PGT Trucking Purchases Nikola Tre Battery-Electric Semi-Truck to Offer Sustainable Shipping Solutions

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January 9, 2023

PGT Trucking Inc., a multi-service transportation firm offering flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized services, announces the purchase of their first Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) semi-truck, becoming the first flatbed trucking company to actively grow its fleet with zero-emissions equipment. PGT will immediately utilize the Nikola Tre BEV on a select customer account, primarily operating on local, dedicated routes.

“Our customers have expressed a need for sustainable shipping solutions, and we are working to align ourselves with their green energy commitments. With the purchase of the Nikola Tre BEV, PGT is prepared to meet these demands,” stated Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking President. “PGT will continue to revolutionize the industry through the Future of Flatbed®, utilizing innovative technology and zero-emissions equipment to provide progressive transportation services for our customers, enhanced lifestyle benefits for our drivers and sustainable shipping methods for the environment.”

PGT’s new Research and Development Department, led by Laurence Cox, Vice President, Sustainability, has been tasked with analyzing and applying the company’s green fleet solutions, identifying additional short-haul usages for the battery-electric truck and exploring new initiatives to support its operation across multiple platforms.

Previously, PGT signed a letter of intent to lease 100 Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) trucks, and PGT’s R&D Department will help prepare for the full integration of these units into PGT’s fleet, which are anticipated to arrive later this year. With the addition of the new zero-emissions equipment, PGT is on track to reach its sustainability goal, reducing carbon emissions from its company-owned fleet by 35% by the year 2025.

“This is a tangible example of how PGT is shaping the Future of Flatbed in the transportation sector, solidifying our commitment to our customers’ sustainability goals,” stated Cox. “We are excited to put our Nikola Tre BEV to work, further refining the application of this advanced equipment through our R&D department.”

PGT’s Future of Flatbed Fleet, which consists of the company’s most elite drivers, will be the first to drive the Nikola Tre BEV, working with PGT’s R&D Department, dedicated partners and customer representatives to haul flatbed loads in real world scenarios. The drivers were selected during an extensive application process and prepared for their roles by receiving advanced training on the equipment, attending product development meetings and participating in pilot programs.

“PGT’s decision to place a Nikola Tre BEV immediately into operation is telling of their commitment to drive forward their ambitious corporate sustainability initiatives today,” said Nikola Corporation President and CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “We are extremely proud to partner with another well-respected industry leader by providing progressive zero-emission transportation solutions that are intended to improve safety, reduce costs and CO2 emissions, and improve overall total cost of ownership.”

About PGT Trucking:

PGT Trucking, Inc. is a multi-service transportation firm offering flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized services. PGT is the leader in progressive freight transportation and fleet evolution, exceeding customer expectations with a strong focus on the Future of Flatbed®. At PGT Trucking, “Safety is Everyone’s Job – All the Time.” Visit www.pgttrucking.com.

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First appearance of the new ID.71 sedan with a digital camouflage look

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January 4, 2023

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The stage is set for the ID.7! At the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas between 5 and 8 January 2023, Volkswagen Group of America will showcase its first fully electric sedan based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). It will be clad in smart camouflage, which uses unique technology and multi-layered paintwork to create light effects on parts of the vehicle. This is an interactive feature and symbolizes the next step in the digitalization of the future flagship model of the ID. family. The ID. AERO⁴ concept vehicle initially presented in China already provided a preview of the new model, which embodies an aerodynamic design concept and is able to achieve ranges of up to 700 kilometers² (WLTP). After a six-year break, Volkswagen Group of America is returning to the CES – the world’s largest trade show for electronics – with a very special product.

“With the new ID.7¹, we are extending our electric model range into the upper segments. The sedan will offer top-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that we are planning to launch by 2026. Our goal? To deliver suitable products for our customers in every single segment,” says Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

The ID.7 offers an innovative climate and comfort experience

With its latest model based on the MEB, VW has responded to customer feedback and improved the user experience in the relevant areas. A host of innovations come as standard in the ID.7:

the new display concept
the augmented reality head-up display
a 38-centimeter (15-inch) screen
new air conditioning controls integrated into the first level of the infotainment system
illuminated touch sliders

The new air conditioning concept with intelligent vents offers a number of functions. For instance, the ID.7 can detect when the driver is approaching based on their key and will already start to cool the interior on hot summer days or heat the interior on cold days before the driver gets into the vehicle. Newly designed “Smart Air Vents” control the flow of air and move dynamically to distribute the air over large areas as quickly as possible. If there are passengers in the car, the air can be directed straight to the body or ventilate the interior indirectly. These functions are visible at all times on the new large display and can be activated and saved individually for each user. Special requests can be activated using voice commands. If the user says “Hello Volkswagen, my hands are cold!”, the ID.7 responds by starting the steering wheel heating function. At the same time, warm air is directed towards the hands.

