel trucks”, said Jessica
Sandström, SVP Product Management at
Volvo Trucks. “The Volvo FL and FE Electric
produce minimal emissions and noise, benefiting
the environment, the driver and everyone
who lives and moves around the city”.
A further boost to e-truck sales
In the concept promoted by Volvo Trucks, having
batteries with larger capacity allows fewer
battery packs to be installed on the trucks, benefiting
the vehicle’s payload, which is a crucial
issue for those approaching electric mobility
in freight transport. Volvo’s electric trucks that
have been ‘upgraded’ with this new concept
can be ordered immediately: the first deliveries
are expected in 2024.
The new development discussed here is expected
to further boost sales of Volvo electric
trucks. For this, another plant in Europe has
recently been enabled to manufacture electric
trucks. The plant is in Ghent, Belgium, and
it is intended for the production of the heavy
Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX Electric
with total ground mass up to 44 tons. The Ghent
plant is Volvo Trucks’ largest production
site with an annual capacity of about 45,000
trucks. Electric vehicles are assembled on the
same platform and line as diesel and gas vehicles.
The battery packs come from the recently
inaugurated battery assembly plant in Ghent,
which is located right next to the production
line. The plant in Belgium is the fourth Volvo
Trucks factory to produce battery electric vehicles
after Blainville-sur-Orne, France; New
River Valley in the U.S. for mass production of
the VNR Electric; and Tuve, Sweden.
Electric targets.
Since Volvo Trucks
started serial
production of allelectric
trucks in
2019, the company
has taken orders
for around 6,000
electric trucks in 42
countries around
the world. Volvo
Trucks has set
the target that by
2030, half of the
trucks sold by the
company will be
electric.
32
33

INNOVATIONS
QUANTRON AG
TRANSITION MADE
EASIER
We are not, and will not be in the future,
an OEM: it would be impossible for
us to compete with traditional manufacturers”,
say in unison Michael Perschke
and Andreas Haller, the fifth generation at the
helm of the Haller group and ‘mastermind’ of
the project. Rather, Quantron aims to act as a
facilitator in a time of energy transition, leveraging
the skills of a rapidly growing team to
convert light, medium and heavy trucks with
combustion engines into vehicles powered by
batteries or fuel cells.
So, retrofit specialists? Not really, and the
A combination of a traditional manufacturer and a retrofit
specialist, Quantron counts on their important know-how
in zero-emission trucks to make it big even outside Germany.
The launch of the heavy-duty QHM Aero is one of the cornerstones
of a strategy that is increasingly shifting towards hydrogen.
Quantron Days 2023 clearly showed this, with
the official launch of the QHM Aero, the new
MAN-based heavy vehicle with aerodynamics
revisions by the Quantron engineering team led
by Koorosh Shojaei.
A brand-new front of the truck
They were capable of redesigning the front part
of the truck – as well as the grille and even the
logo – managing to reduce resistance by 20
percent and providing the vehicle 10 percent
more range. In the FCEV version (the truck
will also be available as a BEV, powered ex-
FCEV TRUCKS IN AUSTRIA
IKEA Austria has been cooperating with
Quantron for quite a long time, since
August 2021. Currently, more than 50
Quantron BEV trucks are in operation,
while five QLI FCEV models have been
delivered in October, this year. The zeroemission
transporters will be fueled with
green hydrogen from energy supplier
Wien Energie.
clusively by battery packs) the 44-ton combination
ensures between 600 and 700 kilometers
before refueling thanks to the 54 kilos of
hydrogen transportable in the 500-kilo tanks
integrated into the chassis. “So as not to affect
the load capacity of the vehicle,” assures CTO
René Wollman. Quantron’s QHM Aero is part
of an already rather wide range, which includes
both light vehicles for urban and extra-urban
transport, and heavy vehicles for medium and
long distances. A range that includes the Qargo
4 EV as the entry level model and the Quantron
QLI, in its full electric and FCEV versions.
