The ’CoacH2’ project, worth GBP1.2m and including partners such as Translink and Queen’s University Belfast, aims to produce an electric vehicle which can meet the demands of coach operation, including heavy payloads and long-distance routes.

The trailers themselves have been designed to carry tyres featuring reinforced internal body walls to prevent bowing under heavy loads.

The proof-of-concept vehicle was assembled, deployed and tested at the MIRA Technology Park in Nuneaton, UK. The prototype is expected to be tested by operators and OEMs during the rest of 2024.

This product is a significant upgrade to its heavy-duty electric motor technology with the new HTM-3500 motor, doubling the continuous power output of its predecessor.

The BMS is designed to maximise the efficiency and performance of the batteries while being cost-effective, helping manufacturers reduce the overall costs of vehicle development​.

T&BB spoke to Vanessa Kelly, Head of Corporate Relations of HVS at Cenex 2024 to learn that HVS is entering another funding (Series B) round in October this year as the engineers continue to forge ahead with its attribute prototype (AP) build.

David Earnshaw told T&BB that the new plant will specialise in high voltage equipment for electric vehicles.

Phil Moon, Marketing Manager at DAF Trucks UK who told us about a significant new appointment, the deal with the international electric charging booking platform (HDV booking) and the 50th anniversary of DAFaid.

Jones will lead the development of DAF’s electric vehicle (EV) programme in the UK, overseeing sales, aftersales, the dealer network’s EV strategy and the rollout of charging infrastructure. 

Details on the bus specs are sparse at this point but we will be sure to update our readers once we have more details.

Nuvera says it will supply its ‘E-Series’ fuel cell engines to Viritech for testing with the ‘VPT60N’ electric powertrain.

Dennis Eagle says that seventeen vehicles have already been delivered, with fifty-two more to follow later in the year.