At this past Commercial Vehicle Show, which took place in Birmingham from 23 – 25 April, Electra Commercial Vehicles announced plans to enter the upcycling (repowering) business with the launch of Electra Exchange.

The buses, which are the first of a 15-strong order which will be fulfilled before the end of the year, are Mercedes-Benz ‘Intouro’ intercity buses which Safra has retrofitted with electric drivetrain components, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage tanks.

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.

The vehicle achieved a 5 star Direct Vision Standard* (DVS) rating for driver visibility, making it safe to operate in one of Europe’s busiest cities.

Transport operator, VIX Logística S.A. has started testing its first converted (retrofitted) electric heavy-duty truck in Brazil. Named Atlas, it has a maximum traction capacity (CMT) of 120 tons and has an electric motor with a power output of 450 kW (600 hp).

The UK startup has set up an umbrella company, KleanDrive, to expand into new repowering segments including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and marine vessels.

The deal follows on from a framework agreement signed last year, allowing for data transfer between TrailerConnect and TIP’s fleet management platform (‘TIP Insight’).

According to the terms of the agreement between the two companies, Renault will supply battery packs to Tolv and produce electric retrofit “kits” at its factory in Flins.

Hyzon announced plans for a two-vehicle commercial trial with New Zealand’s largest truck operator, the TR Group, beginning in March 2024. Hyzon will power two FCEVs, fitted with its single-stack 200kW fuel cell system which will be deployed for three months.

Lightning ZEV4 Type A School Bus, Clean Bus certification and funding, and Lightning Mobile fast charging trailer, are just some of the products and developments the e-Mobility specialist has brought to market this year.

According to the terms of the non-binding agreement, Ford Otosan will support Quantron in fitting F-Max trucks with a fuel cell electric powertrain, comprising e-axle, high-power battery, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage tanks.

French vehicle upfitter Groupe Gruau will promote REV Mobilities’ retrofit services to its own customers through its existing networks.