HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems) unveiled its hydrogen powertrain in the form of its new 40-tonne hydrogen-electric demonstrator heavy goods vehicle (HGV).
HVS’s tractor units will be built on an all-new chassis, designed in-house around the hydrogen powertrain, which consists of pressurised hydrogen cylinders, fuel cells, an energy storage system and electrified rear axle.
Head of design Pete Clarke says the HGV on display has passed the early demonstrator phase and is currently a test prototype. “Beyond that, we would go into what we call the X phase [to] prove out various iterations of the power train design that will ultimately reach an AP (attribute prototype) phase, which is production intent for the powertrain. We will build multiple properties that will then be tested for attributes at the same time such as durability, performance, or ergonomics.”
Key statistics on display for the vehicle include N3 axle configuration, 4x2 chassis design, 19t gross vehicle weight, hydrogen gas fuel, compressed hydrogen storage, and up to 370 mile range, depending on driving style, payload and terrain conditions.
Elsewhere, a hydrogen refuelling unit is on display at the Commercial Fuel Solutions stand. The H35 hydrogen bowser, mobile hydrogen storage and refuelling system is fitted with Ex-rated architecture and a drop-tested ADR-certified container of varying sizes. The 63kg-capacity unit weighs 2t. The company has also launched a new range of AdBlue packaging and schemes which reduce both the volumes of virgin plastics as well as the associated lifetime carbon footprint of packed products by 97.5 kg of CO2e per container lifecycle.
Meanwhile, IVECO debuted a pre-production prototype version of its all-electric Nikola Tre 4x2 BEV (battery electric vehicle) tractor. A 738kWh battery pack – consisting of nine modular 82kWh batteries - powers its FPT Industrial e-axle, producing 645hp and 1,800Nm of instant torque.
Speaking at the launch, truck line business director Gareth Lumsdaine said: “You also get 80% charge within circa 80 minutes providing you have a 350 KW charging facility.” Such a system can charge the battery from 10-90% in 100 minutes. A full charge is said to give this truck a range of up to 330 miles.
Three variants of the new, second-generation eDaily are also on show. Power for the full-electric vehicle is sourced from a modular battery system with one, two, or three 37kWh battery packs, which can be added or removed in the aftermarket. Maximum range is 248 miles (4.25t, three-battery model, fully laden, urban cycle). Features include 3.5-tonne towing capacity and 15kW ePTO that can be operated when plugged in. An eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty is available for vehicles with one battery, or 155,000-miles with two or three batteries. A three-year or 100,000-mile chassis warranty accompanies the 2XL Repair and Maintenance package included for all models. At the 2018 CV Show, IVECO launched the first generation eDaily; a big change since then is connectivity. The new model includes four years of IVECO ON Access, Uptime Monitoring & Management, eRange Assurance, and eRemote Control. Mike Cutts said: “The CV Show is the perfect place to launch the eDaily and let people interact with the vehicle in right-hand drive for the first time.” Lead times for eDaily are currently nine months. Joining the eDaily on the official IVECO stand will an IVECO S-Way 460 Natural Gas 4x2 (pictured). A 6x2 is available as an aftermarket conversion from Astra. Also on show is the S-Way 490 ‘fuel hero’ model.
Another new release at this year’s CV show is Maxus’s eDeliver 7, an electric 3.5t light commercial vehicle that clocks up to 226 miles/365km (WLTP combined) on a single charge (88kWh battery). Available in three size configurations, with a payload of up to 1.2t, the eDeliver 7 features a 150kW /330Nm motor with an acceleration time of 0-100kph in 11 seconds. There are two battery options from which to choose: 77kWh and 88kWh.
Director of Harris Maxus Mark Barrett says: “Our latest addition is pitched at those who need more payload capacity than the eDeliver 3, but who may not need the full-size capabilities of our eDeliver 9.”
Key statistics for the engine include rated power/peak power (40kW/90kW), rated torque/ max. torque (125N.m/255N.m), max speed (75 mph). In addition, the battery and electric motor has a max. power (150 kW) and max. torque (330 Nm).
Ford showcased e-Transit Courier, an electric commercial vehicle with a total cargo volume of 2.9 m3, 26% more than the outgoing model. This can be further increased using the new load-through bulkhead feature, which enables customers to carry items such as planks or pipe over 2,600mm long. Maximum payload for the all-electric model is 700kg, with a maximum towing weight of 750kg. The vehicle features a 100kW electric motor.
