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Articles tagged with "battery-electric-trucks"

  • When Europe’s Economic Institutions Step Away From Hydrogen - CleanTechnica

    The article discusses a significant shift in the stance of Europe’s leading economic institutions—Germany’s Council of Economic Experts and France’s Conseil d’analyse économique—regarding the role of hydrogen in the transport sector. Their joint analysis, focusing on heavy road transport, concluded that battery electric trucks are more efficient, cost-effective, and quicker to deploy than hydrogen fuel cell trucks. This is due to the higher energy conversion efficiency of battery electric vehicles (about 75%) compared to hydrogen trucks (around 25% after accounting for electrolysis, compression, distribution, and reconversion losses). The councils recommended prioritizing public investments in electricity grids and charging infrastructure, while reserving hydrogen for sectors where electrification is not viable. They also suggested removing plans and budgets for hydrogen refueling stations and synthetic fuels from national and EU targets. Supporting this perspective, the European Court of Auditors found that hydrogen’s cost per ton of CO₂ avoided in transport is substantially higher—often exceeding €400 and sometimes nearing €600—

    energyhydrogenbattery-electric-trucksfuel-cellsclean-energytransportationinfrastructure
  • The Assumptions That Broke: China, India, and the End of Fossil Growth Models - CleanTechnica

    The article from CleanTechnica challenges long-standing assumptions about fossil fuel dependence, particularly in heavy freight transport and China’s energy growth model. It highlights a significant milestone reached in December 2026, when battery electric heavy-duty trucks accounted for over 50% of new sales in China. This shift contradicts the decades-old belief that heavy freight would remain reliant on diesel due to challenges like weight, range, and duty cycles. The transition is driven by fleet economics and total cost of ownership, signaling a market-wide transformation in the world’s largest vehicle market and undermining the notion that fossil fuels are indispensable for economic growth in heavy industry and logistics. Furthermore, the article details China’s broader energy transition, noting that despite continued economic and electricity demand growth through 2025, coal and gas generation declined year-on-year. This was due to rapid expansion of clean power sources—wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear—with wind and solar generation increasing by approximately 585 TWh in a single year, out

    energyclean-energybattery-electric-trucksrenewable-energyfossil-fuel-transitionChina-energy-marketheavy-duty-electric-vehicles
  • China’s BEV Trucks and the End of Diesel’s Dominance - CleanTechnica

    The article from CleanTechnica highlights the emergence of affordable Chinese battery electric heavy trucks (BEVs) that are challenging the dominance of diesel in the global freight industry. These trucks, priced between €58,000 and €85,000 for models with 400 kWh to 600 kWh batteries, are purpose-built electric vehicles featuring integrated e-axles and simplified chassis designs that eliminate the complexity of diesel powertrains. This cost advantage stems from large-scale manufacturing and the removal of expensive diesel components, resulting in prices significantly lower than Western electric trucks, which often start near €250,000. However, these Chinese BEV trucks are primarily designed for the domestic market and require modifications to meet Western standards. Upgrades such as certified tires, electronic stability controls, crash protection, improved cab comfort, and advanced driver assistance systems add roughly €20,000 to €40,000 to the cost, bringing the total to about €80,000 to €120,000 for short haul applications.

    energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electric-trucksLFP-batteryfreight-electrificationclean-transportationautomotive-materials
  • Stellantis cancels plans for an electrified Jeep Gladiator

    Stellantis has officially canceled plans to introduce an electrified version of the Jeep Gladiator as part of its product lineup. The decision stems from shifting customer preferences regarding propulsion systems, prompting the company to reassess its strategy. While the 2026 Jeep Gladiator will maintain its rugged design and unique position as the only open-air pickup truck with legendary 4x4 capability, Stellantis will focus on enhancing the model with new factory features, customization options, and additional powertrain choices rather than pursuing electrification for this vehicle. This move aligns with Stellantis’s broader retreat from developing full battery-electric trucks, exemplified by the recent cancellation of a battery-electric full-size pickup under the Ram brand due to low demand. Instead, Stellantis plans to develop an extended-range truck that combines a battery with a gasoline generator, aiming for an estimated 690 miles of range. This approach reflects the automaker’s evolving strategy to balance electrification goals with market realities and customer preferences in the pickup segment.

    energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electric-trucksStellantisJeep-Gladiatorextended-range-trucksautomotive-energy-strategy
  • Hydrogen Freight Fizzles As Batteries Take Over Global Trucking - CleanTechnica

