Latest news with #BrisbaneTruckShow
West Australian
5 days ago
- Automotive
- West Australian
Under the skin of Hyundai's XCIENT fuel cell truck
Up front, it's best to underline this: Hyundai's XCIENT fuel cell truck is an electric truck. It's not driven by hydrogen but by electricity from a large on-board battery. The hydrogen is the fuel that runs the on-board battery charging. The concept of hydrogen fuel cell cars and trucks is to add an emissions-free range-extender to a battery electric driveline. Hyundai's truck is on display at the Brisbane Truck Show, and Hyundai locally is in discussions with operators in NSW, Victoria and WA to sell or lease limited numbers of the trucks into daily operations on evaluation. Hyundai's boss of future mobility and government relations, Scott Nargar, told us that some of the operators they were speaking to were keen to own the trucks in conjunction with recognition and assistance from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, ARENA, which exists to support industry moves towards low emissions solutions based on renewables. The trucks will likely be a combination of prime movers and rigids but will all feature the same spec driveline. Six hydrogen tanks each with a 31kg capacity will supply two 90kW fuel cell stacks that in turn will charge a 72kWh battery. The electric motor develops 350kW (470hp) and a thumping 2237Nm of torque, delivering that urge to the drive wheels through an Allison 4500R transmission. Based on European market testing the expected range, including regenerative braking is quoted as 'up to 400km', which would comfortably out-distance similar all-electric heavy-duty trucks now in use in WA fleets. Refuelling, with a 350bar H2 station is claimed to be between 8-20 minutes. XCIENT FC is purely hydrogen fuelled – there is no system to top-up the battery from a charging point. As long as the battery needs charging and there is hydrogen in the tanks, the fuel cell will bubble away even when the truck is parked up. The company is presently finishing off certification and homologation issues and will be sourcing the trucks through its New Zealand operation. That's because the Korean factory only builds the trucks in left-hand drive but converted test units have been running with the Kiwis since 2023. Hence XCIENTs for Australia will dog-leg across the Tasman. No details yet but I'm aware that Hyundai Australia is seeking local conversion opportunities until enough volume can be generated to justify some RHD production from the factory. Hyundai has been trialling this truck in 13 countries including NZ since 2021 with about 13 million kilometres in Switzerland alone. The data accumulated suggests some significant operational and logistical advantages over purely electric drivelines, however the issue of an hydrogen infrastructure looms large. Here in WA, Woodside has started a project with WA Government support to establish an hydrogen production and refuelling facility - Hydrogen Refueller @H2Perth - in the Rockingham industrial zone. Distributing the fuel to stations elsewhere in Perth, particularly the Kewdale transport hub would seem to be a necessity. Elsewhere, Hyundai is expanding the trial in California, where 30 hydrogen fuel cell trucks working in the ports of Oakland and Richmond to haul freight containers and vehicles will shortly be integrated into trials of fully autonomous operations.
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Record electric truck haul aims to drive down emissions
Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions. Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions. Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions. Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions.
Perth Now
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Record electric truck haul aims to drive down emissions
Australia's largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks will drive down emissions on roads across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia after a record-breaking order from one of the nation's biggest transport firms. Linfox announced plans to purchase 30 electric prime movers from the Volvo Group on Thursday, following two trials of smaller electric trucks. While 10 of the large vehicles were delivered to Linfox's Brisbane headquarters, Volvo representatives said the order would accelerate its plans to manufacture electric trucks in Australia. The announcement also comes after several electric truck investments co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and changes to laws in some states allowing the larger and heavier vehicles on Australian roads. Linfox's heavy-duty electric truck order had the potential to challenge other firms to make similar commitments, Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick said, as well as addressing skepticism about zero-emissions transport. "This is a really bold step that will give other companies the confidence to do this," he told AAP. "We have around 90 battery electric trucks running around Australia today operating successfully and they've covered over 1.1 million kilometres collectively so they're doing the job that people thought they couldn't do." The prime movers were expected to cover between 250 and 300 kilometres per day, Mr Merrick said, and recharge at Linfox bases overnight. Rising demand as well as changes to state laws to allow large electric trucks on roads meant the company could speed up the development of local manufacturing, Volvo Trucks global president Roger Alm said. Ten of the 30 electric trucks ordered would be made at the company's Brisbane facility, starting from next year rather than 2027 as planned. "We have been moving with the market and we see battery electric truck demand has increased," Mr Alm said. "We have eight models in production at factories around the world and we will be adding another factory with Wacol next year." Other companies deploying electric trucks in Australia include Team Global Express, which has invested in 60 vehicles, and logistics provider ANC that purchased 112 electric trucks. Linfox's announcement also coincides with the opening of the Brisbane Truck Show, expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors over four days and display several low-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Hyundai will show off both hydrogen and electric trucks at the event and Dutch firm DAF will showcase its XB Electric truck designed for urban deliveries. Changing from diesel to electric trucks could significantly cut Australian emissions as freight transport represents 40 per cent of all transport pollution, according to estimates from the Climateworks Centre, and seven per cent of the nation's total carbon emissions.
