n the first quarter of 2021, truck sales in the Colombian market maintained its growth trajectory, which has been happening for virtually the whole period since the end of 2020, with 8,026 units registered.

Just over six months after the launch of its first 100% electric truck model, VWCO has already provided more than 16,000 training courses to the most diverse audiences, with the aim of qualifying everyone involved in the production chain to accelerate introduction of electrification. 

BYD do Brasil has launched its newest truck on the Brazilian market, the eT712.220, which has a total gross weight of 12 tons and is equipped with a two-speed transmission integrated into the e-axle.

Colombia is to be the first export country in South America to import the all-electric version of VW’s Delivery truck, the e-Delivery, according to VWCO, which has been working with the government to enter the Colombian marketplace with its electric truck range.

The Governor of the State of São Paulo, João Doria, presented at the end of March the Pró-Veículo Verde (Pro Green Vehicle) programme for the production of hybrid vehicles or vehicles powered by clean energy in the state, the objective of which is to attract up to BRA20bn (USD4bn) of investments in the next three years.

Marcopolo is delivering a total of 77 Senior Charter minibuses, which are being electrified by local company Reborn Electric Motors, to Chile's Renta Bus Link Services.

In the first quarter of this year alone, the city of Bogotá in Colombia has put into circulation around 558 new electric buses, a volume 500% higher than in the same period in 2021 and almost 450% higher than in the whole of last year.

Austin, Texas-based truck retrofitter Hyliion Holdings Corp has recently received two orders for a total of 70 units of its Hypertruck ERX. 50 units have been purchased by GreenPath Logistics, with a further 20 units ordered by Mone Transport.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has opened the application process for its Low or No Emission Program for buses. The scheme is offering USD1.1 billion in competitive grant funding. In addition, the government is offering USD372 million in funding under the Grants for Bus and Bus Facilities (BBF) Program.

Advanced Electric Machines Ltd (AEM) based in Washington, UK, has announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cho Thavee Public Company Limited (CTV) of Khon Khaen, and ASIA CAB Co of Bangkok, for the development of a retrofit solution that will enable ICE cars to be electrified with AEM motors.

Motiv Power Systems has announced that its sixth-generation electric truck exceeded 150 miles on a single charge using two Aries LFP battery packs supplied by Our Next Energy during a field test.

Solaris has announced a new framework agreement with Österreichische Postbus AG of Vienna, providing options to deliver up to 106 battery and fuel-cell electric buses between now and 2025.