Unusual camouflage concept is interactive

At the CES in Las Vegas, VW will show the intelligence of the ID.7¹ in a quite special way. The camouflaged sedan features a digital design with unique paintwork, which lights up the ID.7 interactively. 40 layers of paint have been applied, of which some are conductive while others have insulating properties. A total of 22 areas of the vehicle can be controlled separately and are electrified below the top layer of paint (electroluminescence) so that they light up. If all this is connected to a sound system, the rhythm is visualized by illumination of individual areas.

The QR codes on the hood and on both sides provide an interface between the physical and digital worlds. The entire camouflage also takes the QR code theme further and thus hides the contours of the final production vehicle.

MEB permits realization of an aerodynamic design and a generous interior concept

In terms of its style, the ID.7¹ follows the design language of the fully electric ID. model family. The characteristic features of the sedan include the aerodynamic front section and roof, which both help to reduce energy consumption and increase the range. Air intakes located in the front end guide the air flowing through them down the sides of the vehicle to the rear in a targeted way. They therefore form an air curtain, which calms the air flow at the sides of the vehicle. The roof slopes to the rear and thus contributes to the very good drag coefficient of the ID.7. The range is up to around 700 kilometers² (WLTP).

Like all other models in the ID. family, the ID.7 is based on the MEB of the Volkswagen Group. The advantages of the modular matrix with short overhangs and long wheelbase (2.97 meters) provide benefits for the interior. In the ID.7, this results in the character of a luxury sedan with an especially spacious feel.

Volkswagen’s electric mobility campaign: 500,000 vehicles based on the MEB already delivered

With its ID.7 sedan, Volkswagen is expanding its successful fully electric ID. family into the upper middle class of the high-volume segment and advancing its electric mobility campaign with the ACCELERATE strategy. VW has already reached a first milestone: Since the first ID.3⁵ models were handed over to customers in September 2020, Volkswagen has delivered 500,000 vehicles from its ID. family worldwide through its subsidiaries – around one year earlier than planned and despite the ongoing difficulties in the supply chain.

After the ID.3⁵, ID.4³, ID.5 and ID.6⁶ (only in China) models and the new ID. Buzz⁷, the ID.7 will be the sixth model from the ID. family and is Volkswagen’s second global car to be based on the MEB after the ID.4. It is planned to launch the electric sedan in the three primary markets of China, Europe and North America. The ID.7 for the European market will be produced at the Volkswagen Emden plant. After the ID.4, it will be the second model based on the modular electric drive matrix to be built in Emden.

Where ranges are stated, the values for consumption and CO₂ emissions depend on the selected vehicle equipment.

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4 steps to electrify your fleet

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December 27, 2022

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1.Assessment – Deciding on the right number, size, technology and setup for the charging
points requires careful analysis of your business’s needs, as there is no one-size-fits-all-
solution. To build in operational efficiency, it is essential to take the time to specify your
charging infrastructure carefully and ‘future-proof’ plans that allow for growth and changes
within your business.

EV technology is constantly evolving, with more manufacturers entering the market and
offering new solutions. While having more options to choose from does provide an
advantage, it also demands additional research before investing. Designing an energy
infrastructure strategy which balances long-term goals with interim objectives is also vital to
planning ahead for future needs.

2.Investment – Electrical infrastructure requires both upfront and ongoing running costs, which can be financed in several different ways. Plus, securing a new or larger grid connection –
which most businesses need to accommodate the increased load that EV charging requires –
will incur added costs. If you choose to work with a Distribution Network Operator (DNO),
there are costs for capacity reservation and grid reinforcement that may increase the Capital
Expenditure (CAPEX) needed for your project.

For businesses with limited capital for large infrastructure investments, working with an
Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) can reduce the cost of a new or
upgraded grid connection. IDNO’s can provide businesses with cash-back in the form of an
Asset Adoption Value (AAV) – a rebate which DNOs are not able to offer.

