Plant-Based Bio-fuel May Not Replace Fossil Fuels

News: Europe

2022-05-23

Plant-Based Bio-fuel May Not Replace Fossil Fuels

EUROPE REPORT
Christopher Bamforth
Christopher Bamforth

Over the last decade we have worked to reduce fossil fuel consumption in Europe without cutting back the use of our cars, trucks, and motorbikes. It was thought that by mixing diesel and fuel with crop-based bio-fuel it would reduce fossil fuel usage.

However, over the last 30 years the emission of CO2 has increased, raising questions about the effectiveness of this measure. After extended analysis from the Environmental Action Germany (DUH), it has been concluded that this may not be a solution to the problem of reducing carbon emissions.

Consider that the production and consumption of immense areas of land across the globe dedicated to the cultivation of these fuels actually have a huge environmental cost. For example, to satisfy Germany’s appetite for these natural bio-fuels, 1.3 million hectares of land have been converted to its production. This equates to 9.2 million tons of CO2 saved each year. However, if we were to dedicate this land to natural restoration projects with a portion dedicated to solar energy production, we would be able to save 27.5 million tons of CO2 each year.

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2022-04-06

German Soccer

The European office of Power Systems Research (PSR) this season sponsored a local soccer team in Germany. The A youth of the SSG Gravenbruch is playing in the district class in the district of Offenbach am Main. The club currently occupies fourth place out of a total of 10 teams. The club is coached by Dalibor Sablic, an account manager for PSR.

2022-02-20

Yamaha Motor To Launch Electric Motorcycles in Europe

JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

Yamaha plans to launch a series of electric motorcycles in Japan and overseas this spring. Electric motorcycles with an engine displacement equivalent to 125cc will be leased and sold on a trial basis in Europe, Japan and other countries. In response to the global trend of decarbonization, Yamaha has set a goal of reducing CO2 emissions to virtually zero by 2050. The 125cc equivalent electric motorcycle has been on the market in Taiwan, but this is the first time it has been offered in Europe and Japan.

The motorcycle has been developed based on the E01 concept vehicle, which was unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The company avoided mentioning specifics about the range and other specifications but said that the E01 would be equipped with a high-powered fixed battery that can run at high speed while meeting the range requirements for daily use, and that it would support quick charging as well as normal charging.

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Hybrid Electric-Hydrogen Maritime Propulsion System Being Developed

EUROPE REPORT
Natasa Mulahalilovic
Natasa Mulahalilovic

Germany-based Torqeedo GmbH and Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH are jointly developing a hydrogen hybrid propulsion system for the marine industry. The ambitious and innovative project is provisionally named “Ma-Hy-Hy” (Marine Hydrogen Hybrid) and is funded by the Bavarian federal government until 2024.

Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH specializes in a high-tech innovative, climate neutral energy solutions,  especially in CO2-neutral and emission-free hydrogen fuel cells and electric hybrid systems for stationary, automotive, rail and maritime applications. Development and production sites are located in the Munich area.

Torqeedo GmbH, as a part of the Deutz group, is a market leader in development and production of lithium batteries, solar charging equipment, electric and hybrid drives. It offers outboards and inboards, electric motors and hybrid drive systems ranging from 0,5 to 100 kW on motor level (up to 200 kW on system level).

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2021-12-19

New Cars in Russia Cost More Than in USA and Europe

The prices for cars in Russia now exceed the prices abroad. The high prices are caused by high custom taxes, certification for Glonass satellite systems and exchange rates of national currency. After many global OEMs built assembly plants in Russia, prices for cars were equal to cars in other markets, and after fall of the Ruble exchange rate in 2014, cars became even cheaper. However, in 2021 prices have grown significantly because of a shortage of semiconductors.

For example, the minimum price of a Hyundai Sonata in the USA is US$ 24,150, equivalent to about 1,725,000 rubles. In Russia, a similar car is priced at 1,799,000 rubles. A Kia Seltos in the USA costs US$ 22,490 (about 1,605,000 Rubles); in Russia, the minimum price is 1,734,000 rubles. Cars such as the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla and RAV4 are also more expensive in Russia by about US$ 3,000-5000.

