Hyundai Motor Company and Cummins to Collaborate on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

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COLUMBUS, Ind. & SEOUL, Korea–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hyundai Motor Company and Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), announced today that the two global powertrain leaders have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly evaluate opportunities to develop and commercialize electric and fuel cell powertrains.

These new powertrains are expected to be developed by combining Hyundai’s fuel cell systems with Cummins’ electric powertrain, battery, and control technologies. The initial development will be focused on the North American commercial vehicle market, including working with North American OEMs on the integration of these systems into their vehicles. The companies will also explore ways they can work together to develop next generation fuel cell systems, and have each committed to assign a team of individuals to investigate and pursue other areas of collaboration.

“This partnership is a terrific opportunity for both companies to leverage our respective strengths and create new opportunities to grow and broaden the product portfolio we bring to our customers,” said Thad Ewald, Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Cummins Inc. “We’ve made significant investments over the past year to accelerate our fuel cell capabilities including our acquisition of Hydrogenics and this partnership is another step forward.”

“With Hyundai’s global leadership in fuel cell systems coupled with Cummins’ unparalleled electrified powertrain technologies, we expect this partnership to leave a mark in the commercial vehicle market,” said Saehoon Kim, Vice President and Head of Fuel Cell Group at Hyundai Motor Group. “Collaborations such as this will enable us to further diversify our business, as well as reinforce our global hydrogen leadership through sales of new and existing Hyundai fuel cell systems.”

This partnership provides a springboard for Hyundai Motor Company to increase its presence in the North American commercial vehicle market, and Cummins to enhance its electrified power product portfolio by adding Hyundai’s advanced fuel cell technologies.

The new collaboration may extend beyond the commercial vehicle market, as the companies will also evaluate the development of fuel cell power generators. The availability of reliable back-up power generation to prevent data loss in emergency situations is a business-critical requirement for many organizations. Fuel cell back-up power generation is attractive for its reduced carbon footprint.

A developing global fuel cell market

The MOU comes at a time of heightened demand for fuel cell technology. Hydrogen can be produced from renewable sources, stored economically, and deployed for a diverse range of industrial and residential energy-generation applications; as well as used in fuel cell passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Energy experts predict hydrogen will become increasingly important in meeting fast-growing global energy demand, while also supporting efforts to drive down carbon emissions from energy generation.

Hyundai Motor is a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology, having opened the world’s first commercial production facility for fuel cell vehicles in 2013, and released the world’s first commercialized hydrogen-powered vehicle, the Tucson Fuel Cell, in 2015. The NEXO, Hyundai’s second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle with a range of over 610 kilometers, is a versatile, three-row SUV that emits clean water vapor and even purifies the air while driving.

Hyundai fuel cell systems are comprised of fuel cell stacks which convert stored hydrogen into electricity, as well as other sub-components — collectively referred to as balance of plant (BoP) —for thermal management and air supply among other integral processes for power generation.

Cummins is a world leader in advanced powertrains and in 2018 launched its Electrified Power business segment, which designs and manufactures fully electric and hybrid powertrain systems along with innovative components and subsystems to serve commercial markets as they adopt electrification. To date, the business has introduced complete electrified powertrain solutions in six markets across seven applications and continues to launch market leading products with customers across the world.

Ford Lays out Extensive EV Charging Plans

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Ford has announced plans for what the automaker says will be North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) public charging network, with more than 12,000 places to charge, including fast charging, and more than 35,000 charge plugs.

Ford is providing two years of complimentary access to the FordPass Charging Network (starting with an original vehicle sales date). The company is working with Greenlots to bring together multiple charging providers to develop the network.

In collaboration with Electrify America, the FordPass Charging Network will provide access to DC fast chargers. At a 150 kW charger, customers can add an estimated 47 miles of range in 10 minutes. For longer trips, customers can charge their battery from 10% to 80% in 45 minutes using an Electrify America DC fast charger.

Proterra Rolls out Multi-Dispenser Charger for Heavy-Duty Electric Fleets

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Proterra, a provider of heavy-duty electric transportation, has launched a multi-dispenser charging solution that enables Proterra charging systems to have multiple low-profile charging dispensers paired with a single power control system (PCS).

With less hardware to purchase and less equipment to install, the multi-dispenser charging solution is designed to lower the cost of infrastructure for customers, says Proterra. It is also optimal for space-constrained depots and parking facilities.

