Tag: emission (Page 3 of 5)

Talgo Begins Rail Test for Very High-Speed Avril Train

February 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The first unit of the very high-speed train Talgo Avril began its first rail tests this week, a decisive step in the technical homologation, prior to its commercial circulation by Spanish operator Renfe. This is the final phase in the manufacturing process of 30 units of the Talgo Avril, which has a passenger capacity of up to 581 seats.

The rail tests are aimed at checking the dynamic behaviour of all the elements of the train, and in particular the running gear systems, under progressively more complex operating conditions and up to the speed required for technical homologation of over 360 km/h. Its maximum commercial speed will be 330 km/h.

The homologation tests are planned to be carried out for several weeks on the Madrid-Galicia high-speed rail line, although they could be extended to other parts of the railway network in Spain at a later stage.

Lighter, more sustainable and accessible

Talgo Avril is Talgo’s most advanced very high-speed train, which will become a benchmark of quality in the very high-speed rail segment. Thanks to their high capacity and light overall weight, the Avril trains acquired by Spanish operator Renfe minimise energy consumption and multiply efficiency. This allows them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and further enhance the position of rail as the most sustainable means of transport.

One of the outstanding features of this latest generation train is that its composition of 12 passenger carriages and 200 metres long are located on a single deck and at the station platform level, allowing passengers to access the train and move around inside it without steps or ramps. Talgo’s unique accessibility not only facilitates access for people with reduced mobility, but also offers an easy journey for all passengers, from parents with prams to passengers with bulky luggage or bicycles.

New routes, new markets

Talgo Avril is part of a highly flexible technological platform that allows each delivery to be adapted to the increasingly complex needs of the European rail market. In this particular contract, the 30 trains supplied are divided into different blocks according to their internal commercial configuration, their automatic variable-gauge system (Iberian and international), and their equipment to be operated north of the Pyrenees. Thanks to these capacities, Talgo Avril will be able to be used on practically the entire Iberian electrified rail network, bringing even closer those destinations to which the new high-performance rail network has not yet been extended, as well as in international relations between Spain and France.

The interoperability of Talgo trains is one of their most distinctive features, and this has led them to be used on commercial routes throughout Europe: France, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Belarus and Poland. The Spanish manufacturer has also recently been awarded new contracts to supply trains to the European operator Deutsche Bahn, which will connect Berlin (Germany) with Amsterdam (Netherlands) and to the Danish company DSB, to link Copenhagen (Denmark) with the German port of Hamburg.

Hamburger Hochbahn AG Innovationslinie 19.02.2015 Fotograf: Marc-Oliver Schulz 0170-3108004 mail@moschulz.de Hamburger Hochbahn AG Innovationslinie 19.02.2015 Fotograf: Marc-Oliver Schulz 0170-3108004 mail@moschulz.de

First Order Placed With Solaris to Supply 530 Electric Buses to Hamburg

December 31, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Hamburger Hochbahn, one of the largest public transport operators in Germany, issued a tender this year for the supply of 530 twelve and eighteen metre-long (articulated) electric buses. In August, three candidate manufacturers were selected, one of these being the CAF Group subsidiary. The framework agreement establishes tranche orders for the vehicles over the next 5 years until completing the delivery of the aforementioned total of 530 vehicles.

Solaris received its first firm order for units under the framework agreement, specifically 5 12- metre and 5 18-metre e-buses, which will be delivered to Hamburg in October 2021.

The two selected electric models, the Urbino 12 and the Urbino 18 belong to Solaris’ range of emission-free and extremely low-noise vehicles. Both vehicles will be equipped with Solaris High Energy + high-capacity batteries, integrated axle drive motors and also featuring plug-in charging devices for availability ranges of up to several hundred kilometres on a single charge.

The vehicles will also be equipped with temperature pre-conditioning to guarantee optimal vehicle temperatures during battery charging, as well as a variety of solutions to promote safety, such as a blind spot monitor system that warns the driver when pedestrians or cyclists are in the vicinity of the vehicle. In terms of capacity, the Solaris Urbino 12 model can carry up to 70 passengers whilst the articulated vehicles offer 107 passenger places, guaranteeing maximum driver and passenger comfort during service.

