16 October 2019

The Volvo Group has announced it has now delivered more than one million connected customer assets worldwide.

In the UK alone, there are now some 25,000 connected Volvo trucks capable of using the Volvo Connect system, which combines all digital and connected services for Volvo’s truck customers into one single interface, making the everyday trucking operations run smoothly.

Globally, the assets, which include delivered trucks, buses and construction equipment are now gathering vast amounts of data which is being used to improve productivity by increasing vehicle and machine uptime, reducing emissions and noise, as well as improving traffic and site safety.

For example, connected Volvo buses use Zone Management to let the vehicle download data to comply with local restrictions such as emission or noise zones and speed limit areas.

For owners of construction equipment, trucks and buses uptime is vital. Thanks to the collected data, wear on crucial parts can be predicted and replacement parts ordered in advance – all reducing downtime for the owner, thus leading to increased productivity.

Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of the Volvo Group, said, “The first million connected assets is only the start, we are committed to remain a leader in this field.”

Anna Westerberg, Senior Vice President at Volvo Group Connected Solutions, added, “Connectivity is transforming the transportation industry. Insights from gathered data can be turned into value for our customers and society as a whole and make transportation more productive, more sustainable and safer.”

16 October 2019

Later this week, Busworld Europe 2019, the world’s oldest and most famous bus and coach only exhibition, promises to be one of the most forward-looking events in its 48-year history. The need to reduce vehicle emissions, especially in urban areas, has resulted in an intensified focus on how public transport is operated and utilised, and this evolving outlook is represented in this year’s vast event line-up.

Innovation is at the forefront. Not only in terms of drivetrain electrification – emerging as the industry’s favoured method of tackling the emissions challenge – but the infrastructure required to support such a revolutionary change. Here is a very quick round-up of what you can expect on October 18-23.

Equipmake will debut the latest version of its modular electric bus platform, which the company claims, “allows coachbuilders with no EV knowledge to become an electric bus manufacturer, cost-effectively.” The chassis has been designed with a system level approach designed to optimise energy use for vehicle heating and cooling, enabling the use of smaller, more cost-efficient batteries.

Portuguese company, CaetanoBus will reveal a new hydrogen electric bus, H2.City Gold. Recognising that one solution may not fit all purposes worldwide, the alternative-fuel chassis complements its existing traditional plug-in electric, modular platform, which together showcase the company’s “Vision of future mobility.”

As part of its continued investment in future powertrain development, Cummins Inc. is unveiling its new low-profile battery destined for the European market. Under 140mm in height, the battery is designed to help vehicle manufacturers meet low floor requirements and optimise unoccupied space. It is part of an extensive Cummins presence that showcases its expanding range of electrification technologies, including e-Drive, an integrated motor, transmission and invertor.

Alongside the modular chassis, finished vehicles, new batteries and power units, new charging solutions will also be on display. Heliox will show SprintCharge, which it calls the “the world’s first battery integrated opportunity charging station for e-buses and e-trucks.” These stations store power from the grid, enabling faster, more efficient charging than can be traditionally supported, helping to achieve greater fleet efficiency.

Jema Energy’s take on developing a solution for a common issue is a 150kW modular and inter-operable charger, which includes a system to optimise fleet charging behaviour depending on route schedules or hourly rates.

Completing the broad look at future service requirements, advanced new maintenance and telematics options are also being debuted. Stratio’s new Automated Vehicle Maintenance approach uses artificial intelligence and data generated by driver and vehicle performance to develop a flexible maintenance schedule that is more efficient and cost-effective than traditionally fixed intervals. Or, in Stratio’s words, “a new reality without disruptions.”

Telematics specialist ViriCity is launching the “world’s first ‘mixed fleet’ platform” that enables fleet operators to monitor all electric and non-electric fleet vehicles. The company states that this level of insight and data capture will help ease the transition to all-electric operations in the future.

Greater efficiency is a clear common goal. What’s most impressive is the sheer breadth of solutions on display, which makes an electrified future for public transport seem an eminently achievable reality.

16 October 2019

Glasgow Airport’s car park shuttle bus has gone electric with the introduction of three BYD ADL Enviro200EV battery buses.

The new buses have been supplied by Alexander Dennis and its partner BYD and replace three diesel vehicles. Their introduction has been supported by Transport Scotland with a £450,000 Green Bus Fund grant.

The new buses combine BYD’s reliable electric driveline and battery technology with Alexander Dennis bodies adapted to the requirements of airport operation and charging infrastructure for the buses has been installed at their operating base in the airport’s long stay car park.

Mark Johnston, Glasgow Airport’s Managing Director, said, “These state-of-the-art vehicles will play an important role in supporting our continued efforts to create a more sustainable business and will contribute significantly to help further reduce carbon emissions locally at Glasgow Airport. The environmental benefits and considerable cost reductions associated with the introduction of these electric vehicles was very attractive.

“Moving to a full-electric bus operation cuts the carbon emissions associated with passenger travel to and from our car park from 143 tonnes per year to zero, and this significant reduction is further supported by the fact that the airport’s electricity is also supplied via renewable energy.”

16 October 2019

Manchester-based bodybuilder Alloy Bodies is celebrating 50 years in business.

From humble origins, the company has grown to become one of the top names in the industry and today it employs more than 100 staff and builds more than 2,000 bodies per year.

The current Alloy Bodies range comprises cutting edge designs for everything from van chassis up to 26-tonne rigid trucks. Since 2017 Alloy Bodies has been part of the Lanarkshire-based Anderson Group – which includes haulage, logistics, truck and van sales and property interests among its diverse portfolio.

Managing Director Jackie Murphy said, “Reaching this historic landmark is testament to the strength of our designs and products, and the exacting levels of service we aim to provide to all our customers.

“In celebrating our 50th anniversary we acknowledge our past but our focus remains very much on the future. We’ll be working harder than ever to look after our loyal, long-term customers and aiming to introduce many new friends to the benefits of operating Alloy Bodies products.”