And by working with a specialised energy partner who can fund, build, own and operate the
required on-site electrical infrastructure, businesses can remove CAPEX requirements
completely. Instead, replacing them with predictable Operational Expenditure (OPEX) costs,
and enabling businesses to move towards net zero sooner, which offers a distinct cashflow
advantage.

3.Operations – Once you have installed EV chargers and all necessary electrical infrastructure, it needs management on a day-to-day basis. Operating high voltage electrical infrastructure is not straightforward, and requires specialist knowledge and experience.

To ensure equipment is legally compliant and operated safely, effectively and efficiently,
owners must invest in trained and qualified in-house resources, or can outsource operations
and maintenance. But legal responsibility for all compliance and safety will still rest with the business owner, unless they elect to divest the ownership of their electrical assets to an
experienced energy partner.

A Power-as-a-Service model offers the unique advantage of having a specialist taking on full
operational and legal responsibility for a company’s electrical infrastructure – not just the
maintenance, but compliance with all legal, environmental and technical regulations too.

4.Upgrades and renewals – There will come a time when infrastructure needs to be upgraded
and/or modernised. As it becomes older, efficiency wanes and the probability of failure
becomes greater due to the electrical stress under which it operates. Even the best high
voltage infrastructure is not immune to age-related faults; it is not a question of if upgrades
or renewals will be required, but when.

Energy specialists can often detect – and correct – faults before they become a cause for
concern, making it vital to have routine check-ups for all EV fleet infrastructure.

If you have opted for a service and asset-adoption model such as Power-as-a-Service,
upgrades and replacements are part of the service; so if a transformer fails, it will be
replaced free of charge and monthly fees will remain fixed. If you decide to own your own
electrical infrastructure, then you will also need to plan for periodic CAPEX investments to
keep your infrastructure safe and operational.

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Electrify America expands customer charging agreement with Kia America to include new EV6 GT owners

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December 21, 2022

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Electrify America and Kia America announced a charging agreement to provide first-time owners of the all-new Kia EV6 GT with 1,000 kilowatt-hours of complimentary charging—the equivalent of about 3,500 to 4,000 miles of electric driving for the EV6 GT, depending on factors such as driving style and external conditions.

Building on the existing relationship with Kia America and expanding upon the EV6 charging agreement announced earlier this year, the complimentary charging is redeemable at any Electrify America charging station across the country through the Electrify America app.

With 576 hp, up to 206 miles of EPA-rated range and a 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Kia EV6 GT is capable of charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 18 minutes on the Electrify America DC fast-charging network.

Kia EV6 GT owners will have three years from the date of purchase to use the 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging. New owners are encouraged to download the Electrify America mobile app to facilitate charging and payment, locate stations or check the status of chargers.

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LAX TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST HEAVY-DUTY ELECTRIC TRUCK

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December 21, 2022

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Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is proud to announce the arrival of its first heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle, marking a significant step in the airport’s transition to a fully electric fleet.

The Class 8 Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) semi-style tractor will be used to move paving equipment, transport construction materials and pull other heavy equipment at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) worksites. LAWA is the first government entity to take delivery of a Nikola Tre BEV, which is part of the airport’s ambitious plan to fully transition its vehicle fleet to all-electric. This also is the first zero-emission Class 8 tractor in the City of Los Angeles municipal fleet.

“By investing in the vehicles and charging infrastructure needed to support a fully electrified fleet, LAWA remains on the leading edge of sustainability and is laying the groundwork to achieve carbon neutrality from airport operations by 2045,” said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. “This purchase not only helps to reduce our environmental impact, but it also demonstrates our commitment to innovation and the future of transportation.”

The Nikola Tre BEV has a range of up to 330 miles on a single charge of its 733 kWh battery pack, and will use a new 75kW DC charging station being installed at LAX. The LAWA purchase qualified for a $120,000 rebate via the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project. The truck is expected to have significantly reduced maintenance and fuel costs compared with a similarly equipped internal combustion unit.

“LAWA’s commitment to transition its fleet to fully electric is a direct reflection of the organization’s bold sustainability goals,” said Nikola President and CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “Nikola is proud to have our Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle be the first Class 8 semi-truck to be added to the City of Los Angeles municipal fleet and play a role in their long-term sustainability goals.”