Airbus Reveals New Zero-Emission Concept Aircraft

September 21, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Airbus has revealed three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft which could enter service by 2035. These concepts each represent a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight, exploring various technology pathways and aerodynamic configurations in order to support the Company’s ambition of leading the way in the decarbonisation of the entire aviation industry.

All of these concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source – an option which Airbus believes holds exceptional promise as a clean aviation fuel and is likely to be a solution for aerospace and many other industries to meet their climate-neutral targets.

The three concepts – all codenamed “ZEROe” – for a first climate neutral zero-emission commercial aircraft include:

A turbofan design (120-200 passengers) with a range of 2,000+ nautical miles, capable of operating transcontinentally and powered by a modified gas-turbine engine running on hydrogen, rather than jet fuel, through combustion. The liquid hydrogen will be stored and distributed via tanks located behind the rear pressure bulkhead.

A turboprop design (up to 100 passengers) using a turboprop engine instead of a turbofan and also powered by hydrogen combustion in modified gas-turbine engines, which would be capable of traveling more than 1,000 nautical miles, making it a perfect option for short-haul trips.

A “blended-wing body” design (up to 200 passengers) concept in which the wings merge with the main body of the aircraft with a range similar to that of the turbofan concept. The exceptionally wide fuselage opens up multiple options for hydrogen storage and distribution, and for cabin layout.

In order to tackle these challenges, airports will require significant hydrogen transport and refueling infrastructure to meet the needs of day-to-day operations. Support from governments will be key to meet these ambitious objectives with increased funding for research & technology, digitalisation, and mechanisms that encourage the use of sustainable fuels and the renewal of aircraft fleets to allow airlines to retire older, less environmentally friendly aircraft earlier.

Boeing, SRP Sign Renewable Energy Agreement for Mesa Site

September 13, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

– Boeing signs 15-year renewable energy agreement with SRPAgreement supports Boeing’s emission reduction goalsSRP solar photovoltaic plant scheduled to open in 2021

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Salt River Project (SRP) utility have signed a multi-year agreement to power Boeing’s Mesa site with renewable solar energy.

Boeing will be one of several companies to receive power from SRP’s soon-to-be-built 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant in Eloy, Arizona. Boeing’s Mesa site will receive about 25% of its electricity needs from this plant over the next 15 years. This supports the company’s overall goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2025, and ultimately power operations with 100% renewable energy.

“It makes sense to take advantage of renewable solar energy at a location that enjoys 295 days of sunshine a year,” said Beth Schryer, Boeing vice president of Facilities & Asset Management. “This will help offset the same amount of energy equivalent to that used in one year by 670 average U.S. homes.”

SRP’s 700-acre Eloy plant is expected to begin operation in December 2021. Located approximately 50 miles from the plant is Boeing’s Mesa site. The Mesa site produces Apache helicopters and houses various corporate, commercial and defense teams in more than 40 buildings. Boeing employs more than 4,600 people in Arizona, with most based in Mesa.

“Boeing’s longstanding vision of improving the environment and reducing carbon emissions is a natural fit for the SRP Sustainable Energy Offering,” said Jim Pratt, SRP Associate General Manager and Chief Customer Executive. “We appreciate customers like Boeing working with us on this collaborative initiative to invest in renewable energy that not only helps them achieve their aerospace industry sustainability goals, but does so at an affordable cost.”

This agreement expands Boeing’s leadership in the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Two Boeing sites – Renton, Washington, and Charleston, South Carolina – use 100% renewable energy today. The company is also ranked 17^th on the EPA’s Green Power Partnership Fortune 500® Partners List, and has been named an EPA ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for 10 years running.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 160,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

GM to Revive Hummer Name with Electric Pickups, SUV’s

January 10, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Workers leave the General Motors CAMI car assembly plant where the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox are built in Ingersoll

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – General Motors Co <GM> will revive the Hummer name to sell a new family of electric pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles and will tout the return with a Super Bowl ad featuring NBA star LeBron James, two people briefed on the matter said on Friday.

The vehicles will be sold under the GMC nameplate. Reuters reported in October that GM planned to build a new family of premium electric pickup trucks at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant beginning in late 2021 and was considering reviving the Hummer name, citing several people familiar with the plans.

The Wall Street Journal reported GM’s decision to move forward earlier on Friday. GM declined to comment.