Another vehicle is featured is the new full-electric version of the Transit Custom small van, first announced last year. It offers a range of 236mi (380km WLTP), depending on battery specification, among other factors. E-Transit Custom delivers payloads up to 1.1t, a lower load floor with easier access, and maximum towing capacity of 2t. E-Transit Custom’s 400V, 74kWh useable battery pack uses advanced 82Ah pouch cells. Customers can choose from 100kW or 160kW motor power outputs, each offering 415Nm of torque. The drive motor is fitted directly to the vehicle’s rear floor, removing the need for a dedicated subframe, and is rotated 90° to maximise load space and reduce weight and complexity. As a panel van, E-Transit Custom offers load volumes from 5.8 to 9.0m, with payload up to 1,100kg and a maximum load length of 3,450mm. Owners who want to carry up to five occupants as well as longer items like pipe, planks or kayaks can specify the new L-Shaped Bulkhead, with a two-seat second row as well as a full-length cargo area with composite bulkhead. The vehicle will be built in Turkey at joint venture company Ford Otosan in Yenikoy. The van conversion, E-Tourneo Custom, can be fitted with up to eight seats. It is also offered in three diesel variants (134, 148 or 168bhp), or a plug-in hybrid version with 2.5 litre petrol engine, electric motor and 11.8kWh useable battery pack enabling a targeted electric driving range of 31mi.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
New trucks were just one aspect of this year’s event. Speaking at a conference session entitled Progress and Pitfalls on the Path to a Decarbonised CV Industry, SMMT CEO Mike Hawes says the configuration of charging infrastructure can potentially make it difficult for a HGV with a trailer to gain access. “We are announcing today the need for a plan for HGV infrastructure because you can put these vehicles on the market and try to make them affordable, but the biggest obstacle is where am I going to charge it,” he adds.
Hawes recognises that HGVs will have a mixture of depot charging but highlights there are obstacles with getting access to the grid, getting power delivered and delays about planning and access through national grid. “A lot of the big fleets and they want to invest in these sorts of technologies but the obstacles that are in their place have to be overcome to enable that investment to take shape and it needs to take shape very quickly.”
In a separate session, Sukky Choongh, environmental manager – air quality and ultra low emission vehicles at SMMT, addresses where charging infrastructure is needed. “The European associations have said we need battery electric charging every 50 km on the core network and 100 km for hydrogen refuelling. Luckily for us, UK government guidance says we should have a motorway service area every 28 miles, which is 45 km, so let’s just put battery electric charging for trucks in every service area and hydrogen refuelling every other one.”
Choongh also highlighted a few points to consider when putting a public charging and refuelling infrastructure network in place. “Not all trucks use the strategic road network as some will just go back to base and do not need public charging while others may need to use a truck rest stop to take their statutory 45-minute break. Not all truck rest stops have refuelling facilities, but we think in a zero-emission world they will all need to have something.”
At the other end of hall 5, Renault Trucks displayed a version of the truck used in the Vertellus contract hire service (https://is.gd/yxMzC5). Andrew Roberts, sales engineer – electromobility at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says the vehicle runs a 264kWh battery, which is split into four batteries of 66 KWs. “The range is roughly around 212km, which we worked out in 1 kWh to 1 km, and we do this because we want to preserve the life of the battery and give our customers a battery promise. So, if the customer wants to run a battery for 10 years, we can provide them with the added security that the vehicle run for this period of time with a little bit of preservation at the top and the bottom of the battery so that we don’t run it flat.”
Additionally, Volta Trucks presented Volta Zero, a 16-tonne gvw all-electric truck that the company recently confirmed the start of production at Steyr Automotive, the company’s partner in contract manufacturing in Austria. The Volta Zero is designed with an operating range of 95-125 miles. The initial batch of vehicles will be used for the Volta Zero Driving Experience Programme, where customers will be loaned a truck for an extended period. This will allow fleet operators to understand how the truck will integrate into their operations. The first trucks ordered by customers are expected to be dispatched in Q3 2023.
Fapi Motors launched the OHM Vehicles brand and its 3.5-tonne electric light commercial chassis cab. Singapore-based OHM Vehicles set out to develop a new standard of BEVs for the light commercial sector. The first left-hand drive models for the European market were unveiled at IAA Transportation in Hanover last September. Range is said to be 280km and body and payload capacity is 2t.
Nissan launched an electric version of the Townstar van, said to offer a range of up to 183 miles on the WLTP cycle from a 45kWh battery. It was joined by larger Interstar and mid-size Primastar.
