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Tag: zero-emission

  • Metra inks contract to purchase new zero-emission, battery-powered trains

    Metra inks contract to purchase new zero-emission, battery-powered trains

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    Metra will become one of the first in the nation to utilize the new technology

    CHICAGO — Metra has announced the purchase of new zero-emission, battery-powered trains.

    The Metra Board of Directors approved a contract on Wednesday to purchase the new trainsets.

    The Board of Directors agreed on a contract with the Salt Lake City-based railroad company Stadler U.S. for a $154 million base order that will include eight two-car, battery-powered trainsets, including engineering, training, and spare parts. 

    The contract also included options for eight more trainsets and up to 32 trailer cars for an additional $181.4 million. Metra said the additional cars could be added to two-car trainsets to make three-or four-car trains.

    According to Metra, a trainset is a group of permanently or semi-permanently coupled railcars that are powered by a propulsion system. Operators sit at both ends of the so they can quickly change directions.

    “This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.

    The two-car trainsets will each seat 112 people and any additional cars would add space for about 46 more people. The new trains will also include bike racks, luggage racks and USB outlets.

    According to Metra, the new trains will also offer low-level boarding and will be equipped with lifts to make them ADA-compliant. 

    Metra officials said the first trains are expected to be delivered in 2027 or 2028.

    Metra plans to debut the new trains on the 16.4-mile stretch between LaSalle Street and Blue Island on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line. 

    According to Metra, the chosen line for the new trains would benefit the air quality in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods on the South Side and in parts of the south suburbs. 

    The trains are expected to have a range of 45 to 65 miles when fully charged. According to Metra, charging times for the trains will vary, but it is only expected to take between 20 and 30 minutes to get the train’s battery from 20% to 80%, which is the amount needed to operate the train.

    Charging infrastructure and its cost have not yet been determined.

    Officials say the purchase of the new trains will allow Metra to retire some of its oldest railcars and diesel locomotives, which are beyond their useful life.

    “This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.

    The recent purchase was made using $169.3 million Metra received through a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grant. The grant money will cover the base order and some options. 

    According to Metra, the new trains could offer a more economical and environmentally friendly way to offer the same service as the railway operator works to achieve its vision of providing more frequent all-day service.

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    Gabriel Castillo

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  • Gemini Motor Announces Plan for a Fleet of Autonomous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks, Disrupting Long-Haul Logistics

    Gemini Motor Announces Plan for a Fleet of Autonomous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks, Disrupting Long-Haul Logistics

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    Autonomously Driven Trucks Powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cells Significantly Increase Operational Efficiency and Accelerate Decarbonization in the Transportation Industry.

    Press Release
    –

    Jun 21, 2022


    LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Today at the 15th Annual VerdeXchange VX2022 Marketmakers’ Conference, following an initial round of financing, Gemini Motor Company announced its plans to launch a fleet of autonomous hydrogen fuel cell trucks by 2025. The first prototype is currently under development and will be available for testing next year.

    California-based Gemini Motor is a cleantech company building autonomous, zero-emission semi-trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The RoboTruck, Gemini’s first product in line, will have a range of up to 1,400 miles and can be refueled in less than 20 minutes. Since no drivers are involved, the fleet of RoboTrucks can operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week, quadrupling the operational efficiency of each unit over the conventional human-driven trucks. In addition, no driver cabin is required, which results in a significant drop in capital costs at volume production, mitigating the additional cost of AV sensors and compute equipment.

    “The combination of L4/L5 autonomy and zero-emission ‘long-range’ powertrains will transform the future of transportation in ways we can only imagine,” said Alex Rafiee, CEO and Co-founder of Gemini. “For the first time, we can accelerate decarbonization in transportation by combining two technologies that enable our zero-emission fleet to maximize utilization up to 97% of the time in a 24-hour day. This level of extreme utilization dramatically reduces CO2 emissions, shipping costs, and freight congestion, all at once.” For a frame of reference, Rafiee explained that adding 20,000 Gemini RoboTrucks to the industry would have the same beneficial impact on our environment as adding 3 million new battery-electric passenger vehicles on U.S. roads.

    Autonomous Vehicles Make a Positive Impact on Safety and Cost

    Using a software-centric approach that incorporates self-learning and sensor fusion, the Gemini AI runs vehicles autonomously, performs predictive maintenance, and maximizes fuel efficiency while meeting the highest safety standards. Gemini Motor is currently working with AV partners to develop its AV stack, which will be ready for early testing later this summer.

    According to Gemini’s co-founder Maik Ziegler, the former head of Advanced Engineering at Daimler Truck North America and the former head of Commercial Vehicles at Hyundai Motor Europe, “Only fuel cell electric propulsion will give us the driving range and fast refueling needed to harvest the 24/7 operation benefits of an autonomous truck.” Ziegler goes on to explain: “In this way, we are solving the chicken and egg problem of which comes first, the refueling infrastructure or the vehicles. The development of a hub-to-hub operation model for Gemini trucks is far more economical than other alternatives because the number of refueling stations required for our fleet will be exponentially lower than would otherwise be the case.”