The base, in this case, is from the unmistakable
Iveco Daily and covers all the wheelbase
lengths of the Daily itself. The range goes up
with the QHB 27-280 for waste collection on
a Mercedes-Benz Econic base. Quantron’s
heavyweight, the QHM at IAA Transportation
2022, is based on MAN.
The hydrogen offensive
Hydrogen plays a leading role in Quantron’s
overall strategy: the management’s idea is to
create the cornerstone, with their wide range
of vehicles, of an ecosystem made up of players
operating on different fronts: infrastructure
and distribution; vehicle components, up
to digitalisation, financial services and after
sales. Quantron-as-a-Service is the platform
that Quantron offers to their customers, who
are asked to sign long-term agreements with
the pay-per-km formula: you pay based on how
much you use the vehicle.
Double focus.
The Quantron
project started
only a few years
ago, thanks to
the intuition of
Andreas Haller.
The idea is not to
compete with wellestablished
truck
manufacturers, but
rather facilitate the
transition to zeroemission
vehicles.
Quantron’s HQs
are in Augsburg.
Foreign branches
have been
recently opened in
Switzerland, U.S.
and Italy. Quantron
also sells electric
buses.
34
35

SMART TEST
IVECO E-DAILY
WALKING IN MY
FOOTSTEPS
The official presentation, which took place
at IAA Transportation 2022, is now a
distant memory. In the abundant year
that has elapsed since then, the eDaily has
had enough time to get off the catwalk, put its
wheels on the road and begin its journey to ‘go
big’ and make itself known to the market. True,
it has been longed for, but now that our wait is
over, IVECO’s full-electric light van does not
intend to waste any time.
And it does so with the authentic best-seller
attitude that has been an undisputed reference
for more than four decades.
Because the Iveco light commercial vehicle,
even in its zero-emission declination, wants
to present itself as a front runner in a market
segment that stakes its entire future on electrification.
“Electric means future”, explained,
not surprisingly, Alessandro Massimini, Head
of Marketing and Product Management IVE-
CO truck business unit, “and we want to make
electrification accessible to all our customers.
As a key element of IVECO’s product devel-
Not a single version, but a richly articulated range, from van to
cab vehicle. It is not a compromise with respect to the ICE
version but a model capable of pushing up to 400 km of range.
The eDaily aspires to carry on the successful history of the
IVECO LCV, partially thanks to an innovative pay-per-use formula
36
37

SMART TEST
GATE OPEN SINCE JULY
Iveco Group has come up with a pay-per-use formula,
open to everyone regardless of the number of vehicles and
with a minimum contractual term of 3 years, with the aim
of accompanying actual and potential customers toward
alternative tractions. The company opened its door (GATE
stands for Green & Advanced Transport Ecosystem) no later
than last July. “It is a company founded by Iveco Group
in 2022”, they say from the new Turin-based organization
of Iveco’s world, “with the aim of promoting sustainable
mobility of commercial vehicles through the premium offer
of services related to long-term, fully digital rental. It is a
new business model open to all companies, brands and
partners who aspire to participate in this environmental
revolution”. The services that GATE makes available
to customers include vehicle maintenance and repair;
management of car tax and insurance charges; e-charge
for public charging; e-mobility for all telematics services
available on the vehicle; and, finally, tire service.
On the other hand, it raises the bar of efficiency
to the highest levels also in the batopment
strategy and transition roadmap, we
designed eDaily with the goal of making the
entire range electric while maintaining the
characteristics for which our vehicle is celebrated:
robustness, reliability, versatility, load
capacity, performance”.
Here, our first contact with the eDaily was pre-
The pay-per-use formula outlined by GATE
won’t be applied exclusively to the new
eDaily. In fact, it will be made available
also for the heavy-duty BEV and FCEV
trucks with the IVECO brand that will be
launched very soon.
cisely to test the veracity of this claim. Well,
once again, the IVECO champion not only
does not betray expectations.
Several possible options
tery-powered version, without compromising
on performance, comfort, safety, performance
and equipment.