SUPPORTING GEAR
Aside from trucks, CameraMatics showcased an artificial intelligence (AI) powered collision avoidance system, which includes DMS (driver management system) to provide drivers with an awareness of vulnerable road users. The i-DAS (intelligent driver assistance system) features blind spot detection and driver monitoring cameras, combined with in-cab display and speakers, to give drivers real-time warnings of hazards and collision risks. The system’s external AI cameras feature adjustable detection zones of up to 30 meters. Additionally, the company has launched an app called MYSafeDrive that enables companies to track and report their EGS emissions and monitor driver behaviour and iCoach – driver coaching modules which integrate real-time driver behavioural data and online coaching.
Similarly, Solera demonstrated Solera Protect, a driver safety solution that is designed to cater to the needs and budgets of smaller fleet operators who require risk reduction for minimal outlay. Enabled with Edge AI, it alerts drivers of risky manoeuvres while also serving as a coaching tool.
Fleet operations is demonstrating a driver companion app. This includes a set of risk management tools, with online safety assessments that profile drivers by risk type alongside coaching and e-learning resources. Vehicle and driver management intelligence, from policy documents and vehicle leasing information to MOT and insurance details, is automatically collated and made available.
AI also features prominently in other technologies on display. VisionTrack is using the event to introduce an AI detection camera for vulnerable road users (VRUs) as well as demo its AI-powered post-analysis software, NARA, which was launched earlier this year. The AI-powered VRU detection camera identifies pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and people on scooters, while disregarding street furniture. Footage will automatically be displayed on an in-cab monitor and supplemented with an audible, spoken warning with the precise location of nearby VRUs. Meanwhile, it will also demonstrate NARA. The device-agnostic, cloud-based software provides proactive risk intervention and accurate incident validation. It promises to automatically promote only certain incidents for review, including actual collisions and near misses, based on factors such as speed, distance, instances of harsh braking and hard turning.
Teletrac Navman is showing its EV Readiness Tool. Using smart algorithms, the AI tool assesses trip data across any fleet to determine which vehicles are suitable to switch. It also provides fleet operators with a conversion plan with additional insight into total cost of ownership, tax breaks, fuel savings, optimum locations for chargers, and environmental impact.
Exeros Technologies is launching a range of advanced vehicle camera technologies, which will feature AI predictive technology. Complementing the company’s video-based technology, there is also a forthcoming powerful single infrastructure for full fleet visibility and easy fleet management – VideMatics. This central AI technology platform will push the industry ahead significantly, Exeros claims. Combining traditional telematics features with the sophistication of video data and AI technology, the video-first platform will act as a central all-in-one platform for fleet operators across the board.
Also at the show, Webfleet’s integrated dashcam CAM 50 uses machine vision and AI to proactively detect and mitigate risk. This is helping fleets to keep their drivers and vehicles safer while streamlining their day-to-day operations and reducing costs, it says. Analysis of images and video data enables the CAM 50 to ‘see’ and recognise risky driving behaviours, such as distraction, fatigue and mobile phone usage. The technology can alert the driver to any risky behaviours by emitting an instantaneous alert.
The latest advanced workflow systems will also be demonstrated, including the PRO M driver terminal, which is integrated with Webfleet’s order management platform. Helping drivers and managers to boost productivity, it comes pre-installed with the Webfleet Work App, which provides access to a range of features – including order management and scheduling – without the need for additional hardware.
Elsewhere, dedicated tachograph, asset tracking and cold chain solutions will be showcased.
Brigade Electronics presented its RadarPredict system which is designed to provide side protection for trailer safety.
Brigade’s James Ashford said: “The system can be used on rigid and articulated vehicles and, just like the SideScan predict system, can differentiate between moving and stationary objects using AI technology. It won’t give a false alert that can be caused when turning a trailer and its adaptive learning enables you to understand the trailer length and distance to adapt to every situation when going backwards and forwards.”
According to Ashford, the system has a low installation time that can be as little as two hours. “This will be very important with the amount of vehicles that are required for the fitment for the progressive safe system for DVS which is approximately 65,000.”
Another product at the stand is SidescanPredict, a solution that analyses speed, direction and acceleration of both the rigid vehicle and detected object to assess the risk and calculates the likelihood of an impact. It also differentiates between static and moving objects. Brigade’s new side radar detection has been designed to improve safety on both articulated and rigid vehicles. It is predictive and only warns the driver if a collision is likely via a visual display in the cab. Side radar detects the truck turning, so indicator selection is not required to activate the system. Also new to Brigade’s product portfolio is the AI camera range, a new generation of active blind-spot detection that use artificial intelligence and machine learning. Image processing is built-in. Finally, Careye is a premium AI camera that is also predictive. It will evaluate images from cameras fitted to the vehicle and is able to calculate the future course of motion of nearby people or objects on the nearside of a vehicle. Based on this data, the system warns the driver in real time of a possible collision before it occurs.
