New sparks for the electric vehicle industry

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Thinking back to the beginning of 2020 can seem like a lifetime ago. Before the pandemic took root on a global level, the transportation industry was already in the midst of a great and exciting transition. The move to electric vehicles (EVs) was intensifying.

Take General Motors, for example. In early March, the company announced it would have 20 new EVs by 2023. It also is tackling ambitious innovations with its Ultium battery and propulsion system that could enable a GM-estimated range up to 400 miles or more on a full charge with 0 to 60 mile-per-hour acceleration as low as three seconds.

And then COVID-19 hit. Sales for all vehicles plummeted. But new consumer revelations were (and are) occurring on a daily basis — and it is good news for the EV market.

People are appreciating how skies can be clearer and bluer with fewer cars on the road. We’re learning the value of our time and resources with lessons in how to shop more efficiently with fewer trips. With a growing unease in taking public transportation, the demand for electric bikes and cars is also skyrocketing.

While governmental incentives for the EV market in the United States are minimal, the private sector is jumping on board to continue the momentum and meet the new consumer demand.

In June, Lyft announced that every vehicle on its platform will be electric by 2030. Despite a setback in the construction of its factory during the shutdown, Rivian will debut its electric pickup truck and electric SUV next summer. The company is also on track to manufacture more than 100,000 electric vans for Amazon. And GM isn’t shying away from its announcement and commitment to EVs, stating in May that it is continuing at full speed.

But there is still much more that needs to change and be done.

The present and future opportunities for EVs
What can be done to propel the EV industry even further despite the current global climate with COVID-19? Like anything in today’s landscape, it’s complicated — but it’s possible to achieve new inroads.

Let’s be honest. EV design and manufacturing comes with an entirely different set of challenges, even without a global pandemic as a backdrop. From EV design to manufacturing and battery optimization and production, we must address needed changes head-on for a radical, new approach to design and manufacturing.

DOE funding for vehicle technology shows ‘parity for propane’

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Industry leaders are hailing Department of Energy (DOE) research funding totaling more than $9 million for vehicle technologies utilizing propane. They are also recognizing the years-long path to get LPG on an equal playing field with other energy sources in the top level of government.

“There’s been a concerted effort between PERC and NPGA to reengage with the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO),” says Cinch Munson, senior vice president of business development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “PERC and NPGA coordinated our efforts well, and what we saw happen this year was the fruits of that labor.”

Six propane-related projects were part of DOE’s July pledge of $139 million for 55 projects selected to advance innovative vehicle technologies. The VTO, an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy office that supports research, development and deployment of efficient and sustainable transportation technologies, made the funding available to applicants in specific topic areas. But the annual appropriations process in Congress makes the funding possible.

“We have been working on this for several years to ensure there is parity for propane compared to other alternative fuels when it comes to research and development funding opportunities,” says Mike Caldarera, senior vice president of advocacy and technical services at the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA).

In its meetings with legislators charged with determining the levels of funding authorized for each agency, NPGA conveys the value and environmental benefits of propane and highlights potential projects where the funds could be used, Caldarera says.

The amount awarded for propane-related projects in fiscal year 2020 – $9,017,921 – nearly doubled the $5 million the industry received in appropriations funding for propane engine technology in 2016.

Republic Services, Aria Energy and bp Partner on RNG Project

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Republic Services, a company that specializes in recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal, and energy partners Aria Energy and bp have partnered on a landfill gas to renewable natural gas (RNG) project at the Tennessee-based South Shelby Landfill. The project directly supports Republic’s commitment to send 50% more landfill gas to beneficial reuse by 2030.

South Shelby Landfill is one of 189 active, modern-day landfills managed by Republic Services, the second-largest recycling and waste services provider in the country. Aria operates the project, processing and purifying biogas from the landfill into RNG. bp will transport the RNG into the interstate natural gas pipeline grid and market it to renewable energy customers. This is Aria and bp’s fourth RNG project at a Republic Services landfill.

“The South Shelby RNG project upholds our ongoing commitment to converting low-carbon fuel sources like landfill gas into renewable energy for vehicles, homes and businesses,” says Richard DiGia, president and CEO of Aria Energy.

Natural Gas, Alternative Fuels Use for Truck Fleets Said Accelerating

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Alternative fuels use in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is accelerating in nearly all U.S. transportation sectors, according to a new report.

The Sustainable Fleets Report issued Tuesday was completed by a consortium headed by consultants Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA).

The study looked at natural gas vehicles (NGV), propane, battery electric vehicles (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell EVs in the medium- and heavy-duty fleets. The report was sponsored by Daimler Trucks North America, Penske Transportation Solutions, Shell Oil Co. and Exelon Corp.

Researchers said diesel and gasoline would continue to dominate the commercial fleet market. However, about 98% of the fleet companies surveyed expect to increase or continue at the same level their use of sustainable vehicles and fuels.