The solution enables automated, sequential vehicle charging with up to four dispensers per PCS. Sequential charging allows multiple vehicles to charge one after the other automatically and at full power. Multi-dispenser charging is enabled for Proterra’s 60 kW and 125 kW systems and serves the Proterra Catalyst transit vehicle, as well as the Proterra Powered Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus. For customers who already have Proterra chargers, the multi-dispenser solution can be retrofitted onto existing PCS units.

UPS Announces Huge Natural Gas Truck Expansion

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In a partnership with Agility Fuel Solutions, UPS has announced plans to add a whopping 6,000 natural gas trucks to its fleet.

The three-year commitment will begin in 2020 and run through 2022. The new vehicles will be equipped with compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel systems provided under an exclusive agreement with Agility, a business of Hexagon Composites.

Agility will provide end-to-end solutions for heavy-duty gas trucks, terminal tractors and medium-duty walk-in vans (i.e., UPS’ familiar brown delivery trucks). These solutions will include on-board CNG fuel storage and management, as well as Agility’s natural gas engine fuel systems. Since 2016, the company has provided natural gas fuel storage and delivery systems to more than 1,700 UPS trucks.

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with UPS, a front-runner in clean transportation,” says Seung Baik, president of Agility Fuel Solutions. “With our range of proven and reliable clean fuel technologies and aftermarket support capabilities, we will assist UPS in reaching its sustainability targets.”

UPS Invests $450 Million in CNG Trucks, Stations

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UPS Inc. announced it will spend $450 million to add 6,000 vehicles powered by compressed natural gas as well as supporting infrastructure beginning next year. It is the largest multiyear commitment UPS has made to date for alternative fuel vehicles.

The additions include heavy-duty trucks, medium-duty package vans, and terminal tractors.

UPS expects to have finished adding the equipment by 2022.

“We have been deploying natural gas vehicles for many years. We greatly accelerated our deployment of natural gas stations and vehicles starting in 2013. We no longer consider our natural gas fleet to be in a test or experimental phase, but rather it is mainstream for UPS now,” a UPS spokesperson told Transport Topics. “We closely follow oil and natural gas prices, but we believed back in 2013 that natural gas in the U.S. would be relatively stable in cost versus oil-based fuels. That has proven to be the case and we see that continuing for the foreseeable future.”

Agility Fuel Solutions, a business of Hexagon Composites, will supply the fuel systems. Since 2016, Agility has provided natural gas fuel storage and delivery systems to more than 1,700 UPS trucks.

Additionally, TruStar Energy will design, manufacture and install five CNG fueling stations in Lathrop, Visalia and Moreno Valley, Calif., Houston and Cleveland.

LPG Spotlight: Rhoads Energy

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Propane’s versatility is one of the fuel’s best-known and unique characteristics.

It provides customers clean fuel options for a variety of uses and offers fuel marketers business flexibility.

From home heating to autogas and everything in between, the versatility of propane is attractive to energy companies looking to diversify their assets while growing sales and gallons.

Rhoads Energy, a full-service energy provider in south central Pennsylvania, saw the versatile value of propane as key to its ultimate success.

“What we like about propane is that it’s a year-round fuel,” says Mike DeBerdine, CEO of Rhoads Energy. “That’s something we don’t get from heating oil. We use propane to keep the money flowing year-round because we see year-round opportunities outside of home heating.”

Rhoads Energy added propane to its fuel offerings six years ago with zero customers and an ambitious plan to grow organically. To spearhead this objective, Jennifer Goldbach, vice president of business development, got to work providing propane autogas to local school districts and converting diesel buses to run on propane. This initiative was two-fold, accomplishing environmental and business goals for the company.

“We have been part of this community for over 100 years, and we feel it’s our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment,” Goldbach says. “Propane helps us do that.”

 

CNH Investment Deal Boosts Nikola Motor and Hydrogen Transport

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Despite strong marketing, a large self-reported order book and important industry partners such as Bosch, hydrogen fuel cell truck developer Nikola Motor still needs to get the trucking industry to take it seriously. Comparisons with Tesla and its location in the notoriously conservative U.S. truck market haven’t helped its position. Still, the recent $1 billion investment round in the Phoenix, Ariz., startup led by London-based CNH Industrial, parent of truck maker IVECO, is an encouraging move. That vote of confidence by a global industry player should temper those who question the ability of Nikola to execute on its business model and introduce hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty trucks.

