The EV components supplier has formed a strategic partnership with Enedym to develop magnet-less next-generation switched reluctance motors (SRM), electric propulsion, and electrified powertrains for the Indian market - with the aim of beginning series production in 2023.

The startling ambition of Evum Motors GmbH is evinced by its name. It is derived from the Latin word aevum which, among other things, means “eternity” – a grandiose claim for a company which is only five years old. But what Evum Motors may lack in experience is made up for by its sheer confidence: confidence, that is, in a unique proposition which might well sidestep and get ahead of the more conventional designs of the commercial vehicle giants.

The E-Tech Master OptiModale is a battery-electric box truck with two compartments which open to reveal storage and charging spaces for an electric cargo bike and a parcel-carrying drone.

Tata Motors has been announced as the lowest bidder in a mega tender for 5,450 electric buses from Convergence Energy Services (CESL) under the remodelled FAME II scheme.

The components division of DAF Trucks N.V. is set to supply 100 PACCAR MX-11 engines to Turkish bus manufacturer Otokar. The Euro VI engines will be fitted to 100 Otokar Metrobuses for operation in Istanbul.

Truck builder Acela Inc, based in Bozeman, Montana, has released a new 4x4 fire truck chassis, named the Straya. The company claims it is the first ever purpose-built wildland/urban fire truck chassis.

Daimler Truck AG has upgraded its Mercedes-Benz OC 500 bus chassis for Euro VI engines with new models for both the RF (raised floor) and LE (low entry) models. The new variant features ADAS systems such as sideguard and brake assist to improve safety.

BYD Europe, the subsidiary of BYD Auto Co, has received an order for 48 units of its 12-metre low-entry e-bus from Hungary’s largest public transport operator, Volánbusz Zrt.

BAE Systems Inc has entered into an agreement with Hometown Manufacturing Inc to supply the firm with full-system electric drivetrains and power electronics for its heavy-duty buses.

Fuel cell manufacturer Loop Energy Inc has been named as the winner of a tender process to supply Tevva Motors Ltd with its 50kW T505 fuel cell system for Tevva’s 7.5 tonne electric truck platform. The two companies state they are now working towards finalising a broader supply agreement.

Osman Boyner, CEO and founder of London-based electric powertrain developer BEDEO, has stated that he believes EV incentives are too focused on passenger cars and must be adjusted to focus on the commercial vehicle sector if governments want to make meaningful change.

Enviro200 buses from Alexander Dennis Ltd have taken part in a pilot on-road autonomous passenger-less scheme, ahead of operations with passengers that are scheduled for later this year. Bus operator Stagecoach has been conducting the passenger-less tests over the course of two weeks