CO2-Flottenemissionsvorgaben, HyTruck, MAN and much more

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set new CO2 fleet emission standards for passenger cars and vans up to 3.8 tons for the years 2027 to 2032, requiring emissions to be reduced by 49% from 2026 levels by 2032. This means manufacturers must stay under a fleet average of 170 grams of CO2 per mile by 2027 and 85 grams of CO2 per mile by 2032. Additionally, the EPA is calling on OEMs to reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. 

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Energy has announced $750 million in funding for 52 hydrogen and fuel cell projects across 24 states. The focus is primarily on boosting domestic production of fuel cells and electrolyzers, especially for heavy commercial vehicles. The Department of Energy expects to create U.S. production capacities for 14 gigawatts of fuel cells and 10 gigawatts of electrolyzers, aiming to power around 15% of the medium and heavy trucks sold annually and produce an additional 1.3 million tons of clean hydrogen per year. 

A new project called "HyTruck," involving partners from Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, and Finland, aims to establish parts of a cross-border network of hydrogen fueling stations for freight transport in the Baltic Sea region and thereby expand the hydrogen infrastructure. The fueling infrastructure is intended to stretch along the Trans-European Transport Network from Rostock through Berlin-Brandenburg, Poznan in Poland, Kaunas in Lithuania, Vidzeme in Latvia, all the way to Helsinki in Finland. This initiative will enable freight and logistics companies to contribute to climate neutrality by investing in hydrogen vehicles. HyTruck is focused on the planning and conceptual development of a transnational hydrogen fueling station network for heavy-duty transport. The project will also investigate locations potentially suitable for hydrogen fueling stations.

ABB E-mobility and MAN Truck & Bus celebrated the debut of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) in Munich. An MAN eTruck was successfully charged at an ABB E-mobility MCS charging station with more than 700 kW and 1,000 A. This marks the installation of one of the first megawatt charging stations in Germany by ABB E-mobility at the MAN site in Munich. The MCS technology standard is expected to enable sustainable long-haul travel for trucks and buses in the future, with the new megawatt charging standard technically designed for charging powers of up to 3.75 MW at 3,000 amperes (A). With the finalization of the MCS standard, charging powers of over one megawatt will be possible, significantly improving charging times. For comparison, current charging stations with the CCS standard (Combined Charging System) can be used by passenger cars and commercial vehicles, offering a maximum of 400 kW charging power at 500 A. The international standardization process for the Megawatt Charging System is expected to be completed this year.

During its annual press conference, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles revealed plans for a comprehensive revamp of all its models, from electric technology and all-wheel drive to increased power. Significant updates are expected for the Caddy, Crafter, Transporter, Multivan, and California. Following last year's introduction of the California Concept, it is now set to make its market debut. The Multivan will be available in 2024 as a 4Motion vehicle and a plug-in hybrid. Additionally, the new Transporter will be unveiled in fall 2024. The ID.Buzz will also receive a significant power boost this year, with the ID. Buzz GTX set to become the most powerful production van of all time with 340 horsepower. The ID.Buzz GTX will standardly come as a 4Motion all-wheel drive in two lengths: with a standard wheelbase and a new 79-kWh battery (gross energy content: 84 kWh) and with an extended wheelbase coupled with a new 86-kWh battery (gross: 91 kWh). Pre-sales begin in the summer. The panel van Crafter will be launched in the first half of 2024 with a new cockpit setup featuring numerous assistance systems. The high-roof combo van Caddy will be released in 2024 again as a plug-in hybrid, combined with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Caddy models are also set to receive a new digital cockpit and numerous assistance systems.

The new research project NICOLHy is focused on developing extremely large tanks for the transportation of liquid hydrogen (LH2), aiming to enhance energy efficiency and safety while reducing manufacturing costs. By using Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP) for thermal insulation, researchers intend to nearly double storage capacity and cut costs by 80%, potentially accelerating the adoption of liquid hydrogen in the energy sector.

