At last year’s ACT Expo in Las Vegas, Truck & Bus Builder met for the first time with Range Energy to learn more about its “electric trailer platform”. This year’s show provided the opportunity for a business update after two major announcements: the appointment of a new chief executive officer, Jon Foster, and a supply agreement with ZF Group for its ‘AxTrax 2’ e-axles. I spoke with founder Ali Javidan – now chief technology officer – and Foster about what the company hopes to achieve in the next five years.

Series production of the fifth-generation OptiRide began last year for an unnamed European commercial vehicle manufacturer; now, ZF is also supplying the system to Hyundai.

The investment is scheduled for the fourth quarter of FY2025-26 and is aimed at supporting the ongoing capital expenditure and growth plans of Switch Mobility.

With existing offices in Sweden, Norway, the UK, the Netherlands, France, and other European markets, the Düsseldorf expansion positions Kempower to meet surging demand for EV infrastructure in Germany.

New EUR 2 billion facility to drive Asia growth, improve tech access

The new owner of Magirus, Mutares SE & Co KGaA, has ambitious plans for the company: by 2030, it aims to double Magirus revenues to over EUR750m per year while also reducing emissions from production to net zero.

Hübner is actively exploring opportunities to deploy its hydropneumatic suspension system in electric commercial vehicles, with ongoing discussions taking place with bus manufacturers to incorporate the technology into future vehicle platforms. Meanwhile, the company will jointly showcase a demonstrator truck with this new airless suspension system at the next IAA 2026.  

This initiative aims to promote energy-efficient tyre manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, and create employment opportunities, says JK Tyres.

Providing 356 kilowatt hours of energy storage, these battery packs carry nickel-manganese-cobalt cells which are packaged at MAN’s facility in Nuremberg.

The ‘RE2b’, like the ‘RD1’ launched earlier this year, combines a manual ramp which folds into the floor of the bus with an electric ramp, but with greater width to make it more accessible for wheelchair passengers.

The company says this move to unlock value from non-core assets is consistent with Rane Holding Ltd’s strategic objective of streamlining operations and strengthening financial performance.

Supporting the development of gas, electric, and hydrogen vehicles, the upgraded facility includes thermal testing, noise and vibration analysis, 3D printing, and ergonomic workstations.