FLEETDRIVE
V2G INTEGRATION
FC-POWERED TRUCKS
GREEN TRANSPORT
Phoenix Motor Inc . and Fermata Energy have jointly unveiled the integration of Vehicle-to-Grid ( V2G ) capabilities across all Phoenix Motorcars ’ mediumduty electric vehicles , spanning from their initial 2014 models to the present generation . This integration allows fleets to utilise Fermata Energy ’ s FE- 20 bidirectional chargers for V2G connections , facilitating a 20kW rate of DC charging and discharging via the CHAdeMO link . Older models can acquire V2G capabilities through a software update from the OEM , making Phoenix the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to offer universal V2G compatibility . Moreover , Phoenix ’ s forthcoming vehicles will feature even faster 60kW V2G capabilities , utilising the CCS charging protocol in collaboration with Fermata Energy .
In conjunction with this integration , Phoenix and Fermata Energy have solidified a commercial partnership agreement aimed at streamlining the deployment of V2G-ready vehicles , chargers , and managed V2G services . V2G capabilities hold paramount significance in the wider adoption of electric commercial vehicles , as they enable fleets to establish a more symbiotic relationship with power grids , especially during periods of high energy demand .
Isuzu Motors Limited and Honda Motor Co ., Ltd . have announced their collaboration on the development of the GIGA FUEL CELL , a heavy-duty truck powered by fuel cell ( FC ) technology that emits no CO2 . The companies are set to showcase the GIGA FUEL CELL at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023 , marking the vehicle ’ s first public appearance .
They believe that hydrogen-based FC technology is essential for achieving carbon neutrality in the heavy-duty truck sector , which necessitates highefficiency , long-distance transportation , large cargo capacity , and rapid refueling . Since they began joint research on FC-powered heavy-duty trucks in January 2020 , Isuzu and Honda have been focused on assessing FC system compatibility and developing fundamental technologies , such as vehicle control .
The two companies plan to initiate public road demonstration testing of a prototype before the end of the fiscal year in 2024 and introduce the production model to the market in 2027 . The GIGA FUEL CELL showcased at the Japan Mobility Show is designed with a Lowdeck 8x4 rigid truck configuration , suitable for intercity transport , and offers an impressive range of over 800 km ( 500 miles ) in Isuzu ’ s validation mode .
Transport for London ( TfL ) celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of its 1,000th zero-emission bus , a StreetDeck Electroliner , as part of its initiative to achieve a fully emissionsfree bus fleet by 2034 . The bus , manufactured by Wrightbus and equipped with the Voith Electrical Drive System ( VEDS ), was put into service by Metroline at its Edgware garage . TfL has already fully converted 54 bus services to zero-emission status , and an additional 14 services have been partially converted .
The innovative VEDS technology is a crucial component in TfL ’ s efforts to revolutionize urban mobility in London . The VEDS integrates a water-cooled permanent magnet motor , inverter , and control software , ensuring efficient performance while minimizing energy consumption and extending the vehicle ’ s range . Moreover , Voith ’ s technology has been deployed in multiple cities across the UK , including Belfast , Leicester , Liverpool , and the Midlands around Birmingham .
ISSUE 43 OCTOBER 2023 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU 29