B-On is to debut its all-electric Pelkan light commercial vehicle, which will be available for public test drives at the Commercial Vehicle Show. The company will also display its smart dispenser technology, which is expected to save time loading and unloading packages, as well as its EES (Electrical Energy Storage) unit, which uses second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries to store power for cheaper and greener EV charging.
Sany is to bring its electric truck with a Putzmeister concrete mixer on the back as the company looks to Zenobe for charging infrastructure. Shaun O’Connor, regional sales manager at Putzmeister, says the 8x4 truck comes with a 32-tonne payload and a 350kW battery pack.
PHVC will showcase an electric minibus and a wheelchair-accessible version that includes a hydraulic underfloor cassette lift. The Ford E-Transit 15-seat minibus comes with a 400V battery featuring 68kWh of usable power. The vehicle offers a range of between 166-196 miles and can be charged in 34 minutes from 15% to 80% on a DC fast charge.
Renault‘s stand at the Commercial Vehicle Show will feature a full-electrified line-up, including the Master E-Tech and the Traffic E-Tech. The Master E-Tech is powered by a 105kW motor and benefits from an 87kWh battery that provides a theoretical range of more than 255 miles. Using a 130kW DC fast charge adds 229km (142 miles) of range in 30 minutes, while a 22kW AC home charger tops up the battery from 10% to 100% in under four hours.
Intelligent Energy is taking part in a project in which it replaced a 44-tonne truck’s diesel engine with two of its hydrogen fuel cells. Project partner Viritech provided its energy management hardware and software to target mass parity with HGV diesel powertrains. Meanwhile, Horiba MIRA delivered the truck’s thermal systems modelling and engineering systems integration.
Commercial Fuel Solutions is to showcase its e-power 45kVA H2ICE Power Generator, which represents a further development in hydrogen power technology. The generator operates with an internal combustion engine instead of fuel cell, enabling access to industrial grade hydrogen. It also comes with a 3.7L Ford V6 hydrogen engine, an output voltage of 230V/45kVA and an operating temperature of -30°C to +45°C.
Parksafe is to showcase its artificial intelligence-based ‘Intelligent Pedestrian Detection’ system, which supports drivers in detecting and protecting vulnerable road users by eliminating blind spots and detecting objects around the vehicle. When an object is detected, drivers will be alerted with audible and visual warnings coded as green, amber and red. This allows the driver to make a decision based on the colour, thereby giving them more awareness and confidence in congested areas.
Y3K is to unveil its affordable Smart-I tracking and video telematics range, which is said to deliver the latest technology at a fraction of the price of existing manufacturers. The range includes a suite of products, such as the Smart-I Portable Trackers. Weighing from 123g, they provide real-time and historical tracking data, including location, speed and direction.
Additionally, Smart-I Camera Trackers combine tracking, telematics and camera technology in one product. Meanwhile, the Smart-I web and mobile apps provide businesses with control over their assets and fleets on their smartphones.
Aquarius IT is to demonstrate how its suite of integrated compliance and systems – including a workplace app – are helping operators make light work of administering and reporting on all areas of fleet management relating to driver and vehicle activity. The app supports incident reporting, document management and eSign (infringement reporting). This allows users to communicate, interact and record data, and ensures drivers have access to company information, in real time, from their mobile or tablet.
Totalkare will demonstrate a heavy-duty wheel alignment system from Hunter Engineering, having recently become a distributor of the technology. The Quick Check vehicle inspection system provides an overview of a vehicle’s alignment, tyre condition and brake performance, and allows fleet operators to identify potential issues before they escalate.
As well as being available to chat through any legal issues operators have, Backhouse Jones will be promoting its retainer product, Backup. The solution allows operators to get 24/7 advice and representation on road regulatory and employment matters for a monthly fee: for details, see www.tinyurl.com/966w6dyr. The company will also promote its regulatory compliance review product and live transport specific training, delivered online through Back Academy by experienced lawyers: more at www.tinyurl.com/4682ymry.
Trakm8 will unveil its RH800, a mobile digital video recorder that comes with built-in telematics. “The RH800 is a connected camera system and is useful for operators that need four camera sets around the HGVs and vans that want more of a 360-degree view around the vehicle,” Trakm8’s head of marketing, Nick Guise, says. “We will also be showcasing our fleet AI optimisation [solution], which is used by Iceland Foods to manage their customer orders online.”
Chevin Fleet Solutions will launch a tool embedded within its FleetWave fleet management software that allows users to create data capture forms, automate processes and notify users in real time. Data flows between the central FleetWave database and the FleetWave Driver App. This integrated closed loop system allows instant actions and push notifications, while removing the need for multiple third-party apps. The new tool – SmartForms – lets the user create any digital process, which can help to reduce vehicle downtime, minimise administrative tasks and enhance fleet efficiency.
BOX: PARTNER POINTS
Will Reeves, SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), says: “The show is a great opportunity for operators to discuss with manufacturers how they can bring them into their operations. The seminar workshops are not to be missed.”
Paul Mummery, RHA, adds: “In heavy haulage, there are a lot of questions around whether this will be battery, hydrogen or both.
“Borne out of that, we have taken the bull by horns by doing our own decarbonisation journey, which brings people across the industry together to share information and try to chart a way forward.”
BOX: RACK CATALOGUE
System Edström is introducing a range of deeper, wider drawers for vans at the Commercial Vehicle Show. These drawers come in three heights that stack within its racking. Also available is a new selection of drawer dividers to help keep tools and equipment better organised. A holder for plastic carry bins is now also available, which can be attached to pegboards to make the bins more convenient. There is also a sturdier shelf for System Edströms’s tool cases and improved airline mounts.
Meanwhile, Bott is developing its Bott Toolkit to provide drivers with a hub of information that can be accessed digitally. “QR codes are being placed on each vehicle as they come through the conversion centre. Drivers can scan the QR code, register the van and get access to information on safety requirements out on the road or information or tiredness behind the wheel,” says the company’s UK marketing manager, Oona Richards.