    Gemini founders also believe autonomy should be part of the product design from the ground up, which is why they have designed a vehicle that not only embraces the core functionality of an autonomous vehicle with redundancy in mind but also fully engineered to optimize the high efficiency of a fuel cell powertrain. The patented design is the first in the world to consider a full 2.75 meter-high front shutter that enables surface cooling for the radiator array, while the exhaust air vents through the side channels, eliminating the need for constant fan operation. This unique design enables a highly efficient cooling system, improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, fuel efficiency is improved through autonomous driving, which has already been proven to reduce fuel consumption by 10-15% in diesel-powered trucks.

    Fuel Cell Trucks Will Lead to Substantial Environmental Benefits

    Using hydrogen fuel cells enables Gemini to go greener, farther, and faster. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) significantly reduce the need for battery minerals and avoid electricity rate increases due to grid upgrades. FCEVs refuel faster, have a longer range and require far less infrastructure compared to battery-electric vehicles. According to Andreas Truckenbrodt, former CEO of Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC) and former President and CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, “there is no alternative for Fuel Cells as the source of power for CO2 neutral heavy-duty trucks”.

    Founded in December 2021, Gemini Motor Company plans to disrupt the logistics industry with the most advanced hydrogen fuel-cell and autonomously driven fleet of trucks.

    For more information, press only: 
    Adi Liberman
    818-257-0906
    adi@eoscal.com

    For more information on the product: 
    Ken Chawkins
    Business Development 818-422-7412
    ken@geminimotor.com
    www.geminimotor.com

    Source: Gemini Motor Company

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  • ConMet eMobility Announces Commercial Partnerships Amid First Deliveries of eHub

    ConMet eMobility Announces Commercial Partnerships Amid First Deliveries of eHub

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    Press Release
    –

    Mar 7, 2022


    ORLANDO, Fla., March 7, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ConMet eMobility has announced commercial partnerships and supply agreements with some of the industry’s top players, setting plans to increase sales of the PreSet Plus® eHub™. 

    The eHub system pairs an in-wheel electric motor with a ConMet PreSet Plus hub assembly, engineered to capture kinetic energy and convert it to electricity. The electricity is stored in a high-capacity, lightweight battery that sits beneath a trailer, providing the vehicle with auxiliary power. When shared with transport refrigeration units (TRUs), this regenerative energy is capable of providing zero-emission refrigeration to a fully loaded trailer, eliminating the need for a separate diesel engine and reducing overall fuel consumption. 

    In January 2022, ConMet eMobility announced a commercial partnership with Carrier Transicold, which is further expanding its electrification capabilities in North America by leveraging the eHub system. When paired with a Carrier Vector™ unit, the technology can deliver a zero-emission* transport refrigeration solution.

    The need for zero-emission refrigeration technologies is becoming increasingly urgent as states ramp up efforts to reduce TRU-related emissions. CARB, in California, recently announced plans to make zero-emission TRUs mandatory and other states are expected to follow. As fleets work toward electrification, the alliance between ConMet eMobility and Carrier Transicold is well-positioned to support these new standards.   

    The system has already hit the road in California. On March 1, the companies announced an agreement with Sysco Corp., the global leader in foodservice distribution, to supply Sysco with a zero-emission refrigeration system as part of a commercial evaluation program. The delivery of this advanced system took place earlier this year at Sysco’s Riverside, CA, operating site, a location at the forefront of Sysco’s fleet electrification efforts.

    “We are proud to see our technology already making a positive change,” said Marc Trahand, vice president and general manager of ConMet eMobility. “Results from our first commercial evaluation program prove how powerful the eHub system is, generating enough electricity to power the TRU over an entire food service delivery route. We’re looking forward to even more positive advancements as we move into our next production run of the eHub, which is scaled for volume, ease of use, and manufacturing efficiency.”

    ConMet eMobility is also working with Great Dane, a leader in the goods mobility space smartly connecting equipment, data, and services in a connected ecosystem. Great Dane is the first to specify a pre-configured trailer option for the eHub system. 

    Learn more about these revolutionary technologies at conmet.com/emobility and carrier.com or at this year’s TMC 2022 Annual Meeting by visiting ConMet booth #613 and Carrier booth #2521. Attendees can also see the eHub first-hand on a trailer at the Great Dane booth, #761.

    *Excludes potential refrigerant impacts

    About ConMet 

    ConMet, a division of Amsted Industries, is a leading global supplier of wheel hubs, aluminum castings, and structural plastics to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket channels in the commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1964, ConMet innovation has been critical in designing, engineering, and manufacturing revolutionary technologies for trucks and trailers. Today, ConMet products are standard equipment on most heavy-duty vehicles in North America and have a growing footprint worldwide. 