The Iveco eDaily does so not just by implementing
a single ‘take it or leave it’ version,
but by offering an articulated range that
includes van and cab vehicle and crew cab configurations
with weights from 3.5 to 7.2 tons,
single wheels (3.5 to 4.25 tons) or twin wheels
(4.25 to 7.2 tons), different heights and wheelbase
lengths (from 3,000 to 4,100 millimeters
for vans, 3,000 to 4,750 millimeters for cabs),
cargo volumes up to 20 cubic meters.
Highlights
Model type IVECO eDaily 38S 14Ev
Gross Vehicle Weight
3.8 ton
Est. range up to 400 km (urban cycle)
Battery type
lithium-ion
Battery capacity 111 kWh (3 packs)
Est. charging time (AC) 5 hours (22 kW)
Est. charging time (DC)
1 h 30 min (up to 80%)
E-motor max. power 140 kW (190 hp)
E-motor max. torque
400 Nm
The electric motor is powered by modular
batteries with 37 kWh capacity each, high energy
density (265 watt-hours/kg per cell) and
95 percent exploitable capacity. In the eDaily
versions equipped with a single battery, the
power output is 136 horsepower, rising to the
190-horsepower threshold in versions equipped
with two or three modules.
No range anxiety issues anymore
What about the range? In all cases, it is extremely
generous for daily missions, with
IVECO claiming up to a maximum of 400
kilometers in the urban cycle: a distance that
takes away any anxiety about recharging. By
the way, for refueling there is the usual wide
albeit classic range of solutions. And with the
80-kilowatt fast charge, one hundred kilometers
of range is recovered in half an hour.
In the vicinity of Turin, we were able to
test the 38S 14EV version (so, 3.8 tons, single
wheels, 190 horsepower) equipped with two
batteries. An experience, however brief, that
confirmed the Daily’s qualities even in full
electric version. Comfort and quietness, as
well as cueing and drivability, are remarkable.
In addition, there are two gems: the Driving
Mode Selector, which allows to optimize energy
management by choosing between Natural,
Power, Eco driving modes.
On the other hand, One-Pedal drive allows
you to manage deceleration using just the accelerator.
In collaboration
with Korean
partner Hyundai
Motor, IVECO is
working on the fuel
cell version of its
eDaily. According
to the plans, the
eDAILY FCEV
will be an ideal
option for deliveries
where long range
with high payload
is necessary.
“By 2024-2025
we might see
some trucks on
the road”, told us
Marco Liccardo,
Chief Technology
& Digital Officer,
Iveco Group.
38
39

SMART TEST
FORD E-TRANSIT
NEVER
ENDING
STORY
40
With the E-Transit, our customers will
buy into the more than 50 years of
Transit experience”, they are repeating
with justifiable pride at Ford. There could
be no better and more effective statement to
illustrate the qualities and talents of the Blue
Oval’s 100 percent electric commercial vehicle.
The first in a family of zero-emission
vans that is expanding to include the Custom
and, later, the Courier (see box on page 42).
In about half a century (to be exact, fifty-eight
years) there is the story of a model, the Transit
precisely, which was first launched in 1965,
heir to a tradition that has its roots at the dawn
of the last century (Ford’s first commercial vehicle
is from 1905). The Transit rapidly established
itself at every latitude in international
large and small markets, until it became by far
the best-selling light model in the world.
It is the world’s best selling light commercial vehicle, a true
best seller that has been making the history of light duty
transportation for the last 58 years. It is logical, then, that in the
transition to zero-emission vehicles, Ford has built its first full
electric van on the very basis of its most iconic model.
A benchmark in the competitive and crowded
commercial vehicle segment. A model that today
identifies the very way of understanding
and doing transportation in the city.
Robustness, versatility, reliability
It is natural, then, that the E-Transit has inherited
from its progenitor the DNA together with
robustness, versatility and reliability on which
it intends to leverage to prolong over time the
splendid tale of a model that has no equal. Not
a single version, but a true zero-emission family
with 25 richly equipped variants resulting
from the combination of two power outputs,
three lengths and two heights. With the peace
of mind given by over 300 kilometers of range.