Motormax is exhibiting products and offering live demonstrations. For example, Safetymax combines camera, viewing, warning and parking sensor technology to enhance visibility while manoeuvring vehicles at low speed, pictured below. It includes a 360° detection system with ultrasonic sensors to provide drivers with a clear indication of obstacles around the vehicle. Activated below 10mph, the visual display uses a traffic light system at fixed points around the vehicle indicating safe distances while manoeuvring. In addition, the Powermax range of power distribution solutions includes a power distribution unit that connects to manufacturers’ approved pick-up points and delivers a protected supply of power throughout the vehicle.
Wabcowuerth’s main product is the W.EASY multi-brand diagnostics system. New from the company is the Mirror Cam Calibration system, which is said to work with brands beyond Mercedes-Benz, to facilitate repair of digital rear-view systems. A measurement reference is said to eliminate the need for time-consuming measurements and additional markings on the floor, the company reports.
Parksafe has launched a Low Bridge Detection System with a 300m2 alert zone that can detect up to 3,750 bridges.
The driver does not need to know the height and width of the vehicle, as this is done at the installation.
The LBDS uses GPS vehicle location data and geo-fencing to warn the driver via LED-enhanced alerts and an audible warning system that automatically activates and can help to prevent collisions at low bridges.
LBDS can be used as a standalone product, integrated into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter or linked to the Parksafe On Demand online platform which provides remote alerts and on demand access to a fleet of vehicles.
Totalkare is showing a new range of portable, three-phase workshop heaters. The 6kW Helios Radiant IRK HP model displayed incorporates three 2kW bulbs, which can be switched sequentially, within a pedestal-mounted unit with casters. Other models include wall- and ceiling-mount versions, plus waterproof and ATEX-approved models. Replacement bulbs are available.
The stand also has more than 20 items of heavy-duty and light commercial workshop equipment, including fixed lift installations and several demonstration vehicles. A staple product is a set of four T8DC mobile column lifts, capacity of 7,500kg per column, shown in a cable-free version lifting a tractor unit.
Next, Totalkare’s DVSA-approved mobile and in-ground brake tester models are on display. Capable of testing up to 20,000kg per axle, both models are supplied with computer cabinet, printer and a handheld tablet enabling tests to be conducted from the comfort of the driver seat. Totalkare can manage all civil works related to the in-ground unit installation if required.
A section of a prefabricated steel inspection pit will also make up the display. Fabricated to order in lengths to suit workshop requirements, the pits feature braced external walls of 5mm-thick welded recessed steel pressing, with a 6mm-thick pressed durbar floor which is sloped slightly towards a central sump for drainage.
The newest addition to the range of vehicle lifting products is an in-ground lift that can be configured with up to eight lifting columns, each with a lifting capacity of 15,000kg. The advantage of the in-ground lift over other models is the ability to lift vehicles obstruction-free. Finally, a range of tyre changers is said to facilitate the swift and hassle-free removal and replacement of tyres and wheel servicing, which are often purchased alongside a wheel balancer and wheel alignment.
Elsewhere at the show, Osram has launched its LEDriving and working lights range that offers a variety of performances, shapes and beam patterns with various illumination profiles, including spot, wide and combo. During the day, the ‘position light’ function will highlight the truck’s presence, and at night, the additional high beam function improves far-field visibility while warning others of the truck’s approach.
The lighting specialist has revealed a range of work lights called the Professional Series that offer different combination options for individual lighting needs based on a matrix system. The working lights are suitable for 12V and 24V applications and a total of four beam patterns - Flood, Spot, Wide and Ultra-Wide - and four power levels - 1500lm, 2500lm, 3500lm and 4500lm - are available for each light. In addition, they can be mounted in three different ways: directly to the vehicle, with a flexible mounting kit or a heavy-duty mounting kit.
Ring Carnation is showing visitors its genisys gII ECU, which is equipped with a high performance 32-bit 300Mhz Atmel Cortex-M7 processor, with 2MB of on-board memory and 16 analogue inputs. The solution enables monitoring of multiple conditions such as battery voltages, temperature and pressure.
The gII series of modules are built with ABS polymer enclosures with anti-microbial additives, providing durable and hygienic packaging with greater environmental protection.
The vehicle conversion electrical specialist also presented its Wireless Switching Power Hub, which can help reduce installation time by up to 35%. The power hub provides up to eight output ports with a total rating of 60A, providing ease of connection for ancillary electrical items.
STAYING SECURE
In the security space, TVL Security has unveiled updated versions of its HookLock 2.0 and ArmourShell 2.0 locking systems, which come with additional sensors to allow fleet managers to remotely monitor whether the locks are engaged.