LAWA is committed to transitioning 100% of its sedan fleet to electric vehicles by 2031, and has adopted a zero-emission-first purchasing policy for other light-duty vehicles in its fleet of more than 1,100 vehicles. Currently, 41% of LAWA’s fleet is powered by alternative fuel, including 120 electric vehicle sedans, 20 articulating electric airfield buses and the addition of the heavy-duty Nikola Tre BEV. Other fully electric vehicles currently in LAWA’s fleet, or on order for delivery, include 26 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks, 10 Ford Mach E sedans, 32 new Class 4-8 trucks and up to 27 electric buses.

About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX, the fifth-busiest airport in the world in 2021 with 48 million passengers, is in the midst of a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program that will touch on all nine passenger terminals and build new facilities, including an Automated People Mover (APM) train, Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility and the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal.

In 2019, LAX served nearly 88.1 million passengers and offered an average of 700 daily nonstop flights to 113 destinations in the U.S. and 1,200 weekly nonstop flights to 91 markets in 46 countries on 72 commercial airlines.

LAX generates 620,600 jobs in Southern California, with labor income of $37.3 billion and economic output (business revenues) of more than $126.6 billion, according to an economic study based on 2014 operations. This activity added $6.2 billion to local and state revenues and $8.7 billion in federal tax revenues. The study also reported that LAX’s ongoing capital improvement program creates an additional 121,640 annual jobs with labor income of $7.6 billion and economic output of $20.3 billion; $966 million in state and local taxes; and $1.6 billion in federal tax revenues.

LAX is part of a system of two Southern California airports – along with Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.

LAWA is leading the aviation industry in sustainability practices, with initiatives related to water management, energy (electricity) management, air quality, recycling and natural resources management. In 2019, LAX received Level III ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International-Europe.

LAWA is also a leader in inclusivity, operating eight programs that provide opportunities for business enterprises including local, small, minority-owned, veteran-owned and disadvantaged firms, and working together with community partners to offer the HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program, which targets local workers to make them ready for rewarding careers in the construction trades, and the Build LAX Academy, designed to prepare small contracting businesses for success when working on projects at LAX.

LAX was named a top-10 U.S. airport by SKYTRAX in 2018, and was honored as the “Most Innovative Airport for Passenger Experience” in 2019 by the American Association of Airport Executives. LAX is the second-most popular airport in the world to appear on Instagram, according to wego.com. Other recent honors have included selection as the No. 9 Best Airport (Wall Street Journal); No. 7 Best On-Time Performance for a Mega-Hub Airport (OAG); one of “The World’s Best Airports for Business Travelers” (GlobeHunters); Public-Private Partnership of the Year (P3 Bulletin); Urth Caffe, Best Airport Coffee Concession of the Year (Global FAB Awards); Innovation of the Year, Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility (ARTBA); Best Project, United Airlines Terminal 7 and 8 Redevelopment Program (Engineering News Record California); North American Public-Private Partnership Deal of the Year (IJ Global); and Innovative Transportation Solution of the Year, Automated People Mover (WTS LA).

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How ABT CUPRA XE claimed a maiden victory in Uruguay

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December 20, 2022

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Extreme E 2022: Punta del Este — NOVEMBER 27: Abt Cupra XE take 1st Position, Klara Andersson (SWE), Abt Cupra XE, and Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT), Abt Cupra XE, win the final race during the Punta del Este on November 27, 2022. (Photo by Sam Bagnall / LAT Images)

ABT CUPRA XE collected their maiden Extreme E victory in style at the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix, with Klara Andersson and Nasser Al-Attiyah claiming top spot at the Season 2 finale. It was the perfect end to a campaign of ups and downs.

The pairing of Andersson and Al-Attiyah have proven to be a success from the outset – after taking ABT CUPRA’s XE first Season 2 podium at the previous round in Chile. Andersson was retained for the finale in Punta del Este as Jutta Kleinschmidt continued her recovery following an accident at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix in September.

The Swedish-Qatari pair were amongst the frontrunners throughout in Uruguay. What’s more, despite her minimal experience with the team, Andersson’s times in each session were among the fastest among the female drivers.

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “I’m just happy that we finally have our first win under our belt. We’ve been fast all season, but it has never all come together. Klara did a fantastic job, was fast, aggressive at the right moments and always stayed cool.”

However, the road to victory in Punta del Este was not without challenges. This began on Saturday; while Andersson and Al-Attiyah finished both qualifying sessions in first place, post-session time penalties dropped them back to fifth place in overall qualifying classification.

Nevertheless, ABT CUPRA XE remained in a strong position to reach the Final as they were to take on Veloce Racing and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing in Semi-Final 1.