41

SMART TEST
Ford Pro.
Launched no later
than last year, the
Ford Pro brand
aims to provide
customer in the
commercial vehicle
sector with a
series of solutions
that may increase
their productivity.
Ford Pro solutions
combine software,
charging,
assistance and
financial products.
ZERO-EMISSION FORD RANGE
The electric versions of the Ford E-Transit Custom
and the small-sized Ford E-Transit Courier already
presented to the market are on the launch pad.
They will complete the Blue Oval’s range of
zero-emission cargo vans, in both cases with the
benefits of the Ford Pro solution. In the case of
the medium-sized Custom van, we are talking
about a range of nearly 400 kilometers and the
possibility of ultra-fast charging with power up to
125 kW for a ‘fill-up’ of up to 80 percent in just
40 minutes.
On the other hand, the Ford E-Transit Courier is
expected for next year. It will be equipped with a
100 kW power motor and One-Pedal technology
to handle acceleration and braking with a single
pedal. Provision for fast charging, up to 100 kW
of power, is planned too. The cargo space will be
capable of carrying up to 2 euro pallets.
A real Transit, then, with the added pleasure of
a quiet and relaxing drive with zero emissions.
This is the E-Transit, a model that in terms of
technological solutions and technical choices
ranks at the top of the electric category. Without
compromise. It houses, for example, the
electric equipment under the floor (the motor
is on the rear axle, the 68-kWh battery pack
is in the middle), with load compartment dimensions
(up to 15.1 cubic meters) that do not
change compared to the Transit with a combustion
engine, while the over 300 kilometers
of rage (WLTP cycle) take away any anxiety
about recharging.
Up to 34 minutes to reach 80%
The wide range includes weights from 3.5 to
4.25 tons, payload capacity up to 1,616 kilograms,
two power outputs (184 and 269 horsepower),
three lengths (5,531, 5,981, 6,707
mm), two wheelbases (3,300, 3,750 mm) and
two heights, for a total of 25 versions. They
are all richly equipped, as is the Ford tradition,
and with a couple of gems such as Pre-conditioning
(it heats the cabin while the vehicle
is charging) and Pro Power on Board (it allows
external equipment to be powered with
an additional 2.3 kW). Charging ranges from
the expected 11 hours with 7 kW wallbox to
34 minutes for an 80 percent fill with 115 kW
superfast Dc.
So, Ford E-Transit also raises the bar when
it comes to connectivity, implementing systems
and technologies that help customers manage
Highlights
Model type
Ford E-Transit
Est. range
300 km (WLTP)
Battery type
lithium-ion
Battery capacity
68 kWh
Est. charging time (AC) 11 hours (7 kW)
Est. charging time (DC)
34 min (115 kW, up to 80%)
E-motor power options 135 kW (184hp);
197 kW (269 hp)
E-motor torque
430 Nm
their operations more efficiently. Maximizing
productivity by reducing downtime. With
E-Transit, through Ford Pro, the Blue Oval’s
new global brand dedicated to the world of
commercial vehicles that offers a wide range
of products, services and technologies aiming
precisely at maximizing efficiency, all this is a
concrete possibility, which in a way puts the
transition process to electrification in a different
light. Indeed, Ford’s new electric van is a
connected platform, or more precisely an ecosystem
of digital tools to translate the potential
of the battery-powered vehicle into a concrete
business reality, for the benefit of zero-emission
mobility.
The connectivity needed
FordPass connect, the modem (standard) that
provides precisely the connectivity needed to
help commercial vehicle customers optimize
their fleet efficiency (while taking advantage
of over-the-air updates for navigation and other
features), goes precisely in this direction. Similarly,
added value is provided by the Sync 4 infotainment
system with 12-inch touch-screen,
voice recognition and cloud-optimized navigation,
which is onboard a Ford commercial
vehicle for the first time.
