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Articles tagged with "zero-emissions"

  • 6 New Electric Buses Will Transport Passengers To Edinburgh Airport - CleanTechnica

    Stagecoach East Scotland has introduced six new fully electric Volvo BZL buses to operate on the JET747 route, which runs between Halbeath Park & Ride in Fife and Edinburgh Airport, covering a 16-mile distance with an average journey time of 40 minutes. This route is heavily used, carrying around 10,000 passengers weekly during peak season, including both airport travelers and staff. These electric buses are the first to provide direct and frequent fully electric service between Fife and Edinburgh Airport terminals, complementing other electric services like Ember’s coach and tram connections. The move to fully electric buses aligns with Stagecoach’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and offer a quieter, more comfortable ride. The new buses will be charged at the Dunfermline depot, which has supported a fully electric city network since early 2023, with additional charging infrastructure planned at Halbeath Park & Ride. Across Scotland, Stagecoach operates over 150 fully electric buses and

    electric-buseszero-emissionspublic-transportationclean-energyelectric-vehicle-chargingsustainable-transportScotland-energy-transition
  • A New Electric Train Challenges Trucks For Short-Haul Freight

    The article highlights a groundbreaking development in short-haul freight transportation by the startup Parallel Systems, which is introducing a novel electric train concept. Unlike traditional trains that rely on a single locomotive, Parallel’s design equips individual railcars with their own batteries and autonomous operating systems, allowing them to operate as independent yet coordinated platoons. These platoons, consisting of 20–30 cars, can reduce aerodynamic drag and dynamically split or merge to serve multiple destinations more efficiently. This innovation promises faster freight flow through facilities, reducing bottlenecks and delivery times, and aims to compete directly with diesel and electric trucks in the short-haul freight market. Parallel Systems has made significant progress since its 2022 debut, raising $100 million in funding, including a $38 million Series B round led by Anthos Capital. The company is collaborating with the short-line rail operator Heart of Georgia on a federally approved seven-phase demonstration project spanning 160 miles of track between Pooler and Cordele, Georgia, set to complete

    energyelectric-trainsbattery-technologyautonomous-railcarsfreight-logisticszero-emissionstransportation-innovation
  • Hydrogen-powered driverless tractor to ease labor shortage in Japan

    Japanese multinational Kubota has unveiled the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell tractor equipped with autonomous driving capabilities, showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka. This 100-horsepower tractor runs on a hydrogen fuel cell stack, enabling nearly half a day of continuous operation per refuel, addressing critical agricultural needs for long working hours and reliability. Measuring 4.4 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 2.3 meters tall, the tractor operates without a driver’s seat and can be remotely controlled within network range. It features AI-powered cameras for obstacle detection and automatic stopping to ensure safety, aiming to tackle Japan’s labor shortages and aging farming population while promoting sustainability through zero CO2 emissions. The new unmanned tractor builds on Kubota’s previous manned hydrogen model, which delivered 60 horsepower and four hours of quiet, low-vibration operation after a quick refuel. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat, making them a clean

    hydrogen-fuel-cellautonomous-tractoragriculture-technologyenergy-efficiencyAI-in-farmingzero-emissionsremote-operation
  • Competition In The Electric Truck Field Spells Trouble For Tesla

    The article discusses the evolving competitive landscape in the electric heavy-duty truck market, highlighting challenges faced by Tesla’s Semi truck. Initially announced in 2017 with production expected by 2019, the Tesla Semi has yet to reach full production, allowing other companies to advance their zero-emission trucks. Notably, Zeem Solutions, a California startup founded in 2017, is gaining traction by offering a subscription-based electrification-as-a-service model. Zeem enables fleet owners to operate electric commercial vehicles without upfront purchase costs, positioning itself as a risk-free, streamlined path to decarbonization. While Tesla’s Semi is absent from Zeem’s current roster, the company supports other electric trucks, including the Tre model from the bankrupt Nikola startup. Zeem is aggressively expanding its EV charging infrastructure, focusing on large facilities such as airports, seaports, and transportation hubs across the U.S. Its flagship hub at Los Angeles International Airport, opened in 2021 and recently expanded, features dozens

    energyelectric-trucksEV-chargingTesla-Semifleet-electrificationzero-emissionselectric-vehicle-infrastructure
  • EU Car Production Can Return to Post-Crisis Peak — New Study - CleanTechnica