In a closely-fought race, ABT CUPRA XE were classified third on course. However, multiple penalties accrued by No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing throughout their run ensured that so long as Andersson and Al-Attiyah kept out of trouble they would compete in their third Final in succession. That they did, thus entering the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix Final as one of the favourites for victory.

As the lights went out in the Final, Al-Attiyah stormed to the front and into the lead of a race that neither he nor Andersson would surrender. The pair comfortably managed a gap over nearest challengers NEOM McLaren Extreme E to take ABT CUPRA XE’s first win in the series.

Klara Andersson, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “Today is a day full of emotions for me. I’ve been following Extreme E for a long time and was hoping for my chance – now I’ve got it in this great team, and I’ve given everything to make the most of it. The success belongs to the entire team, who welcomed me so warmly and supported me together with Nasser.”

Thomas Biermaier, ABT CEO, added: “Congratulations to Klara, Nasser and the entire team in Uruguay. This triumph was overdue and highly deserved. Our whole company watched the race at home and cheered along. This was the perfect conclusion to our second Extreme E season. It’s nice to see how the series is always evolving, breaking new ground and attracting more and more attention.”

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Guenther ends pre-season test on top

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December 20, 2022

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Maserati MSG Racing’s Maximilian Guenther capped off a dominant performance in preparation for Season 9 with another testing lap record around the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia.

The German bounded to the top of the timesheets in the final half hour of the pre-season test. The 25-year-old putting in a commanding display in his first public outing since joining the Monegasque team, leaving it to the last day to put in the best time of the week with a 1:25.127.

Another driver who has quickly acclimatised with his new surroundings at DS PENSKE was Stoffel Vandoorne, the reigning World Champion looking good to be in the fight to defend his title after this week’s running. He ended the final session a tenth behind the German’s best.

Oliver Rowland had been the form man for Mahindra Racing for the bulk of the session, setting the fastest time at the halfway stage. The British driver’s time was good enough to stick to the end and claim him third.

Putting in an impressive performance this week was Jake Hughes, the NEOM McLaren rookie only finished outside of the top 10 on one occasion this week and picked up the fourth best time in the afternoon.

Next up was Sam Bird who made it a trio of Brits in the top five as the Jaguar TCS Racing driver logged his best lap of the test on the final day. It wasn’t the same fate for Bird’s teammate Mitch Evans, last season’s runner-up brought out a red-flag after his car shut down in the closing stages.

One powertrain to rule them all?

Guenther topped every session but two this week, but there was one shared powertrain that impressed further as the mechanical assembly behind Maserati MSG Racing and DS PENSKE lead the timesheets in all but one this week.

The power behind these teams is looking to set-up an interesting software race in the new year as they target any possible edge over each other.

At the end of the week testing is just that, testing, and we can expect more progress to be made ahead of the first round of the season as the teams pore over the data from over 5,000 laps completed around Valencia to build on their performance.

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Volvo launches more electric trucks

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December 20, 2022

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Volvo Trucks continues to expand its range with the launch of several new electric trucks, making it possible to electrify even more transport routes in cities and regions. This latest addition of rigid* trucks further strengthens Volvo’s position as a leader in electric truck transport.

Already producing the most complete electric line up in the global truck industry, Volvo Trucks is now expanding its offering with the introduction of rigid versions of its heavy electric trucks: the Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX. This makes it even easier for transport companies to adopt electric vehicles in urban and regional areas.

Thanks to multiple battery, cab and chassis options, the new heavy rigid trucks can be designed to carry electric superstructures for a wide range of specialized transport assignments, including goods distribution, refuse collection and construction work. Production of the new variants will begin in the first quarter of 2023.

“With these new, electric trucks we are making it easier than ever for even more customers to go electric, and for cities to shift to zero-emission vehicles for virtually all transport flows. Our customers can have these trucks custom-built for their specific operation, to cut emissions while getting the same functionality as the diesel truck they are using today,” explains Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

Electric trucks – more attractive to both drivers and cities
Diesel trucks with heavy loads are a common sight in many cities. Now it’s possible to instead use electric trucks for these assignments. Besides producing zero exhaust emissions, electric trucks provide a better working environment for drivers as they are quiet – which also contributes to a more livable city for residents.

Improved customer flexibility
The new rigid trucks have a battery capacity between 180-540 kWh. This, together with the number of batteries applied to a truck, provides for great flexibility and a wide range of potential operations.

