RevieW i

Efficient all-electric axles will power the next generation of electrified trucks, with models tailored to meet the precise needs of individual applications

Allison Transmissions, back on the exhibition trail once again, debuted eGen Power, its new line of electric axles (e-Axles) for heavy-duty truck applications. eGen Power products are a suitable power source for full battery-electric, fuel-cell hybrid or ICE series hybrid powertrains and complement Allison’s eGen Flex line of electric hybrid transmissions.

Allison’s eGen Power e-Axles offer a highly efficient means of propulsion for electric trucks, using up to 9 percent less energy than a typical hypoid, right-angled drive setup, as adopted by competitor-developed e-Axles.

Newly aligned tyre and telematics corporate partners Bridgestone and Webfleet Solutions are jointly seeking to help businesses cut costs, drive efficiencies and reduce their carbon footprint.

Visitors were informed of the latest developments in energy efficient tyres and connected fleet technology for more sustainable, efficient operations.

Commenting post-event, Bridgestone’s Commercial Business Unit Director David Almazán said: “ITT Hub provided us with the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how our advanced technologies can help fleets drive efficiencies, realise cost-savings, reduce their carbon footprints and raise the bar in service delivery.”

Long-term UK market-leader DAF Trucks featured its award winning New Generation DAF XF & XG heavy-duty truck range plus a zero-emission LF Electric 19-tonner. The New Generation DAF XF 450 FTP ADR/Pet Reg and XG 530 FT low-deck tractor units took pride of place on stand, while an XG 480 FTG 6x2 tractor powered by PACCAR MX-13 12.9-litre engine running on HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil) was showcased. This drop-in alternative to diesel requires no vehicle modifications and delivers a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from well-to-wheel compared to regular diesel.

Co-starring alongside was a zero-emission 19-tonne LF Electric, with its PACCAR box-van body. Designed and manufactured at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, it was presented with a PACCAR charging unit; one of a range of static and mobile PACCAR charging solutions that are available from 20kW to 350kW to suit both AC and DC charging.

Interest in the new DFSK EC35 compact electric van and the DFSK EC31 electric chassis cab has been increasing following their appearances at various shows. The Chinese made DFSK EC35 2-seat electric van is ideal for inner-city and town driving due to its compact proportions.

n Up to 166 mile electric range n Rapid charge to 80% in 1 hour n 1,015kg payload n Reversing sensors and camera n Android Auto & Apple CarPlay n 5 year/ 75,000 mile vehicle warranty n 8 year/ 100,000 mile battery warranty n 3 years roadside assistance from AA

The DFSK EC35 was made available for test drives in the Ride & Drive Zone that included runs around Farnborough town. What impressed most was the smooth ride, good build quality, and artificial motor noise emitting at below speeds of 30 mp/h to alert vulnerable road and street users. Imported, specified and distributed by Innovation Automotive, sales are underway in Britain with interest coming from Ireland from a number of parties. More news on this anon.

Back for its second year, IVECO showcased its latest innovative and commercial connected vehicles, plus market-leading natural gas powertrains together with the first UK public display for the new 490hp S-WAY with CURSOR 13 engine.

Pioneering the charge to alternative propulsion in commercial vehicles for over 25 years, IVECO offers a range of solutions in low-emission goods and people transport from 3.5-tonnes to 46-tonnes GVW with its advanced new Daily, Eurocargo and expanded WAY-range. With over 45,000 natural gas vehicles produced since 1996, IVECO believes that the power of natural gas offers a viable means of significantly cutting carbon emissions in transport, offering up to 95% reductions in CO2 when running on sustainably sourced Biomethane.

The new Daily updated engine range now conforms to Euro 6-D FINAL (Light Duty) and Euro VI/E (Heavy Duty) emissions standards. The 2.3-litre F1A engine achieves up to 6% fuel saving in the WLTP cycle compared to the previous model, and when coupled with the new manual transmission delivers an up to 15% torque increase.

IVECO Daily 7-Tonne Panel Van (70C18HA8 V) IVECO S-WAY 460hp Natural Gas 4x2 Tractor (AS440S46T/P CNG) IVECO S-WAY 490hp Tractor 6x2C (AS44S49TX/P)

IVECO S-WAY Natural Gas 4x2 Tractor (AS440S46T/P CNG) IVECO S-WAY 490hp Tra

MICHELIN Connected Fleet is a new brand bringing together all of the fleet management services and solutions of the Michelin Group under one banner.

It is also presenting a new selection of connected solutions for HGV fleets, intended to give hauliers and own-account operators a complete, and advanced on-board telematics package, with real-time vision of the way in which their trucks and trailers are utilised and located. This helps to optimise fleet utilisation, which in turn reduces operating costs, whilst also bolstering road safety by providing valuable feedback on driving behaviours.

