Fleet operators across Europe have ordered, and in some cases, started using, full-electric HGVs. Below is a round-up of recent news, to help try to understand what is involved in integrating full-electric vehicles into fleets
Electric VehiclesOn certain vehicles with the highline version of the airbag control unit, the electric resistance in the circuit board of the airbag control unit may be interrupted in the event of an accident. Remedy: replace the airbag control unit. Number affected: 4. Manufacturer reference: SRX2104. Vehicle IDs: W1V44770523899800 to W1V44760323897556.
RecallsOn certain vehicles the coolant pump which is controlled by vacuum might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit. Remedy: update the software of the coolant pump and replace the electrical switch valve on the affected vehicles. Additionally, for 2019 models, a check of the vacuum system for possible contamination with coolant or engine oil will be carried out as a precautionary measure for the vehicles in this recall without the so-called fail-boost function on the ESP...
Recalls
Switch Mobility, formerly Optare, will supply a fleet of 12 Metrocity E-Buses to Tower Transit.
Electric Vehicles
Goodyear's SightLine suite of tyre intelligence technologies encompass connected solutions that can, through the use of real-time data and the deep understanding of tyre dynamics, help identify and address issues before they become visible, according to the company.
Tyres & Retreads
James Hall & Co. Ltd, the primary wholesaler to SPAR retailers in the North of England, among other operations, has added three new greener Volvo tractor units to its fleet. The new Volvo Euro VI tractor units are the first equipped with an Ecodrive refrigeration system to be introduced to James Hall & Co. Ltd’s double-decked fleet.
Refrigeration
MAN has carried out the first public demonstration of a near-series prototype battery-electric 4x2 tractor in Berlin.
Electric Vehicles
More than £200 million of government funding will be injected into an extensive zero emission road freight demonstrator programme.
Electric Vehicles
On 12 May the government reaffirmed its plans for a diesel truck phase out starting in 2035 for vehicles under 26t gvw, and has announced large-scale trials for zero-emission vehicles.
Alternative Fuels
A 2022 edition of the ACEA Oil Sequences for Heavy-Duty Engines has been published. The new sequences address engine developments that are driven by a combination of regulatory and performance needs, complemented by necessary test maintenance requirements.
Lubricants & Systems
Volvo Trucks and Deutsche Post DHL Group have signed a cooperation agreement to accelerate the shift to zero-exhaust emission vehicles. DHL intends to intensify its transition to heavy electric trucks by deploying a total of 44 new electric Volvo trucks on routes in Europe.
Electric Vehicles
In March, Renault Truck Commercials officially launched a new authorised test facility (ATF) in Felixstowe.
VOSA Testing