42
43

SMART TEST
VOLKSWAGEN ID. BUZZ CARGO
THE EYE
CATCHER
We are aware that elegance and beauty
are not factors that help determine the
level of efficiency of a vehicle. In the
case of ID. Buzz Cargo, the new electric van
by Volkswagen, however, it is impossible not
to start right here in the analysis of our city
test. Precisely, from the elegance and beauty of
this hi-tech model, heir to that authentic Bulli
legend that entered the history of the Wolfsburg
brand (and not only) through the front door.
In the ID. Buzz, elegance and beauty are the
result of the careful and refined work of the
Volkswagen’s team of stylists and designers.
Hats off, in short, to this van with attractive and
soft shapes that show robustness and solidity
but at the same time convey lightness. A van
in which the body design is visually divided
between a lower and an upper level (appropriately
and cleverly emphasized by the different
coloring of the two areas) that combine with
great harmony and attractiveness, and where
the expressiveness of the whole translates into
extremely well cared for aerodynamics that is
The battery-powered heir to the legendary Bulli van seems to
have the credentials to replicate its success and also win a
prominent place in history. The electric motor with 204-hp
available power, up to 425 km of claimed (and confirmed)
range,as well as top-notch comfort and safety features.
44
45

SMART TEST
Bulli lovers.
The heir of the Bulli
with an electric
motor was the
subject of a great
virtual embrace,
extraordinary
attention and true
curiosity from
young and old
people during our
test drive in Milan.
As we had never
seen before during
our test drives.
Highlights
Model type Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
Est. range
425 km (WLTP)
Battery type
lithium-ion
Battery capacity
77 kWh
Est. charging time (AC) 7,5 hours (11 kW)
Est. charging time (DC) 30 min (5-80%)
E-motor power
150 kW (204 hp)
E-motor torque
309 Nm
summarized in 0.29 CX (which even drops to
0.28 on the passenger version).
Then, there is the attention to every detail
of the German van from the Wolfsburg-based
manufacturer (which builds it at its Hanover
site). One above all, the shape and design of
the light clusters (full LED as standard): small
masterpieces that go into a truly superlative ensemble.
Of course, the ID. Buzz could certainly
not lack the stylistic reference to its legendary
progenitor, namely the Bulli. This is recalled,
for example, by the design and line of the
front end, another highly successful exercise
in style, dominated by the ‘V’-shaped hood. At
its center, as well as on the back of the vehicle,
stands out the ‘W’ of the Volkswagen logo, in
this case larger in size than the one featured
on the brand’s other models. Volkswagen ID.
Buzz Cargo is a characterful vehicle with great
personality and visual impact.
Surprisingly maneuverable and agile,
A unique van that does not go unnoticed, and
we had proof of this during the days of our city
test which was pleasantly interrupted several
times by the questions and curiosity of those
who flanked the vehicle. What stands out, more
than the 4,712 millimeters in length and the
2,989 millimeters in wheelbase, are the very
short overhangs (820 millimeters at the front
only, 903 millimeters at the rear), which, together
with the 11,090 millimeters steering
diameter, make the Bulli’s heir surprisingly
maneuverable and agile, even considering the
2,352-kilogram tare weight. This is particularly
appreciable in city use, where maneuvering
space is often sacrificed.
With one eye to the past and a forward-looking
gaze to the future, however, the ID. Buzz
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE
Once you are in the driver’s seat, the ‘diversity’ of ID.
Buzz jumps out at you. The first native van of the electric
era has an extremely clean digital dashboard. This
immediately hints at how much the ID. Buzz wants to
be, and indeed is, innovative. In style and design, but in
a sense also in approach, breaking away from the triedand-true
approach of the classic electrified van.
Welcome to the future. From a glance to a simpler
feeling: an on-board space that, although limited (as it
is for all vans), feels larger than the category standard,
as well as cozy and well-organized. And this is no small
thing. In short, even before setting off, the ID. Buzz
shows an extra edge that makes it a truly unique model.