Data can also be used to help anticipate maintenance requirements, leading to reductions in unscheduled downtime. Furthermore, the system can monitor tyre pressures and temperatures to considerably reduce the likelihood of roadside breakdowns, helping to avoid missed deliveries, vehicle damage and increased tyre costs.

MICHELIN Connected Fleet already receives and processes data from approximately 300 million journeys per year, comprising Masternaut in Europe, NexTraq in North America, and Sascar in South America – collected from over 600,000 vehicles operated by 70,000 customers, spanning 48 countries.

Renault Trucks launched an industry-first multimodal last mile e-mobility concept at the ITT Hub event. Called the Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale, it was primarily created for cleaner, greener and more accessible urban deliveries.

Designed and commissioned by Renault Trucks to help reduce congestion and improve air quality in urban areas, the unique E-Tech Master OptiModale combines three types of electric transportation in one vehicle: a 3.5 tonne LWB L3H1 E-Tech Master van with Low Loader Luton body; an eBullitt electric Cargo bike; and parcel-carrying drone from UVATEK.

Suitable for a wide range of logistics operations as well as medical applications, the E-Tech OptiModale can carry and deliver parcels of various sizes. The specially commissioned Low Loader Luton body holds the parcels and acts as the ‘Mothership’ for the eCargo bike and drone helipad system.

On hand to explain was Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, who said: “The all-new Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale addresses the pressing need to improve air quality and pollution in our cities while improving accessibility and productivity for operators. By harnessing multiple modes of electric transport, this is an all-in-one sustainable solution that is set to transform the rapidly growing parcel market, and can be replicated anywhere in the world.”

Based on a Renault Trucks E-Tech Master Platform Cab chassis with the R75 electric motor and a 33kWh battery (also available with the new 52kWh battery for even greater range) the 3.5 tonne LWB L3H1 platform cab is ideal for combining both range and payload for this type of operation. Offering a typical range of around 130 kms before requiring charge, this vehicle is ideal for back-to-base operations that are located on the edge of major conurbations where entering the inner town or city requires zero emission vehicles.

A specially commissioned 4100mm Low Loader Luton body by Horton Commercials is fully equipped for parcel delivery with folding shelving, with electric cargo bike store to the nearside complete with bike lift, and heli-drone pad system. The latest generation eBullitt electric cargo bike, capable of carrying up to 100kgs of smaller parcels, is finished in a Renault Trucks Red frame with corresponding white cargo box. It is equipped with the latest Shimano e-system that can provide up to 50km of power assist for the cyclist and once back on board the E-Tech Master OptiModale, the battery can be removed and charged within 1 hour to 50%. 2 hours will charger it to 80% and 4 hours to 100%.

Above the eCargo bike location is the retractable heli-drone pad from which the latest generation parcel carrying drone from UVATEK can be launched, carrying high value loads up to 2kgs in weight. Although flying drones is currently restricted in certain areas, its speed and accuracy is ideal for urgent time sensitive deliveries, for example, over countryside or across water.

Schmitz Cargobull’s new lightweight fully-modular semi-trailer – the S.KO PACE SMART made its exhibition debut, alongside the popular S.CS FIXED ROOF curtainsider. Built in Manchester, the S.KO PACE SMART is targeted primarily at the parcel delivery and dry freight market in the UK and Ireland, and combines Schmitz Cargobull’s renowned build quality with innovative composite panels.

The lightweight panels mean each trailer weighs around 600kg less than competitor models, and the design ensures they do not absorb moisture, even if damaged. As a result, the tare weight of the trailer remains consistent over time, ensuring the payload potential on day one is maintained for the life of the asset. It also comes with a 12-month body warranty. The S.CS FIXED ROOF curtainsider has a straight front wall for free side loading and tarpaulin tensioning, an XL load securing side curtain with standard anti-theft protection and a Schmitz Cargobull aluminium roof which allows a side loading height of up to 3,100mm.

Both trailers are fully EN 12642-XL certified, are built on Schmitz Cargobull’s fully galvanised MODULOS chassis which comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through, and have ROTOS axles covered by a 1,000,000km or six-year warranty.

A Tevva T7 electric truck perched on one of MAHA UK’s flagship lifts stopped ITT Hub visitors in their tracks. The workshop equipment manufacturer facilitated the launch of the new emission free rigid truck, using the Iveco Eurocargo chassis and cab, in a unique way.

“Tevva is an electric truck company with a spectrum of options for zero-emission medium to heavy-duty trucks. Our revolutionary hydrogen fuel-cell range extension technology allows our vehicles to do all the work of a diesel, with total peace of mind about cost, range and environmental impact. Tevva is leading the drive to zero-emissions freight and urban logistics. We have vehicles on the road already, getting the job done, and are focused on optimising green hydrogen solutions as part of our proposition,” explained Asher Bennett, Founder & CEO of Tevva.