The electric truck and SUV program is the centerpiece of a planned $3 billion investment in the Detroit-Hamtramck plant to make electric trucks and vans, and part of a broader $7.7 billion (5.9 billion pounds) investment in GM’s U.S. plants over the next four years that was part of a new contract signed with the United Auto Workers union last year.

The investment moves the automaker into a part of the EV market that is largely untested and where GM has a higher likelihood of turning a profit, analysts said.

Reuters reported GM plans to first build EV pickups in late 2021 and then an electric SUV in 2023.

Tesla <TSLA> CEO Elon Musk in November unveiled an electric pickup called “Cybertruck” it plans to build starting in late 2021.

Rivian, a start-up electric company backed by Amazon.com <AMZN>, will begin building 100,000 electric delivery vans for Amazon starting in 2021.

Hummers were rugged civilian utility vehicles with low gas mileage that were inspired by military vehicles and were popular with such celebrities as actor Arnold Schwarzenegger but derided by environmentalists as gas-guzzlers. GM shut down its Hummer brand after a deal to sell the SUV-line to an obscure Chinese machinery maker was blocked by Chinese regulators in 2010.

Michael Harley, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book, noted “the original Hummer was ostracized out of showrooms for being heavy and ponderous with an insatiable appetite for gasoline. An all-electric powertrain essentially exonerates the truck on all charges.”

Electric pickups and SUVs – the heart of the U.S. market – could help Ford Motor Co <F> and GM generate significant sales of EVs needed to meet tougher California emission standards and electric vehicle mandates.

The Trump administration is moving to roll back those standards – and eliminate extra credits that automakers receive from EV sales but electric trucks are a hedge if California prevails.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Sandra Maler and Alistair Bell)

Toyota to Build Prototype City of the Future in Japan

January 6, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, speaks at a news conference, where he announced Toyota’s plans to build a prototype city of the future on a 175-acre site at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan, during the 2020 CES in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp <TM> said on Monday it plans to build a prototype “city of the future” at the base of Japan’s Mt. Fuji, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and functioning as a laboratory for autonomous cars, “smart homes,” artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Toyota unveiled the plan at CES, the big technology industry show. The development, to be built at the site of a factory that is planned to be closed, will be called “Woven City” – a reference to Toyota’s start as a loom manufacturing company – and will serve as a home to full-time residents and researchers.

Toyota did not disclose costs for the project.

Executives at many major automakers have talked about how cities of the future could be designed to cut climate-changing emissions from vehicles and buildings, reduce congestion and apply internet technology to everyday life. But Toyota’s plan to build a futuristic community on 175 acres (71 hectares)near Mt. Fuji is a big step beyond what rivals have proposed.

The proposal highlights not only Toyota Chief Executive Akio Toyoda’s ambition, but also the financial and political resources Toyota can bring to bear, especially in its home country.

Toyota expects 2,000 people will live at the city initially, with construction slated to start next year. Toyoda called the project “my personal ‘field of dreams.’

“You know if you build it, they will come.”

Toyota said it has commissioned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to design the community. Ingels’ firm designed the 2 World Trade Center building in New York and Google’s offices in Silicon Valley and London.

Toyota said it is open to partnerships with other companies that want to use the project as a testing ground for technology.

(Reporting by Jane Lanhee Lee and David Shepardson; Writing by Joe White; Editing by Dan Grebler)

Watch the 30 second Woven City YouTube video by clicking HERE!

ATR Delivers First Ever Green Financed Aircraft

December 21, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

First of five new 72-600 orders by Braathens Regional Airlines

ATR, world number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today delivered the first ever green financed aircraft to Swedish regional airline Braathens Regional Airlines, BRA. The aircraft is leased from Avation and is financed by Deutsche Bank. It is part of a new order for five 72-600s, all purchased by Avation from ATR and leased to BRA. Upon completion of the order in early 2020, the airline will itself operate an entirely ATR fleet, comprised of 15 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Vigeo Eiris, one of the world’s leading independent agencies providing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings, expressed the opinion that the project of replacing ageing regional jets with new ATR 72-600 aircraft is aligned with the Green Loan Principles (GLP) established by the Loan Market Association in 2018.