The Western Star X-Series has clinched the "Truck of the Year Australasia 2024" award! This truck triumphed over competitors like the Volvo Electric range and Scania trucks equipped with the Super Diesel powertrain. Key criteria for the Truck of the Year Australasia selection included the candidates' contributions to the safety and efficiency of road freight transport. 

"Access to Daimler Truck North America's platform has propelled them to the forefront of the market," said the jury. "In the new X-Series, we see a completely different truck compared to its predecessor. The design updates the Western Star brand to the latest standards. The X-Series also includes the latest features like the automated Detroit DT12 AMT.”

Renault and the Volvo Group have officially established their joint venture named Flexis, aimed at developing a new generation of electric vans. The venture intends to design and manufacture innovative electric vans based on a software-driven 800-volt platform, with production starting in 2026. These fully electric vans will feature various body types built on a new, software-based 800-volt platform with multiple battery sizes. This platform is expected to offer high modularity for different body types at low costs and a breakthrough in safety requirements. 

The goal is to create new networking possibilities for monitoring delivery activities and the business performance of users, aiming to reduce global logistics costs for companies by 30%. 

Simultaneously, Renault's subsidiary The Future is Neutral announced the second-life application of refurbished electric motors for the Zoe, Twingo E-Tech, Kangoo E-Tech, and Master E-Tech, reusable power electronics for Zoe and Kangoo E-Tech, and 2nd-life batteries for the Zoe, Twingo E-Tech, and Megane E-Tech. Starting this year, The Future is Neutral plans to achieve a production capacity of "more than 3,000 refurbished components per year" for electric vehicles at its French facility in Flins. 

Volvo Buses has unveiled the 8900 Electric intercity bus, set to be offered in select European countries in 2025. Based on the new BZR Electric platform, this electric low-entry bus is designed for city, intercity, and commuter transport and will be available in two lengths (12.3 or 14.9 meters). It is planned to be equipped with four to six 90 kWh battery packs, totaling a maximum energy content of 540 kWh. The electric drive will come in either a single-motor version with 200 kW or a dual-motor version with 400 kW.

UPS has launched a pilot project connecting Domodossola (Italy) and Kaldenkirchen (Germany), linking the UPS hubs in Herne and Milan. The company is collaborating with Cargobeamer, a logistics provider for intermodal transport of non-craneable semi-trailers. By shifting to rail, approximately 1,900 kilometers of truck driving and 1.4 tons of CO2 emissions can be saved per trip. Annually, this amounts to more than 350 tons of CO2. UPS aims to expand its European network for parcel transport with this initiative.

The Hamburg-based startup Avnson has announced two foldable e-cargo bikes, the "Urbanox" and "Urbanox Mini," which can be folded in under 40 seconds. The "Urbanox" cargo bike is available in three model variants, with a loading area, basket, or bag. It features a Shimano drive, a cable steering system, 20-inch wheels, and is designed for a total allowable weight of 200 kilograms. The "Urbanox Mini" with a rear hub motor is 200 millimeters shorter. Both models are available for order now and will be available at select retailers starting May, with the "Urbanox" available in May and the "Urbanox Mini" in the fall.

Cowboy has also introduced a new e-bike named Cross, featuring a new "All-Road Design" with an inverted front suspension fork, seat suspension, large tires, and a luggage rack. Customers can choose between three colors and two frame designs. The battery now has a 540 Wh capacity, offering a range of 60 to 120 km (charging time: 3 hours).

Maxus is now offering the electric transporter eDeliver 7, introduced last year, in Germany. With this mid-sized e-transporter, the Chinese brand fills the gap between the smaller eDeliver 3 and the larger eDeliver 9. 

The Saxony-based company Ari Motors now offers its small e-transporter, the Ari 458, with a garbage collection body. Like the other versions of the Ari 458, the garbage collection vehicle reaches a top speed of 80 km/h (about 50 mph), consumes, according to the manufacturer, 7.1 kWh/100km, and can carry up to 531 kilograms (about 1171 pounds) of garbage.