“These trucks can handle all kinds of transports, from lighter to heavy loads. Customers can choose the exact battery capacity they need for their assignments, and by not carrying more batteries onboard than needed, the payload can increase. In short, we have the optimal and most cost-efficient electric transport solution, no matter what the task is,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

Volvo Trucks is the only global truck manufacturer with a full range of electric trucks in series production already today. The company’s target is that half of its global total truck sales will be electric by 2030 at the latest.

*Trucks with a single rigid chassis and built-on applications such as cranes, refuse compactors and cement mixers.

Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric rigids can be equipped as follows:

Released for sale in December 2022, serial production start March 2023:
Driveline: 490 kW

Drive unit: 3 electric motors

Battery: 450-540 kWh, 5-6 batteries

Cab: Sleeper, High, X-High sleeper cab

Wheelbase: 4300-6700

Axle Configurations: 4x2R, 6x2R, 6x4R, 8x2R, and 8x4R

PTO: Electric ePTO, Transmission PTO and Electro-Mechanical PTO

Released for sale in February, serial production start May 2023:
Driveline: 330 kW

Drive unit: 2 electric motors

Battery: 360 kWh, 4 batteries

Cab: Day cab

Wheelbase: 3900-6700

Released for sale in June, serial production start September 2023:
Battery: 180-270 kWh, 2-3 batteries

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SAE International publishes TIR J2954/2 for wireless charging of heavy-duty EVs; static and dynamic WPT

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December 20, 2022

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SAE International has published the first Technical Information Report (TIR) that specifies, in a single document, both the electric vehicle- and ground-system requirements for heavy-duty (HD) wireless charging of electric vehicles (EV).

SAE TIR J2954/2 Wireless Power Transfer & Alignment for Heavy Duty Applications helps pave the way for charging HD vehicles without the need for plugging in—widely considered to be a key enabler for accelerating the adoption of EVs and autonomous vehicles. The new guideline builds off the success of the first light-duty SAE J2954 standard published in 2020. The SAE TIR J2954/2 exponentially increases the power level of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) for heavy duty vehicles to 500 kW.

Charging a heavy-duty EV should be as simple as parking in the right spot—the wireless charging SAE TIR J2954/2 Guideline makes it possible to do that automatically.
—Jesse Schneider, chair of the SAE Wireless Power Transfer Task Force (ZEV Station)

Power is transferred by creating a magnetic resonance field between the ground transmitting assembly and a vehicle assembly fitted on the underbody of a HD vehicle. The energy crosses an air gap (the ground clearance between the pads) and is then converted from AC into DC on the vehicle to charge the vehicle batteries.

The technology is a safe and efficient method for transferring power from the AC grid supply to the HD EV. Field trials using a 10-in. (250-mm) ground clearance has shown that WPT systems operate at grid-to-battery efficiencies of 92+%. WPT with additional alignment elements in SAE J2954/2 also offers the potential to fulfill the charging requirements for autonomous EVs to charge themselves without human interaction.

The SAE TIR J2954/2 is a game-changer guideline enabling ultra-fast wireless charging to 500kW, for both trucks and buses. It also makes it possible for wireless opportunity charging at stops for buses to overnight charging without a cord and HD truck sleeper cabs. To top it off SAE J2954/2 enables dynamic wireless power transfer, making it possible to charge while driving at roadway speeds. This enables a leap forward for wireless charging for EV heavy duty vehicles by establishing a common vehicle and parking location and frequency.
Jesse Schneider

SAE TIR J2954/2 Heavy-Duty Wireless Power Transfer has the potential to change the mindset of the fleet operators enabling both transit buses and truck fleets to go electric. It makes the whole prospect of charging easier to handle compared to conductive charging.
Mike Masquelier, subteam co-chair J2954 HD WPT (WAVE)

The TIR J2954/2 is a first big step for wireless HD dynamic charging. On-the-go charging will significantly reduce vehicle battery cost, weight and provide a flexible resource to electric utilities.
Dr. Regan Zane, subteam co-chair dynamic charging (Utah State)

Additionally, SAE J2954 published an updated version 2 of its SAE J2954 light-duty standard for wireless power transfer for electric vehicles. This update improves the standard by creating requirements to assist UL 2750 in creating a certification program for SAE J2954 light-duty systems.

