The InnoLab battery laboratory is expected to be completed by August this year. The facility will produce lithium-ion battery cells and assemble batteries. The facility will produce batteries in-house for its range of electrically powered buses and trucks with the aim of reducing its reliance on external battery suppliers and limiting the impact of component supply shortages. Daimler aims to produce the first battery cells by the end of 2023 and the first prototype battery system by 2024.

The two firms hold an equal share in the new company, named ‘PO-Rein’, whose aim is to manufacture high-pressure hydrogen storage systems for the Chinese commercial vehicle market.

Over 200 exhibitors gathered at this past Road Transport Expo (RTX), which took place from the 28th-30th of June at the NAEC Stoneleigh, in Warwickshire, UK. The T&BB team was out in full force to bring you all the latest news from the show.

FFI is now acquiring the ‘Phoenix Hydrogen Hub’ project for an undisclosed sum and will draw up a supply agreement with Nikola for hydrogen produced at the site when it is up and running.

Under the banner of the “ZF New Energy Vehicle eDrive Project” – which has reportedly opened two e-mobility plants in China since 2021 – the new factory will cover an area of 8.3 hectares and employ 900 workers when complete.

The weight of the new generation i6S Efficient has been reduced by 950 kgs and its emissions reduced by up to 13% compared with previous generations. The vehicle is available on any chassis on the market and in an integral version with two or three axles, from 10.78 to 15 metres, between 36 – 55 seats and DAF engines from 364 hp to 522 hp.

Krone announced that CTE Trailers will start as the new official importer for Krone in Bulgaria, replacing Krone BG Ltd. This is due to the rising demand for Krone trailers in the country as CTE Trailers has a large service network (five authorised service partners) offering comprehensive after-market services.

Detroit remains a significant player in the manufacturing of truck and bus components enabling it to support DTNA.

H2 Green Steel is building a new steel mill in Boden in the north of Sweden which will employ green hydrogen instead of fossil fuels in the steel making process.

The new plant will produce wiring systems for the CV industry in order to meet the growing demand in that segment of the business.

The company has three factories in Japan, the Kawasaki Plant, which produces trucks and industrial engines, the Nakatsu Plant, which manufactures transmissions and the Toyama City Plant, where Fuso buses are produced.

A short report on the Global Technology Day, held on 29 June 2023, which featured factory tours, vehicle demonstrations, and a keynote by CEO Dr Holger Klein.