    ConMet eMobility was established in 2020 to address the needs and challenges of clean energy technology. The growing team has years of experience in electrical engineering, system controls, battery science, and more. Together with the unmatched wheel end expertise and support of ConMet, ConMet eMobility is enabling the development of zero-emission commercial vehicles, capturing, and regenerating the kinetic energy that would otherwise go wasted. For more information, visit www.conmet.com/emobility 

    ###

    Chris Kemmer, Consultant, CK Marketing & Communications, 614-459-9369/614-596-3730, chris@ck-marketing-communications.com 

    Megan Vincent, Marketing Manager, ConMet, Marketing@conmet.com 

    Source: ConMet eMobility

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  • ConMet eMobility and Carrier Transicold Team Up With Sysco Corp. to Deliver New Zero-Emission Refrigerated Trailer Technology

    ConMet eMobility and Carrier Transicold Team Up With Sysco Corp. to Deliver New Zero-Emission Refrigerated Trailer Technology

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    Press Release
    –

    Mar 1, 2022


    VANCOUVER, Wash., March 1, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ConMet eMobility and Carrier Transicold, pioneers in zero-emission transport refrigeration technology, and Sysco Corp., the global leader in foodservice distribution, today announced that they have entered into an agreement to supply Sysco with new zero-emission* refrigeration systems as part of a commercial evaluation program. 

    The new system combines the ConMet PreSet Plus® eHub™ with Carrier’s Vector™ refrigeration unit to provide fleets a zero-emission solution for commercial trailers. Regenerative energy created by the lightweight, modular, in-wheel motors of the eHub system power the electric Vector refrigeration unit. An initial delivery of this advanced system took place earlier this year at Sysco’s Riverside, California, operating site, a location at the forefront of the company’s electrification efforts.

    “Sysco is proud to partner with ConMet and Carrier to deploy their innovative, zero-emission refrigeration solutions,” said Neil Russell, Sysco’s senior vice president of corporate affairs and chief communications officer. “This is an important step in advancing our overall emission reduction strategy while helping our industry move toward more sustainable transportation solutions and ensuring critical access to reliable temperature-control technology.” 

    This collaboration aligns with the visions for each of the companies, which are working toward a more sustainable future. ConMet is committed to sustainable manufacturing while developing innovative products that help customers meet their own environmental goals. Carrier offers a comprehensive, integrated and growing suite of sustainability solutions and services that allow customers to reach their energy and decarbonization goals. Sysco has set a science-based climate goal to reduce emissions by 2030, which includes the electrification of 35% of its U.S.-based fleet.

    “We are proud to partner with Sysco, whose vision for the future aligns with ConMet’s,” said Marc Trahand, vice president and general manager of ConMet eMobility. “Working with our customers to develop and deploy transformative technologies like the eHub system is central to our mission. We strive to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our customers’ businesses while helping to secure our planet’s future.”

    “Electric technology can deliver lifecycle cost benefits for sustainable transport refrigeration units and supports Carrier’s goal of reducing our customers’ carbon footprint one gigaton by 2030,” said Mike Noyes, vice president and general manager, Truck Trailer Americas, Carrier Transicold. “We’re pleased that companies like Sysco see the benefits of performance and fuel savings for themselves.” 

    *Exclusive of potential refrigerant impact

    About ConMet 

    ConMet, a division of Amsted Industries, is a leading global supplier of wheel hubs, aluminum castings, and structural plastics to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket channels in the commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1964, ConMet innovation has been critical in designing, engineering, and manufacturing revolutionary technologies for trucks and trailers. Today, ConMet products are standard equipment on most heavy-duty vehicles in North America and have a growing footprint worldwide.

    ConMet eMobility was established in 2020 to address the needs and challenges of clean energy technology. The growing team has years of experience in electrical engineering, system controls, battery science, and more. Together with the unmatched wheel-end expertise and support of ConMet, ConMet eMobility is enabling the development of zero-emission commercial vehicles, capturing and regenerating the kinetic energy that would otherwise go wasted. 

    About Sysco

    Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 58,000 associates, the company operates 343 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 650,000 customer locations. For fiscal 2021 that ended July 3, 2021, the company generated sales of more than $51 billion. Information about Sysco’s CSR program, including Sysco’s 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, can be found at www.sysco.com/csr2021report.

    About Carrier Transicold
    Carrier Transicold helps improve transport and shipping of temperature-controlled cargoes with a complete line of equipment and services for refrigerated transport and cold chain visibility. For more than 50 years, Carrier Transicold has been an industry leader, providing customers around the world with advanced, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable container refrigeration systems and generator sets, direct-drive and diesel truck units, and trailer refrigeration systems. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. For more information, visit www.Transicold.Carrier.com.. Follow Carrier on Twitter:@SmartColdChainand on LinkedIn at Carrier Transicold Truck Trailer Refrigeration.

    For more information contact:

    Megan Vincent, ConMet: Marketing@conmet.com

    Greg Brostowicz, Carrier: Greg.Brostowicz@carrier.com

    Source: ConMet eMobility

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