Investments are increasing for NGVs, propane, BEVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Fleets also confirmed there was “no material performance loss” when switching to most renewable fuels.

GNA concluded that near-zero emission, ultra-low greenhouse gas emission NGVs have “achieved a level of technological and commercial maturity.” NGV fleet sales grew by 13% last year, hitting an all-time high of 6,000 vehicles sold. Renewable natural gas and gas used in transportation increased 30% from 2015 through 2019.

Electric vehicle maker, Lucid Air, announces an estimated EPA range of 517 miles on a single charge

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Lucid Motors, which seeks to set new standards for sustainable transportation with its advanced luxury EVs, announced independent range verification of 517 miles on a single charge for its forthcoming Lucid Air all-electric sedan.

This new benchmark range was secured with FEV North America, Inc. in Auburn Hills, Michigan, applying the EPA’s Multicycle Test Procedure (SAE J1634 Oct 2012 Standard) with the standard adjustment factor. The results confirm that the Lucid Air is the longest range electric vehicle to date.

“I’m delighted that the Lucid Air has been independently verified by FEV to achieve an estimated EPA range of 517 miles, and that this landmark in the history of EV development has been achieved entirely through Lucid’s in-house technology,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid Motors. “I believe that our 900-volt architecture, our race proven battery packs, miniaturized motors and power electronics, integrated transmission systems, aerodynamics, chassis and thermal systems, software, and overall system efficiency has now reached a stage where it collectively sets a new standard and delivers a host of ‘world’s firsts.’”

Independent Verification of New Range Record
FEV is a leading independent, international engineering service provider of vehicle and powertrain development for hardware and software, with service offerings that include range certification. FEV’s exhaustive verification process closely follows the official EPA standard testing procedure and has been executed for several leading vehicle manufacturers. Lucid conducted thousands of miles of real-world range testing, and FEV’s results validate these endeavors.

“FEV has tested many vehicles across a wide range of consumer and industrial use cases, with electric vehicle development and testing as one of our core competencies,” said Dean Tomazic, CTO, FEV North America, Inc. “We are impressed by the pace of progress in this area, as exemplified by our testing of the Lucid Air, and are proud to play a vital role in the development of e-mobility.”

Ronn Motor Group Teases Upcoming Hydrogen-Powered Electric SUV

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The world is racing toward electric vehicles, but there are other alternative fuel sources out there like hydrogen. Various automakers have dipped a toe into exploring hydrogen power, with some continuing development even as the fuel source’s future feels uncertain. But that’s not stopping Ronn Motor Group from investing in the technology. Yesterday, the company announced it’d launch a new hydrogen-powered electric SUV called the Myst.

The name references a hydrogen vehicle’s byproduct – water vapor. The new SUV, set to launch in 2022, will ride on the company’s flexible Q-Series chassis that could underpin a fleet of different body styles, including delivery vehicles, with both hydrogen fuel cell and all-electric powertrains. Ronn says the new SUV will take styling cues from the Scorpion, the company’s “hydrogen enhanced” supercar that debuted over a decade ago as a concept.

Details about the Myst are scarce. Ronn says it’ll be engineered in the US “by a team of automotive industry experts.” Now, the design team is finalizing the SUV’s appearance before a public reveal at a later date. The chassis could spawn other models, like a crossover, sedan, and an MPV, each of which would feature a unique, though corporate styling.

Since its inception, it has grown into a multinational corporation with about 80 executives and engineers in the US and China. The company plans to launch a mid-duty Class 3-6 fuel cell truck in late 2021, which will be produced at one of Ronn’s joint ventures in China, where the company has a footprint. The Qingdao municipal government has pre-orders that could equal $200 million in sales, too.

Get in on trucking fuel revolution early, experts urge

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Fleets should educate themselves about the array of fuel alternatives as the industry transitions away from diesel, an expert panel said on Tuesday.
A “State of Sustainable Fleets” report provides insights into clean truck sales trends, vehicle development timelines, infrastructure and fuel costs.
A century ago, four out of 10 vehicles were powered by steam, four out of 10 were electric and only two were gas, said Georgia Delpiano, vice president of fleet solutions for Shell Oil Co. “So whoever bet on steam did not make a good choice.”
While the variety of clean fuel options on the market can seem overwhelming or cost-prohibitive, trucking fleets should educate themselves now about the array of alternatives as the industry continues its inevitable transition away from diesel, an expert panel said on Tuesday.

“The best way to get through the transition is to be part of it,” said Georgia Delpiano, vice president of fleet solutions for Shell Oil Co.

Delpiano was one of several industry experts who participated in a panel discussion tied to the launch of a report providing an overview of the most common sustainable fuel platforms for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

Sponsored by Shell, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and Penske Transportation Solutions, the “State of Sustainable Fleets” report, released on Tuesday, includes insights into sales trends, vehicle development timelines, infrastructure and fuel costs, and the growing adoption of renewable fuels.