TVL managing director Laura Moran said: “Though our tried and tested range of products hold significant potential to slash van and tool theft, we have heard regular feedback from fleet managers that it can be difficult to know whether their drivers are using these systems as intended.
“By introducing connected versions of our ArmourShell and HookLock packs, customers can quickly and easily see whether their vehicles and their cargo are being secured properly, working to cut crime and costs.”
Supply of TVL’s upgraded ArmourShell and HookLock 2.0 locking systems will commence in Q3 2023. They are compatible with all popular van makes and models on the market, including electric vehicle variants.
Locks 4 Vans has launched a commercial vehicle alarm range with features that protect the load area. It comes with an alarm kit that incorporates anti-sabotage shielding to protect the alarm components from being disabled during an attempted attack. A full range of wireless PIR, door and movement sensors reduce fitment time.
Additionally, the company is also expanding its fitting position options for its Hook Lock product with the new ‘Lock in a Box’ configuration. Specifically designed to be installed in high fitting positions where the door is too thin for conventional Hook Lock assemblies, the ‘Lock in a Box kit delivers more choice for van owners looking to upgrade their vehicle security.
L4V has also released Electronic Cargo Lock, which provides a high security locking system combined with a dallas key entry for more convenient access. It eliminates the need for a mechanical key and has been created for heavy duty vehicle use.
FLEET MANAGEMENT
Fischer Panda UK has met with its partners at the CV Show to launch its UK-wide service support network that supports customers of air conditioning manufacturer Autoclima.
Fischer Panda has selected its partners to ensure that they can offer the level of service required in both supply and install solutions as well as aftersales support and technical back up of Autoclima products.
New partner, David Kingham, operations director of AES Auto Electrical Service in Leighton Buzzard, said: “Becoming a service partner has allowed AES to expand our portfolio with excellent backup from Fischer Panda UK and Autoclima products for all our customers.”
Philip Leamon, sales & marketing director of CCL Vehvac in Kent also shared his views on being part of the network. “We were looking for additional profitable work and this is now developing well through Fischer Panda UK’s partner support and commitment to development in the market.”
Tyre dealer Point S Tyre & Autocare is informing visitors about the network’s fleet programme and demonstrating its online fleet management system.
Point S UK fleet manager Tony Valentine said, “Last year, we introduced the Point S network to the fleet market and had some very positive early conversations with visitors to the stand. Since then, we have developed our fleet programme so that it offers a competitive and cost-effective solution for fleet managers across the UK, and we are very excited to share it with visitors to this year’s event.”
Jaama is debuting its Key2 QuickStart fleet management software for sub-100 vehicle fleets, as well as a maintenance exchange system which helps CV fleets control fleet maintenance through its supply chain more efficiently. Key2 QuickStart includes a vehicle module which offers maintenance scheduling and a V5 look-up, while the driver management module includes accident management and risk profiling based on individual accidents and endorsements. The Maintenance Exchange ‘end to end’ maintenance system allows seamless booking, authorisation, invoicing, and auditing of vehicle maintenance work.
CheckedSafe says it provides a full fleet management system at minimum cost. New is a licence check service for commercial drivers, which verifies licence type, driver offences, points on licence, tachograph card and CPC expiry dates. Otherwise, the software maintenance element provides scheduling of PMI/servicing. The system also provides a messaging service from back office to users of the corporate smartphone/tablet app and creation of job cards. The company is an accredited DVSA Earned Recognition systems provider.
Truckfile’s fleet and workshop management products combine data about advisories, defects and faults to give transport operators or workshop managers a full overview of the current state of a vehicle or asset’s health. Using data from every inspection, the maintenance history builds to offer a detailed insight into how the vehicle or asset is performing. In partnership with voice-integration specialist Dakota, the additional module Truckfile Voice allows anyone carrying out a service, repair or inspection to use entirely verbal commands spoken into a microphone on a headset to record the job. Featuring Honeywell voice-directed technology, the new solution has the potential to speed up process efficiency by 20% or more, promising significant productivity gains for busy workshops, according to the supplier.
Lamilux, a producer of fibre-reinforced plastics, is presenting what it says is the world’s first UV-resistant GRP face sheet – Lamilux Sunsation for installation in side walls and roof. The gelcoat technology promises 20 times better UV resistance than competitors. Other products include High Impact with optional AntiBac surface, the non-slip floor covering AntiSlip for interiors or Lamilux Super, which protect the underbody from stone chippings. For buses, there is LAMIfoamtex with its soft-touch surface, Composite Floor, which resembles laminate flooring, and LAMIGraph, for interior cladding.