Heavy, unceasing rain, overflowing watercourses and an often-inadequate network of surface water drains mean that highways can flood with alarming rapidity, creating hazardous driving conditions. Steve Banner assesses the risks for light commercial vehicles
A former merchant navy marine engineer is one of the first SOE members to obtain an IEng qualification through an alternative experiential route. Avoiding the need to write a technical report, Matthew Clark’s successful application drew on skills developed during his working life
A first-of-a-kind implementation of geofencing technology in the UK will help keep passengers safe and comfortable on Stagecoach's lines A, B, C around Cambridge, which run partly on a custom-built busway
How much fuel is enough? In the real world, most of us fill up completely every time we visit a forecourt. And data from the Battery Electric Truck Trial presented at the Cenex-LCV show reveal that triallists using EVs did the same thing. Almost all charges were to 100%, and 80% of the time the 19t rigids had a state of charge greater than 50%. In other words, trial data suggests that users didn’t need the 282kWh batteries (providing up to 175mi range) fitted. More from that trial next month.
Electric Vehicles
Recently, the number of vehicle fires reported by licensed public service operators has increased. While none have resulted in injuries, these incidents have raised fears over the risk that fires pose to the driver and passengers. In July, DVSA released a report on the subject, summarised here
Thermal management, air supply and power steering are just three systems that have had to be redesigned to suit hybrid and electric vehicles. Training is the key to improving the operating lifetime of these products, writes John Simmons of supplier Imperial Engineering
Internal combustion engine-based drivetrains can slow down a vehicle in many different ways without resorting to the service brake, finds Lucy Radley
Acknowledged with a special award in the 2023 IRTE Skills Challenge, mature apprentice Thang Tang at First Bus is on the move to become qualified
Richard Simpson examines the approaches taken by two manufacturers in the transition to battery-electric powered buses
Battery Technology
Wales-based Faun Trackway has turned to Mercedes-Benz Trucks for a specifically-built eight wheeler that will assist in showcasing its technology to international audiences.
Refuels has announced the construction of a biomethane refuelling station in Aylesford, Kent, capable of fuelling more than 500 heavy goods vehicles (HGV) per day.
Müller Milk & Ingredients is testing whether solar panels and kinetic energy can power its refrigerated heavy goods vehicle (HGV) trailers as an alternative to diesel engines.
Alternative Fuels