    The BloombergNEF 2025 Factbook on zero emission commercial vehicles reveals a decisive market shift favoring battery-electric trucks over hydrogen fuel cell trucks in global freight transportation. In the first half of 2025, nearly 90,000 zero emission trucks were sold worldwide, with 97% being battery-electric, while fuel cell truck sales halved to about 1,000 units. China leads this trend, having sold close to 80,000 electric trucks in six months—more than double 2023’s total—driven by strong battery supply chains, incentives, and cost reductions. Conversely, China’s hydrogen truck market is shrinking despite subsidies, indicating hydrogen’s failure to compete. Europe shows a similar pattern, with electric truck sales growing over 50% year-on-year, supported by infrastructure investments and zero emission zones, while hydrogen truck programs face delays and reduced ambitions. The EU’s binding infrastructure targets further cement battery dominance. In contrast, the U.S. market lags significantly,

    energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsbattery-electric-truckszero-emission-vehiclesfreight-truckingclean-transportationelectric-vehicle-infrastructure
  • ASKO Delivery Fleet Is 100% Battery-Electric In Oslo - CleanTechnica

    ASKO, a major Norwegian transport company and part of NorgesGruppen, has fully transitioned its delivery fleet servicing Oslo to battery-electric trucks, achieving this milestone a year and a half ahead of its goal. With over 700 trucks nationwide and a plan to replace all diesel trucks by 2026, ASKO’s Oslo fleet switch reduces carbon emissions by 1,700 tons annually—about 95%—while cutting energy consumption in half compared to diesel vehicles. The company also leverages renewable energy extensively, powering operations with solar panels and wind turbines, supported by Norway’s clean hydroelectric grid. The transition involved collaboration with truck manufacturer Scania, which has developed electric trucks with larger batteries and faster charging capabilities to meet ASKO’s operational demands. A technical challenge was integrating electric refrigeration units, which require different voltage types than the truck motors; Scania solved this with specialized inverters converting DC to AC power. ASKO’s experience demonstrates that combining environmental goals with efficient logistics is feasible, highlighting ongoing

    energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electric-trucksrenewable-energyclean-transportationelectric-fleetsustainable-logistics
  • BetterFleet's Software Helps Fleets Transition to Electric Vehicles - CleanTechnica

    BetterFleet offers an advanced software suite designed to assist fleet managers in transitioning from diesel or natural gas vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). While purchasing EVs may seem straightforward, the complexities of integrating charging infrastructure, route optimization, and cost management present significant challenges. BetterFleet addresses these issues by creating digital twins—virtual simulations of real-world routes and fleet operations—that incorporate variables such as weather, driver behavior, and vehicle load. This approach enables fleet managers to model and forecast the performance and costs of electric or mixed fleets with high accuracy, reducing downtime and improving operational predictability. The software also forecasts charging needs for fully or partially electrified fleets, helping managers plan infrastructure and financial investments more effectively. By leveraging real-world data and continuous model refinement, BetterFleet provides a holistic solution that integrates fleet management, financial forecasting, and infrastructure planning. This allows fleet operators to simulate various scenarios and make informed decisions without costly trial-and-error pilots, ultimately supporting a smoother, more cost-effective transition to zero-emission fleets

    energyelectric-vehiclesfleet-managementdigital-twinbattery-electric-truckscharging-infrastructuresoftware-solution
  • Scania Adds Electric Trucks & Buses to South Australian Fleet - CleanTechnica

    Swedish manufacturer Scania is expanding its presence in Australia by introducing electric trucks and buses, emphasizing sustainability, advanced technology, and road safety. In May 2025, Scania launched battery-electric NG G Series trucks with 624 kWh batteries and 500 kW motors, now approved for sale in Australia. These 12-ton trucks, capable of carrying 29 to 31 tonnes with a range of up to 350 km and fast charging in 1.5 hours, have been integrated into Total Logistics Solutions’ fleet in Victoria to support zero-emission last-mile deliveries. Additionally, Scania is producing 60 battery-electric K-series city buses for South Australia’s government to serve Adelaide, with deliveries starting November 2025. These buses, featuring bodies by Volgren and seating for 43-45 passengers, offer a range exceeding 400 km and include advanced driver assistance systems to enhance safety. This initiative aligns with South Australia’s renewable energy leadership and its plan to electrify its

    electric-vehiclesbattery-electric-truckssustainable-transportrenewable-energypublic-transport-electrificationadvanced-driver-assistance-systemszero-emission-logistics
  • Volvo to Produce Electric Semis in Australia Next Year - CleanTechnica

    electric-vehiclesbattery-electric-trucksVolvoemissions-reductionsustainable-transportelectric-semisclean-energy