This first ever Green Financing of an aircraft confirms the high sustainable value of the modern ATR turboprop aircraft. The ATR 72-600 aircraft has a significant environmental advantage over regional jets and other turboprops emitting 40% less CO2. Turboprops are more efficient than jets on short sectors as they accelerate air using less power, so use less fuel.

BRA CEO, Geir Stormorken, remarked: “We have made a commitment to decrease our environmental impact and the ATR is an essential part of our strategy. With that as a goal, it simply makes sense to choose the most efficient aircraft. By replacing parts of our existing fleet of regional jets with ATR 72-600 aircraft we will emit 7,500 fewer tonnes of CO2 per aircraft, per year. We believe that aviation is an essential part of Sweden’s regional transport network and we look forward to showing our passengers and the Swedish public at large that there is a sustainable way of flying.”

Executive Chairman of Avation, Jeff Chatfield, commented: “As a lessor, it is essential for us to progress our fleet into new technology low carbon emission aircraft such as the ATR 72-600 which maintain their value over a long period. ATR is one of the best assets in terms of residual value retention in the business. BRA’s decision to consolidate their own operation around the ATR 72-600 aircraft type demonstrates their understanding of the regional aviation market and the importance of reducing carbon emissions. BRA is an airline that is leading the way in terms of striving to offer their passengers the best possible experience, whilst optimising operations and minimising environmental impact.”

“Deutsche Bank is proud to have played a key role in the first green financing of a commercial aircraft,” said Richard Finlayson, Deutsche Bank Head of Global Transportation Finance, Asia. “We’re hopeful that this leads the way for more sustainable financing activity in aviation, and increased adoption of lower carbon emission aircraft across the industry, to help make flying more eco-responsible.”

Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: “It is only natural that the first Green Financing deal for a commercial aircraft would involve an ATR and BRA. Thanks to the innovation of the ATR design, it inherently benefits from its lighter fuselage and the efficiency of its turboprop, meaning it burns less fuel and emits less CO2. It also makes sense that BRA, the leading voice on responsible regional flying in Sweden, would upgrade its own fleet to an all ATR 72-600 one, benefitting from these advantages compared to its rivals. We are proud to launch Green Financing in commercial aviation and lead the way in terms of innovation and sustainable regional aviation. We are thankful to Avation for having the foresight and flexibility to establish the operating lease for this series of aircraft deliveries.”

About Braathens Regional Airlines
Braathens Regional Airlines, is one of Sweden’s leading domestic airlines, with a Swedish market share of 30 percent. Braathens operates 26 routes to 17 destinations and carries more than 2,2 million passengers annually. Braathens’ On Time Punctuality is outperforming all other airlines in the world. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, BRA was awarded as the airline with the most satisfied passengers in Sweden. The airline was formed in 2016 after consolidation of several domestic air carriers, but the company’s aviation DNA reaches back to 1946 when the very first airline of the Braathen family was founded, Braathens S.A.F.E.

Airbus Considering Production of Hybrid Airplane by 2035

November 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

HAMBURG (Reuters) – Airbus <EADSY> is considering producing a hybrid plane by 2035 as it strives for a low emission aircraft, its chief executive said.

CEO Guillaume Faury, speaking to journalists on Thursday evening in comments embargoed for Friday, said that the plans were at an early stage.

(Reporting by Jan C. Schwartz; Writing Tom Sims; Editing by Riham Alkousaa)

FILE PHOTO: The Airbus logo is pictured at Airbus headquarters in Blagnac near Toulouse

Tesla Unveils Electric Pickup Truck with Futuristic Design

November 22, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Click to make your fully refundable $100 Tesla deposit

Starting price of $39,900
Most expensive version offers a range of more than 500 miles
Production expected to begin in late 2021 (Recasts and writes through)

Nov 21 (Reuters) – Tesla Inc on Thursday unveiled its first electric pickup truck that looked like a futuristic angular armored vehicle in gunmetal gray, as the California company took aim at the heart of Detroit automakers’ profits.

At a launch event in Los Angeles, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk said the Cybertruck will have a starting price of $39,900 and production is expected to begin in late 2021.

Other versions will be priced at $49,900 and $69,900 with the most expensive offering a range of more than 500 miles.

“We need sustainable energy now. If we don’t have a pickup truck, we can’t solve it. The top 3 selling vehicles in America are pickup trucks. To solve sustainable energy, we have to have a pickup truck,” he said.