    A new report by the green group Transport & Environment (T&E) finds that Europe’s automotive industry can return to its post-2008 crisis production peak of 16.8 million cars annually by 2035 if the EU maintains its 2035 zero-emission vehicle target and implements stronger industrial and demand policies. These policies include electrification targets for corporate fleets and support for EU-made electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries. Under this scenario, the automotive value chain’s economic contribution would grow by 11% by 2035, with job losses in traditional vehicle manufacturing offset by the creation of over 100,000 new battery manufacturing jobs by 2030 and 120,000 charging infrastructure jobs by 2035. The EU’s battery production capacity could increase from 187 GWh today to 900 GWh by 2030, and the charging sector’s economic output could nearly quintuple to €79 billion by 2035. Conversely, weakening the 2035 zero

    energyelectric-vehiclesbatteriesEU-automotive-industryzero-emissionsindustrial-policyclean-energy-targets
  • The Mobility House and Schneider Electric Unveil Solar Charging Depot for Turlock Unified’s Electric School Bus Fleet - CleanTechnica

    Turlock Unified School District (TUSD) in California has introduced nine electric Blue Bird buses along with solar-powered charging infrastructure at their transportation center, marking a significant step toward their goal of an all-electric fleet by 2035. The buses replace diesel models, reducing air pollution, and are charged using a combination of AC and DC chargers powered by solar canopies over the parking lot. The charging system, provided by The Mobility House, optimizes solar energy use and minimizes utility costs through advanced charge management technology. The project is a collaboration involving The Mobility House and Schneider Electric, who have previously implemented similar electric school bus charging solutions in other California districts such as Stockton Unified and Modesto City Schools. Both companies emphasize the complementary nature of solar energy and electric vehicles in advancing sustainable transportation. The Mobility House specializes in flexible, resilient EV charging technology that supports grid stability and zero-emission goals, while Schneider Electric focuses on energy management and automation to promote efficient and sustainable energy use. This initiative highlights TUSD

    energysolar-energyelectric-busescharging-infrastructuresustainable-transportationenergy-managementzero-emissions
  • Toyota & Airbus Push Hydrogen Fuel Cell Dreams - CleanTechnica

    The article from CleanTechnica critically examines the current state and challenges of hydrogen fuel cell technology in transportation, highlighting the gap between its appealing theoretical benefits and practical realities. It emphasizes two main issues: first, hydrogen is not inherently zero-emission unless produced via renewable energy sources like electrolysis powered by green electricity; otherwise, its production from fossil fuels generates significant carbon dioxide. Second, the cost of producing green hydrogen remains prohibitively high, making widespread commercial adoption difficult. Advocates for hydrogen often overlook these barriers, engaging in what the article terms "magic realism"—a hopeful but unrealistic belief in hydrogen’s near-term viability as a clean fuel. Despite these challenges, Toyota Motor Europe, in partnership with VDL Group, has introduced four heavy-duty fuel cell trucks operating between freight terminals in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These 40-ton trucks reportedly match diesel trucks in performance, offering up to 400 km range per refueling and zero tailpipe emissions, emitting only water vapor.

    hydrogen-fuel-cellsToyotaclean-energyzero-emissionsgreen-hydrogenfuel-cell-truckssustainable-transportation
  • Sam Altman-backed Coco Robotics raises $80M

    Coco Robotics, a Los Angeles-based startup specializing in last-mile delivery robots, has raised $80 million in a new funding round, bringing its total capital raised to over $120 million. The round included returning angel investors Sam Altman and Max Altman, alongside venture capital firms such as Pelion Venture Partners and Offline Ventures. Previously, Coco secured a $36 million Series A round in 2021. Founded in 2020 by Brad Squicciarini and Zach Rash, the company’s zero-emissions robots have completed more than 500,000 deliveries since launching in 2020 and can carry up to 90 liters of groceries or goods. Coco partners with national retailers including Subway, Wingstop, and Jack in the Box. Sam Altman’s involvement extends beyond personal investment; Coco benefits from access to OpenAI’s technology, while OpenAI gains valuable real-world data collected by Coco’s robots to enhance its AI models. This symbiotic relationship underscores the strategic value of the partnership

    robotlast-mile-deliveryautonomous-robotszero-emissionsAI-integrationfundingstartup
  • I Took The Pledge To Help Other Women Switch To Electric Vehicles - CleanTechnica

    electric-vehiclesclean-energyclimate-actionEV-adoptionwomen-in-technologysustainable-transportationzero-emissions
  • California prepares to sue feds after Senate revokes the state’s EV rule

    energyelectric-vehicleszero-emissionsCaliforniaemissions-standardshydrogen-fuel-cellsbattery-electric-vehicles
  • Senate votes to revoke California’s ability to set air pollution standards

    energyzero-emissionselectric-vehicleshydrogen-fuel-cellsCalifornia-emissions-standardsenvironmental-policyclean-technology