Buckled up, you set off with a click, simply by moving
the shift lever located on the right side, behind the
steering wheel, to ‘D’ (the turn signal is on the opposite
side). Here begins the most comfortable of journeys.
Yes, because the ID. Buzz glides silently, and far from
unnoticed, showing itself ready and responsive to the
controls, stable in changes of direction, safe under
braking. As well as being naturally fast, by virtue of the
204 horsepower and immediately available robust torque
supplied, which ensures a truly unsuspected boost.
does not forget its mission. It fulfills it by offering
a 3.9-cubic-meter cargo area (and 648 kilograms
of payload capacity), which is accessed
from the rear double door (load threshold at
623 mm) and sideways from the wide sliding
door (756 mm wide and 1,092 mm high).
At the heart of the van is a 12-module 77-
kWh lithium-ion battery arranged in the floor,
which sends power to the electric motor integrated
in the rear axle. This ‘fires’ an impressive
204 horsepower. These numbers guarantee
unparalleled driving enjoyability, which is
matched by the marathon-like driving range
(Volkswagen claims up to 425 kilometers,
WLTP cycle). And it’s not a mirage.
In fact, with the ID. Buzz charged to twothirds
of its useful range, we covered the 173
kilometers of our test by consuming 27.31
kWh, ending the test with still 65 percent energy
in the battery. As if to say we could have
doubled the distance without getting too close
to the 20 per cent ‘reserve’.
It’s all true.
The range test we
carried out on the
VW ID. Buzz has
fully confirmed the
range declared by
Volkswagen. Under
certain conditions,
the van seems to
be capable to run
more or less 400
km without need
for charging on a
mixed route, most
of which is urban.
46
47

TECHNO
CUMMINS’ PLANS TO MAKE TRANSPORT MORE SUSTAINABLE
Multi-table global player
FROM NATURAL GAS ENGINE DEVELOPMENT TO A JV ON BATTERIES
A BOSCH PROJECT, IN COLLABORATION WITH HYLANE
How to make fuel cells less expensive
CIRCULAR ECONOMY WILL ALSO HELP REDUCE EMISSIONS
Together with Arizona-based company Knight Transportation,
Cummins managed to test the new X15N natural gas engine in
Southern California. The latter will be launched
in 2024. Due to the participation of another
partner within the project, the truck was fueled
exclusively with Clean Energy ultra-low carbon
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) anchored by Clean
Energy’s station in Carson, California.
The Cummins X15N natural gas engine delivers
diesel-like ratings as well as durability and
reliability to allow fleets to significantly reduce
their carbon footprint without sacrificing capability.
The X15N offers the industry a solution toward
achieving their sustainability goals, including the
ability to run on renewable natural gas. The field
testing with Knight-Swift will continue through full
production of the X15N powertrain in 2024.
In addition to natural gas-based projects, Cummins
is also engaged in battery manufacturing. That’s why
the Colubus-based player has recently announced a
valuable joint venture with Daimler Truck and Paccar,
aimed at localizing battery cell production and the
battery supply chain in the United States.
According to the partners, the activities will initially
focus on the lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery
technology family for commercial battery-electric trucks. LFP
battery cells manufacturer EVE Energy, from China, is set to serve
as the technology partner in the joint venture with 10% ownership.
The announced plant, “operating at full capacity in 2026 would
provide enough batteries for the entire North American market for all
battery electric buses and medium and heavy duty trucks combined,
assuming about 10% of trucks are electric in that year”, commented
Jamie Fox, Principal Analyst at consulting company Interact
Analysis.
READY FOR HYDROGEN
The TCO for hydrogenfueled
trucks may soon match
diesel vehicles. To put H2
trucks on the roads at scale,
manufacturers need suppliers
with know-how and experience.
Worthington’s RANGER onboard
fueling systems for
compressed H2 arrive complete
with type-3 or -4 cylinders,
gas street components, and
frames. It’s possible to drop fleet
emissions while maintaining
the same maintenance, fueling,
and route schedules as with
diesel trucks. Standard sizes are
available in working pressures
from 200-700 bar (20-70 MPa)
with capacities up to 2055 L
water for CNG and hydrogen
applications.