The truck, which Musk claimed “won’t scratch and dent”, was described as having windows made from armored glass. But the glass cracked like a spider web when hit with a metal ball during a demonstration. Musk appeared surprised but noted that the glass had not completely broken.

Reactions on Twitter ranged from love to hate of the sharply angled vehicle. “I just watched tesla release the #cybertruck and honestly? My life feels complete,” wrote @aidan_tenud, while @nateallensnyde wrote “Its nice to see Elon Musk make a cardboard box car he drew in kindergarten,”.

Musk earlier tweeted the design was partly influenced by the Lotus Esprit sportscar that doubled as a submarine in the 1970s 007 film “The Spy Who Loved Me”.

The truck marks the first foray by Tesla, whose Model 3 sedan is the world’s top-selling battery electric car, into pickup trucks, a market dominated by Ford Motor Co’s F-150, along with models by General Motors Co, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV .

The pickup shifts Tesla more toward trucks and SUVs. The automaker has so far sold mostly Model S and Model 3 sedans, but also offers the Model X SUV and starting next year the Model Y compact SUV.

A focus on the high-performance end of the market is only natural given the success of Ford’s 450-horsepower F-150 Raptor truck, which launched in 2009 and whose sales have since risen annually, according to Ford spokesman Mike Levine.

While Ford does not disclose Raptor sales, Levine said annual demand is well above 19,000 vehicles and the No. 2 U.S. automaker has never had to offer incentives on the model, which costs in the high $60,000 range. Ford also offers the more expensive F-150 Limited, its most powerful and luxurious pickup.

Ford and GM are also gearing up to challenge Tesla more directly with new offerings like the Ford Mustang Mach E electric SUV as well as electric pickups.

Electric pickups and SUVs could help Ford and GM generate the significant EV sales they will need to meet tougher emission standards and EV mandates in California and other states.

The Trump administration is moving to roll back those standards, but electric trucks are a hedge if California prevails.

Demand for full-size electric pickup trucks in the near term may not be huge, however.

Industry tracking firm IHS Markit estimates the electric truck segment – both full- and mid-sized models – will account for about 75,000 sales in 2026, compared with an expected 3 million light trucks overall. The Tesla truck is not part of that estimate.

Ford aims to sell an electric F-series in late 2021, sources familiar with the plans said. It also will offer the Mach E next year as part of its plan to invest $11.5 billion by 2022 to electrify its vehicles.

In April, Ford invested $500 million in startup Rivian, which plans to build its own electric pickup beginning in fall 2020.

GM plans to build a family of premium electric pickup trucks and SUVs, with the first pickup due to go on sale in the fall of 2021. It plans to invest $8 billion by 2023 to develop electric and self-driving vehicles.

(Reporting by Naomi Tajitsu in Tokyo and Peter Henderson in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Miyoung Kim in Singapore and Joseph White in Detroit; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

Philippine Cebu Air Signs Airbus Aircraft Deal for $4.8 Billion

November 3, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Cebu Air finalises order for 16 Airbus jets

Expected to cut cost per seat, fuel emission

A330neo’s to be delivered between 2021 and 2024

Nov 4 (Reuters) – Philippines’ Cebu Air Inc has finalised the purchase of 16 long-range Airbus A330 neo jets worth $4.8 billion at list prices, the airline said on Monday.

The budget carrier, which operates 74 aircraft, mostly Airbus A320s, under the brand Cebu Pacific, is turning to larger and fuel-efficient jets for expansion, despite limited slots at the main gateway in the Philippine capital.

Scheduled to be delivered between 2021 and 2024, the 16 A330neo aircraft will be deployed on routes in the Philippines, Asia, Australia and the Middle East, Cebu Air said in a statement.

Reuters first reported that Cebu Air was close to buying A330neo or Boeing 787 aircraft in May.

In June, Cebu Air signed a signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire 16 A330neos, 10 A321XLRs and five A320neos, worth about $6 billion in total at list prices, during the Paris Air Show.

The new Airbus aircraft will cut fuel emissions and costs per seat, said Cebu Air Chief Executive Lance Gokongwei, adding that it would also help maximise seating capacity and the airline’s valuable slots in Manila and other major Asian cities.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

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