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PSR Analysis: Actual prices are even higher in Russia because of dealer mark-ups. Sometimes, to buy a car, it’s necessary to pay 1.5-2 times the prices as a cost for “options”. As a result, there has been a 20% fall of sales in the country.   PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant – Russia Operations for Power Systems Research

MG Motors Plans To Make India An Export Hub

Aditya Kondejkar

MG Motor India is considering the possibility of exporting shipments from India to markets such as South Africa and the UK along with tapping other right-hand-drive markets across the globe. Despite the current semiconductor shortage, MG motors plans to prepare for a long-term vision of increasing its exports from India. The start  of the company’s South Africa operations has been delayed due to Covid-19.

MG motors has started exporting their vehicles to Nepal, and the company is preparing for the long term to make India an export hub for the neighboring markets. The carmaker has already dispatched its first batch of Hector SUVs to Nepal and plans to add Astor and ZS EV to the lineup in the Himalayan country next year.

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TSMC in Early Talks on Germany Plant

Erik Martin
Erik Martin

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電) is in early talks with the German government about potentially establishing a plant in the country, according to a senior executive.

Various factors, including government subsidies, customer demand and the talent pool, would influence its final decision, TSMC senior vice president of Europe and Asia sales Lora Ho (何麗梅) told reporters on the sidelines of a technology forum in Taipei.

The discussions come as the EU and others seek to increase domestic chip production to mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions.

The chipmaker has not discussed incentives with Berlin or decided on a location, Ho said.

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2021-11-21

BMW Starts Production of CE 04 EV Motorbike

Emiliano Marzoli
Emiliano Marzoli

The CE 04 falls somewhere between a maxiscooter and a light electric motorcycle, with a distinguished concept style.  Initially, the rated power will be 42 Hp, giving the CE 04 a 2.6 seconds to 50km/h and 120 km/h max speed.   A second model will be soon available with 31 Hp, with slower acceleration but similar top speed.

Acceleration won’t be the only difference.  The battery in the faster model will be bigger, with 8.9 kWh of capacity and is rated for up to 130 km (81 miles) of range. The reduced power model has a maximum range of 100 km (62 miles).  It will be possible to charge the bike under different circumstances, at home, or public places.  Two built-in chargers will be available, ranging from 2.3 kW to 6.9 kw.  Charging will take from 1 hour and forty minutes to 4 hours depending on the selected option.  BMW said that 20 to 80% battery charge will take 45 minutes, making this a very practical vehicle.

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2021-10-23

Volvo Builds Loader with Fossil-Free Steel

Christopher Bamforth
Christopher Bamforth

Volvo Group and SSAB have unveiled an autonomous loader made of fossil-free steel, claimed to be the world’s first vehicle made from that material. Manufactured at Volvo Construction Equipment’s facility in Braås, Sweden, this is said to be “just the start” as a few more will be produced in 2022 with mass production set to follow.

This machine is a load carrier for use in mining and quarrying and is built using a new fossil-free steel from SSAB. Volvo’s CEO Martin Lundstedt has already said that this new machine is a first step in incorporating this new steel in all of their products and components to help reach their goal of being completely carbon neutral by 2040.

Along with the electrification of its vehicles and machines, Volvo adds that it is determined to reduce the carbon footprint of its entire supply chain and this latest innovation is one step forward on this path.

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2021-09-26

Hyundai Motor To Convert Heavy-Duty Trucks and Buses To Hydrogen and Electric Vehicles

FAR EAST: SOUTH KOREA REPORT

The Hyundai Motor Group has announced its “Hydrogen Vision 2040,” which states that 2040 will be the first year of the popularization of hydrogen energy. The company plans to launch new models of all commercial vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and buses, with hydrogen-electric and electric vehicles. The goal is to reduce the price of hydrogen-electric vehicles to the level of general electric vehicles by 2030 by developing a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system that is inexpensive and has good performance.

The Hyundai Motor Group will not launch any new commercial vehicles powered by internal combustion engines in the future. It plans to mass-produce hydrogen-electric trucks in the country in the first half of next year and plans to apply hydrogen fuel cells to all of its commercial vehicle lineup by 2028.

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