Cummins
is testing the new X15N NG
engine with Knight Transportation. The engine
will be launched by 2024..
Entering the E-Zone
Thermo King will participate in Solutrans 2023
presenting its electric alternatives to traditional
transport refrigeration solutions. In Lyon, the
manufacturer willalso showcase Advancer-e:
fully-electric, engineless and power agnostic
trailer refrigeration unit that can operate with
several different power sources.
It’s called E-500e the 100 percent electric
powered, flagship single and multi-temperature
unit in the E-Series range for urban and inner-city
deliveries with electric light commercial vehicles
(e-LCVs). FK2 is Frigoblock’s electric transport
refrigeration unit for rigid trucks.
When in 2021, we introduced our all-electric
portfolio branded evolve, we pledged to lead
the electrification and decarbonisation efforts of
our industry by delivering fully electric products
in every segment of the cold chain by 2023,”
said Laurent Debias, product management and
marketing leader at Thermo King.
Bosch is currently producing fuel cell stacks. The German
company is working on their evolution and, through the promotion
of a circular economy model, those crucial components may cost
significantly less in the future. More into details, almost all the
platinum in fuel-cell stacks – at least 95 percent – can be recovered.
“By recycling, we can make the stacks more economical and at the
same time reduce the carbon emissions associated with platinum
mining,” said Thomas Pauer, the president of the Bosch Powertrain
Solutions division. “We’re already laying the groundwork for
recovering rare raw materials like platinum. Our estimates suggest
that by 2030 at the latest, appreciable numbers of fuel cells will need
recycling”. Under the new model agreement with Hylane, Bosch is
guaranteed an option to repurchase stacks for mobile applications.
The stacks themselves will be recycled by a third-party company.
In the subsequent production process, Bosch will use the platinum
recovered for new Hylane stacks.
A first, important step in this direction is an agreement with the
mobility provider Hylane, which provides for the repurchase of
fuel-cell stacks by Bosch when their useful lives expire. Some of the
hydrogen trucks leased by the Cologne-based startup feature Bosch
fuel-cell power modules. In the long term, this model agreement
could serve as a blueprint for further Bosch fuel-cell activities, both
mobile and distributed, as well as for electrolysis stacks.
According to a 2021 study by the German Mineral Resources
Agency, worldwide platinum demand could increase by some 20
percent by 2040 compared to 2018 production. For fuel-cell stacks in
mobile applications, the use of platinum alone accounts for over 80
percent of the stack’s carbon footprint.
THE ALL-FRENCH E-MOTOR
French players Renault Group
and Valeo are combining their
expertise to create a new electric
motor generation. Laying on
a partnership started in 2021,
the two partners aim to develop
and manufacture a brand-new
efficient electric motor that
makes no use of rare earths.
More into details, each partner
pooled one key part (Renault
Group the rotor, Valeo the
stator) as well as their expertise
in technology development
and production. Technically
speaking, the new E7A motor
will apparently
be 30% more
compact for
equivalent
power than the current motors
equipping the Megane E-Tech
electric and the Scenic E-Tech
electric. The rare-earths-free
rotor technology will be shrinking
its carbon footprint by 30%.
By using a wound rotor instead
of permanent magnets, Renault
is improving the engine’s output,
securing its supply chain and
avoiding reliance on countries
that produce rare earths and
magnets. This third-generation
motor will also help shorten
battery charging times as the
system will be built for 800 volts
instead of 400
volts, which is
the standard
today.
Hi-performance battery
Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has
developed superfast charging LFP battery
named Shenxing. The new product is capable
of delivering 400 km of driving range with a
10-minute charge as well as a range of over
700 km on a single full charge, according to the
manufacturer itself.
Focusing on the very nature of electrochemistry,
CATL continues its innovation in material and
electrochemistry and
system structure in an
all-round way, achieving
superfast charging, high
energy density and high
level of safety at the same
time in a creative manner.