The Age
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Age
Blinged-up trucks converge on South Bank for Brisbane Truck Show's heavy vehicle bonanza
'Each one of these vehicles has a story,' said Todd Hacking, CEO of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia, which runs the biannual Brisbane Truck Show. 'Each one has an owner that's poured money – probably too much money if we're honest – into making them look absolutely fantastic.' Just ask Kenny 'Jo Jo' Easter, general manager of Queensland's K.S. Easter Transport. The company's 'Pegasus Volvo' features custom airbrushed art by renowned late US painter Mike Lavallee. In 2015, Lavallee was flown out by the Viking Trucks company on the Sunshine Coast to complete the job at considerable cost, with the help of East Coast Airbrushing. 'When I spoke to Mike he said this would be an expensive project, but he said 'this will be something that will be a showstopper everywhere you go'. 'And sure enough, every show that it's been in, it's taken out first place.' While K.S. Easter is a large operation, Hacking said 75 per cent of Australia's fleet was made up of companies with just one truck. 'You're talking about mostly regionally based people who have probably mortgaged their house to buy a piece of equipment to have a profession as a truck driver, so it becomes almost an extension of the family.' Brisbane Truck Show began as an industry-only event held in Rocklea in 1968, with 21 exhibitors. Now, 57 years later, it's the biggest automotive exhibition in the southern hemisphere and the second-largest trade show in Australia. According to the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, 2023's show attracted more than 43,000 visitors and injected $31.5 million into the local economy. Hacking said that since 2019 the event had focused on involving the general public with activations and sister events. The Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at the RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at the Rocklea Showgrounds are taking place concurrently, while a careers hub in South Bank will introduce 1400 school students to the heavy vehicle industry. 'The whole surrounds of the Convention Centre will be alive and have a festival-like atmosphere,' he said. The show would coincide with National Road Safety Week, and Hacking said exhibits shone a light on new safety technologies on the market, such as cameras that made it easier for truck drivers to see cyclists in blind spots. Loading 'There's all manner of low and zero-emissions technology, from just improving the aerodynamics of the vehicles right through to full-battery electric vehicles and alternative fuels like HVO, which is hydrotreated vegetable oil. 'This is the Australian industry's biggest event, so this is where you're going to see it first.'
Sydney Morning Herald
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
Blinged-up trucks converge on South Bank for Brisbane Truck Show's heavy vehicle bonanza
'Each one of these vehicles has a story,' said Todd Hacking, CEO of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia, which runs the biannual Brisbane Truck Show. 'Each one has an owner that's poured money – probably too much money if we're honest – into making them look absolutely fantastic.' Just ask Kenny 'Jo Jo' Easter, general manager of Queensland's K.S. Easter Transport. The company's 'Pegasus Volvo' features custom airbrushed art by renowned late US painter Mike Lavallee. In 2015, Lavallee was flown out by the Viking Trucks company on the Sunshine Coast to complete the job at considerable cost, with the help of East Coast Airbrushing. 'When I spoke to Mike he said this would be an expensive project, but he said 'this will be something that will be a showstopper everywhere you go'. 'And sure enough, every show that it's been in, it's taken out first place.' While K.S. Easter is a large operation, Hacking said 75 per cent of Australia's fleet was made up of companies with just one truck. 'You're talking about mostly regionally based people who have probably mortgaged their house to buy a piece of equipment to have a profession as a truck driver, so it becomes almost an extension of the family.' Brisbane Truck Show began as an industry-only event held in Rocklea in 1968, with 21 exhibitors. Now, 57 years later, it's the biggest automotive exhibition in the southern hemisphere and the second-largest trade show in Australia. According to the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, 2023's show attracted more than 43,000 visitors and injected $31.5 million into the local economy. Hacking said that since 2019 the event had focused on involving the general public with activations and sister events. The Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at the RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at the Rocklea Showgrounds are taking place concurrently, while a careers hub in South Bank will introduce 1400 school students to the heavy vehicle industry. 'The whole surrounds of the Convention Centre will be alive and have a festival-like atmosphere,' he said. The show would coincide with National Road Safety Week, and Hacking said exhibits shone a light on new safety technologies on the market, such as cameras that made it easier for truck drivers to see cyclists in blind spots. Loading 'There's all manner of low and zero-emissions technology, from just improving the aerodynamics of the vehicles right through to full-battery electric vehicles and alternative fuels like HVO, which is hydrotreated vegetable oil. 'This is the Australian industry's biggest event, so this is where you're going to see it first.'