The SAE J2954 Standard has the potential to greatly accelerate validation and therefore commercialization of wireless charging systems for light duty vehicles.
Jesse Schneider, Chair SAE WPT Taskforce

SAE and UL signed an MoU to jointly develop and share WPT standards to help accelerate certification of wireless power transfer for electric vehicles.

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EV drivers reveal 9 tips for getting the most range out of cars in winter

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December 20, 2022

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EV Driver Tips on Maximising Range in Winter

Preconditioning the battery or pre-heat the cabin

Most EV drivers charge their car overnight so it’s ready for their morning journey. One Reddit user suggests to “Preheat the cabin wherever possible while plugged in. This will use energy from the grid to heat the vehicle before you drive off, rather than from the battery while you’re driving.”

Doing so not only heats the cabin ready for the journey, it also preconditions the battery for the journey meaning it doesn’t have to use the battery while driving to get up to optimum performance temperature (generally around 20°C).

Direct heat to the passenger, not the cabin

Internal combustion engine cars have waste heat that heats the passenger cabin, but this isn’t the case in an electric vehicle and blasting the heat to compensate can reduce an EV’s performance even further in winter.

One forum user suggests, “Instead of sacrificing warmth, use a more direct source for it. Heated seats can offer the same or better comfort than turning the heat up 5 degrees or so.” Directing the heat towards the driver via seats and a warm steering wheel is a more efficient use of the battery and consumes less energy than heating a full car cabin.

Charge according to your journey time

Another user, after driving in weathers as low as -7°C set the overnight charge to finish as close to his morning journey as possible as opposed to charging it the night before. This meant that the battery didn’t have a chance to cool before being used for the road meaning no initial loss of range before setting off.

Charge to at least 90% to compensate for loss of range

In freezing temperatures, battery management systems onboard electric vehicles reserve about 15-20% of the overall capacity in order to keep the battery at its optimum temperature. Instead of charging the car to what you think you need, charge it up to at least 90% to allow a margin for the loss of range from increased use of HVAC and battery management. When mentioning a tip similar, one r/electricvehicles community user said, “You will need the extra juice as efficiency decreases.”

Reduce wind resistance by slowing down

“The most important tip is to slow down!” says one Redit user, “If you just slow down a bit and go the speed limit or 5 under, your range will increase significantly.” But what’s the science behind this? The faster you go, the more wind resistance there is. Naturally, when doing higher speeds on motorways you’re using more energy to go the same distance – if you have plenty of time, look for alternative slower road routes on a GPS before embarking on your journey.

Inflate your tyres

Check your tyre pressure biweekly throughout winter and top up according to manufacturer’s recommendation when needed. An underinflated tire increases rolling resistance and consumes more energy than a correctly inflated one. Not only will they impact range, they’ll also have an impact on braking distance in potentially slippy roads.

Use Eco-Mode during low-speed journeys

Eco modes onboard electric vehicles increase efficiency by reducing sensitivity of the accelerator. As long as you’re not on busy roads or motorways where fast acceleration may be required, opt for eco mode to use less energy overall.

Reduce unnecessary weight to reduce drag

Removing any considerable unnecessary weight in the boot can slightly improve your electric vehicle range. Like any vehicle, the more passengers and unnecessary cargo the less efficient the vehicle will be. If you’re guilty of leaving junk in the boot, offload anything unnecessary as every extra KG matters when getting the most from a car’s range in winter.

Electric vehicle drivers sporting any roof boxes will not only experience a difference from the weight on their car but also the amount of drag it creates.

9. Safely drafting behind the car in front

One Reddit user suggested, “You can really up the ante at highway speed if you tuck in behind the car in front of you,” which is a driving tactic otherwise known as drafting. Drafting refers to a leading vehicle blocking the movement of air, creating low pressure behind it. Naturally as there’s less wind resistance, you’ll consume less energy as you drive. The 2-second rule still applies when doing so as to ensure you’re not too close to the vehicle in front.

Why does weather affect EV range?

Rebecca Marsden, Electric Vehicle Specialist at Hippo Leasing says, “It’s widely known that cold weather can impact fuel efficiency in ICE vehicles, but the way the cold affects electric vehicles is slightly more pronounced. Operating range is one of the most important performance metrics of an electric car and lithium-ion batteries onboard it can be impacted by a drop in temperature. The ions in lithium-ion batteries, like the one onboard electric vehicles, struggle to move around in the cold. This in turn has an impact on an EV’s range overall.”

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