Shenxing leverages the
super electronic network
cathode technology and
fully nano-crystallized LFP cathode material
to create a super electronic network, which
facilitates the extraction of lithium ions and the
rapid response to charging signals.
The brand-new battery is expected to be
produced also in Europe, namely in Germany
and Hungary. Here, the Chinese giant is building
a particularly up-to-date gigafactory located in
Debrecen.
48
49

Kempower will soon introduce Megawatt Charging System (MCS)
for electric trucks and electric vehicles using power above one megawatt. The
Finnish company’s new charging solution is based on their existing technology,
including Kempower’s high power satellite with MCS liquid cooled charging
plug and two 600 kW Kempower Power Units. The manufacturer will begin
deliveries of the new Kempower Megawatt Charging System in Europe during
the first quarter of 2024. The total power of the first delivered Kempower MCS
solution delivery will be 1.2 megawatts. “We are a key part of the critical growth
of the electrification of trucks and heavy-duty transportation. Electric trucks are
gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel trucks. Traditional
heavy-duty trucks account for more than 25 percent of the total CO 2
emissions
from road transport. So, it’s clear that transitioning truck fleets to electric will
have a major impact on climate change mitigation”, said Jussi Vanhanen, Chief
Market Officer at Kempower.
50
INFRASTRUCTURE
KEMPOWER GETS READY FOR 2024
Megawatt is coming
THE FINNISH COMPANY TO LAUNCH MCS
“Electric trucks
are typically
charged with a
DC fast charger
either overnight,
at a warehouse
destination,
or on-themove
along
highways”,
added
Kempower’s
specialist, Jussi
Vanhanen.
CHARGING PARTNERSHIP
Scania and ABB E-mobility announced
the signing of a global framework
agreement in the field of charging
solutions. The agreement enables Scania
to become a full solution provider for
their EV customers, offering a tailored
charging solution together with electric
vehicles. Scania will provide both its
own network and its customers with
ABB E-mobility‘s DC fast charging
technology and solutions, including Terra
360, one of the fastest all-in-one electric
vehicle chargers. ABB E-mobility will
provide Scania with its wide range of
DC charging solutions for home depot
charging, destination charging and public
charging. Earlier this year, ABB E-mobility
and Scania announced a successful
first test in development of a megawatt
charging system (MCS). “With access
to the full breadth of our DC charging
portfolio, we are ensuring that Scania
can recommend the most appropriate
solution for every use case, helping their
customers successfully transition to
electric”, said Chris Nordh, Head of Fleet
& Transit Business at ABB E-mobility.
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YOUR POWER
PARTNER,
WHICHEVER
ROUTE YOU TAKE
Our planet faces a significant challenge as we recognise
the realities of climate change.
That’s why we’re taking action to progress the widest range
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Learn more.
©2023 Cummins Inc.

SAVE UP TO 1.29% FUEL WITH
ALCOA ® WHEELS * , COMPARED
TO STEEL WHEELS **
Summary:
Constant Speed test runs (CST) with a heavy-duty semi-trailer combination,
based on Annex VIII of Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2400 and additional
fuel consumption test results.
Test Vehicle:
Long-Haul truck/trailer combination
with aerodynamic components
• Truck Steer: 22.5” x 9.00” Alcoa ® Ultra ONE ® wheels
• Truck Drive: 22.5” x 9.00” dual Al torque wheels Kistler RoaDyn P1HT
• Trailer: 22.5” x 11.75” ET120 Alcoa ® Ultra ONE ® wheels
Alcoa ® aluminium wheels were tested against two models of steel wheels used on the same test
truck/trailer combination. Find Alcoa ® aluminium wheel specifications in report section 4.2.2*
and steel wheel specifications in report section 4.2.1**
Download the full test report here: www.alcoawheelseurope.com/fuel-saving
Alcoa ® Wheels is a product brand of Howmet Aerospace
www.alcoawheelseurope.com