NIKOLA BENEFITS

Nikola will benefit significantly from production expertise, purchasing power, verified parts and logistics through this new venture. This is a major advantage for Nikola, which is looking to scale and build credible products. Other start-ups may be seeking similar major brand investments. This may spark future tie-ups or consolidation within the start-up space. In the meantime, they can opt for resources like business cards in order to grow their business.

CNH Industrial has lagged behind other commercial truck companies with its vehicle electrification development. A fuel cell truck uses an electric powertrain. But it replaces the battery with a fuel cell stack that converts hydrogen into electricity to power the vehicle.

CNH has pursued a strategy focusing on natural gas to meet emission goals. With the increasing number of low and zero-emission zones, particularly in Europe, and ever-tightening regional emission norms, CNH now views electrification as the most viable option for the future. The Nikola investment gives CNH access to a raft of technologies from Nikola that will help jump-start its electrification program. Additionally, as CNH navigates these changes, consulting with a local liquidation office can provide guidance on managing any potential financial adjustments and future strategies.

Notably, Nikola’s advances in software-over-the air and infotainment will give CNH an advantage with regard to vehicle connectivity and intelligence, a coming battleground for commercial vehicle vendors. Nikola, or fleet owners, will add functionality and fix issues remotely. This means less downtime and the ability to add functionality or integrate fleet management directly into the truck. Errors with software are a major cause of vehicles requiring service.

Penske Adds Electric Terminal Tractor to Fleet

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Penske Truck Leasing is growing its electric vehicle fleet with the addition of the Kalmar Ottawa Electric Terminal Tractor (T2E).

The introduction of these new all-electric commercial vehicles into Penske’s fleet is another in a series of recent moves the company has undertaken to test and showcase electric vehicles (EVs) and help bring them to market, the company says.

“We remain committed to being at the forefront of commercial vehicle electrification for our customers,” explains Brian Hard, president and CEO of Penske Transportation Solutions. “Adding the capability of an electric terminal tractor is a natural next step, as they are an essential part of the mix for fleet operations. Penske and Kalmar Ottawa have a long-standing relationship, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to provide our customers with reliable and innovative yard trucks for their fleets.”

Penske Adds Electric Terminal Tractor to Fleet

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Penske Truck Leasing is growing its electric vehicle fleet with the addition of the Kalmar Ottawa Electric Terminal Tractor (T2E).

The introduction of these new all-electric commercial vehicles into Penske’s fleet is another in a series of recent moves the company has undertaken to test and showcase electric vehicles (EVs) and help bring them to market, the company says.

“We remain committed to being at the forefront of commercial vehicle electrification for our customers,” explains Brian Hard, president and CEO of Penske Transportation Solutions. “Adding the capability of an electric terminal tractor is a natural next step, as they are an essential part of the mix for fleet operations. Penske and Kalmar Ottawa have a long-standing relationship, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to provide our customers with reliable and innovative yard trucks for their fleets.”

Penske Trucking Leasing has previously announced the addition of light-, medium- and heavy-duty battery electric vehicles to its fleet, as well as the construction of EV charging infrastructure.

The Kalmar Ottawa T2E, which is powered by lithium-ion battery technology, features an on-board inverter charger that allows the machine to be opportunity-charged during natural working breaks.

Officials Agree on Plan to Boost Ethanol, Biodiesel

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The Trump administration has agreed to a new plan for boosting renewable fuels and offsetting waivers exempting oil refineries from mandates to use them, according to three people familiar with the matter who asked for anonymity before a formal announcement.

The tentative agreement, which follows weeks of negotiations, would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to offset those waivers in response to criticism from industry advocates and Midwestern politicians that the exemptions have hurt demand for corn-based ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel.

Under the deal, the EPA would factor recent waivers into new annual biofuel quotas, by adjusting the targets to reflect a three-year rolling average of exemptions. White House officials also rejected a bid by oil industry allies to prevent spikes in the prices of biofuel compliance credits refiners use to prove they have fulfilled the targets.

The agreement reflects a deal pitched by farm-state senators to the president earlier this month.

Ethanol producers surged on the news. Green Plains Inc., which had been trading below the Sept. 30 closing price, rose as much as 2.5%. Pacific Ethanol Inc. jumped as much as 9.4%.

Renewable Identification Numbers tracking 2019 conventional biofuel consumption targets jumped 12% to 19 cents a piece — the steepest one-day gain since Sept. 16, according to broker data compiled by Bloomberg.