The analysis was written by green vehicle consultancy Gladstein, Neandross, and Associates (GNA) and covers four categories of fuel options: natural gas, propane, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells. It also summarizes sustainability trends in “baseline technologies” — gas and diesel — and compares the new green technologies to those baseline fuels.

Corn cobs and cars: Ethanol fuels transportation

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uring my second week as the 73rd Alice in Dairyland, I was excited to put some miles on “Kernel,” the flex-fuel Ford Explorer, as I traveled to see the United Wisconsin Grain Producers ethanol production facility in Friesland. I learned that UWGP uses over 20 million bushels of corn every year for ethanol production and that yeast plays a key role in the process.

The type of corn used to make ethanol is “No. 2 Yellow.” It is not the sweet corn or the canned corn found in grocery stores. Only 3% of this corn goes directly into food products as corn meal, oil, syrup or starch. In fact, ethanol may help lower the cost of all food items in the grocery store as one of the largest factors in food prices is transportation. Ethanol also reduces the cost of fuel.

Agility Fuel Solutions Introduces Third-Gen Roof Mount CNG Fuel System

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Agility Fuel Solutions, a global provider of clean fuel solutions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, has introduced its new third-generation roof mount compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system for automated side loader, rear-end loader and front end loader refuse collection vehicles.

Agility introduced its roof mount CNG fuel systems for refuse fleets in 2001, and since then they have been used widely by fleets large and small across North America. With a design utilizing Agility’s lightweight carbon fiber composite TUFFSHELL ACF Type 4 CNG cylinders, and with fuel capacity options ranging from 60-92 diesel gallons equivalent (DGE), the roof mount systems can meet the needs of any refuse fleet. The internal CNG plumbing was redesigned to significantly reduce potential leak points and the placement of pressure relief devices (PRDs) for fire safety was improved to provide optimal coverage based on where fires are most likely to occur. Similarly, modern safety solutions now include fire shutters that are both highly efficient and compliant with safety standards. They are indispensable in providing a secure environment in both residential and commercial settings. Check out https://www.coopersfire.com/products/fire-shutters/ for more details. However, if you need help with your plumbing system, a reliable service like Wills Plumbing can be of great assistance. In addition, Sydney drain unblocking services can provide fast and effective solutions for clearing blocked drains, ensuring that your entire plumbing infrastructure operates efficiently and without disruption.

“With nearly 20 years of use in the field and with tens of thousands of systems on the road, we have seen the roof mount CNG fuel systems put to the test in nearly every imaginable scenario,” says Eric Bippus, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Agility.

Cadillac Set to Debut First All-Electric Vehicle

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Cadillac is turning to its next chapter as an electric-vehicle brand with the debut of the 2022 Cadillac Lyriq crossover.

The battery-powered Lyriq, Cadillac’s first all-electric vehicle, will debut online Aug. 6. Although the Lyriq is not expected to hit showrooms until sometime in 2022, it marks the beginning of Cadillac’s dive into electrics. General Motors Co.’s stated goal is to sell more Cadillacs with rechargeable batteries than gas tanks by 2030.

Some industry observers see it as a chance for Cadillac to finally move ahead of foreign luxury-makers. Others question whether it’s realistic in a time when only a small percentage of buyers shop electrics.

“It’s no secret they want to elevate their brand, they want to compete with the European luxury automakers, and it seems like they’ve tried various avenues like performance,” said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights for market researcher Edmunds. “So I wonder if this is one of those ways that they want to differentiate themselves, but it’s not necessarily going to materialize into anything that is long-lasting.”

Steve Carlisle, senior vice president and president of Cadillac — and soon to become executive vice president and president of North America — told reporters in December that by 2030, he expects “to see the internal combustion fade away and the electric start to dominate. We will be in a position to be 100% electric by the latter part of the decade.”

Automotive industry analyst Karl Brauer is wary of long-term commitments like Carlisle’s: “Because nobody is going to look back and say, ‘He was wrong, they’re not all electric.’ In other words, what’s he got to lose by making that prediction?”

Cadillac’s plan hasn’t changed since December, despite a two-month shutdown of plants due to the pandemic that drove the automaker to an $800 million loss in the second quarter. GM says it’s still pushing forward on its aggressive EV plans, Lyriq included. The automaker aims to have 20 electric nameplates globally by 2023 and will spend $20 billion on electric and autonomous vehicle production through 2025.

GM picked Cadillac as the brand to lead its transition to EVs. Cadillac first teased images of the Lyriq in spring 2019. Though GM has been secretive on details, it has confirmed the electric crossover will have a 33-inch display screen and will be fitted with Super Cruise, GM’s advanced driver-assist technology.

The Lyriq will be powered by GM’s new Ultium battery, which has energy options ranging from 50 to 200 kWh. The automaker estimates the batteries will be able to push some vehicles to 400 miles or more on a single charge.