Kempower expects to offer boosted charging performance with its next-generation DC fast charging technology. Series production is set for late Q1 2024 in the Lahti plant in Finland and Q2 2024 in the North Carolina factory in the USA.

This being one of the biggest orders for its luxury coaches, the vehicles are to be built in full at the Volvo Buses India factory in Hoskote in accordance with the Automotive Indian Standard (Code AIS 119).

The two engineering teams have already started working together on ChargePoint’s new generation EV chargers, building on a previous manufacturing agreement. ChargePoint wants to capitalise on AcBel’s 40 years of R&D experience, bringing more efficient EV chargers to market, faster and at a lower cost.

On 14 March, Schmitz Cargobull Ltd took over the King’s Suite of the Hilton Metropole, situated near the NEC in Birmingham, to launch the ‘S.KOe Cool’, an all-new fully-electric refrigerated semi-trailer which is the first of its kind to receive type approval for the European market.

From March 21 until the start of June 2024, travellers will be able to hop on the Yutong TCe12 electric coach on a Flix Bus route between London, Bristol and Newport (South Wales).

Kempower has won a grant for EUR 10 million from Business Finland, a state development agency, to develop a heavy-duty electric truck charging network across the country. The government funds will be paid over five years, whilst an additional EUR 20 million will finance future projects under the charging infrastructure development programme (Heavy Electric Traffic Ecosystem).

RTM has ordered 200 new generation 12.1 metre GX 337 ELEC single-deck buses, equipped with pantograph charging rails. The first 35 will be delivered by Q4 2024, with the order set to be completed by Q4 2027. The model will be manufactured at Heuliez’s plant in Rorthais.

Orders totalling 2,575 vehicles have been placed with the two OEMs.

Once valued at GBP 200 million (2022), the company has blamed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for pushing back the ban on ICE vehicles. Lunaz has ceased operations of its commercial unit ahead of a restructuring, with plans to revive its passenger car repowering business in the near future.

At Excon 23, there were several OEMs displaying new heavy trucks at the show including Mahindra Truck & Bus Ltd, Tata Motors Ltd and Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt Ltd.

Eaton unveiled new products in its aftermarket mobile power portfolio at the World Truck Show, including the introduction of the Bezares 3960, 2500 and 500 series power take-off (PTO) units.

MAN opened its first battery repair centre in 2020, located between Hanover and Laatzen in the German state of Lower Saxony.