Weekly News
DRivE, Farizon, Switch Mobility, Eberspächer
The “Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components” (PEM) chair at RWTH Aachen, together with research partners and the transport and logistics sector, has successfully wrapped up the “DRivE” project—funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport—developing a web-based route planning system for alternative drivetrains like electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Geely’s Farizon brand is launching its fully electric SV panel van in Europe, Switch Mobility has introduced two new electric buses (the EiV12 for India and the E1 for Europe), and automotive supplier Eberspächer has opened a new production site for electric-bus thermal management systems in Przylesie, Poland. These are our top news highlights in the second week of 2024.
The “Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components” (PEM) chair at RWTH Aachen, together with research partners and the transport and logistics sector, has successfully wrapped up the “DRivE” project—funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport—developing a web-based route planning system for alternative drivetrains like electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Geely’s Farizon brand is launching its fully electric SV panel van in Europe, Switch Mobility has introduced two new electric buses (the EiV12 for India and the E1 for Europe), and automotive supplier Eberspächer has opened a new production site for electric-bus thermal management systems in Przylesie, Poland. These are our top news highlights in the second week of 2024.
RWTH Aachen’s “Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components” (PEM) chair, along with research and industry partners in transport and logistics, has concluded the “DRivE” project funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. The result is a web-based route planning system for alternative drivetrains—electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks in particular. The algorithm combines vehicle and route data with charging and fueling infrastructure information to give transport companies a reliable planning tool.
During the two-month pilot phase, two main hurdles emerged: accessing real-time vehicle data and integrating the algorithm into existing transport management systems. Both were overcome, indicating that this solution has the potential to fundamentally transform road freight transport.
Geely’s Farizon brand is rolling out its fully electric SV panel van in the European market. Built specifically for European fleets, it uses a modular platform with a new cell-to-pack battery design that boosts battery capacity by 10%, lowers weight by 4%, and increases body rigidity by 20%. Drive-by-wire technology further improves braking and steering performance.
The Farizon SV will debut in the UK, offered in three lengths and heights along with two battery sizes (67 kWh and 83 kWh), with a 106-kWh version to follow. Distribution is in partnership with Jameel Motors, which plans to bring the van to other European markets as well.
Switch Mobility has launched two new electric buses: the EiV12 for India and the E1 for Europe. The EiV12, a low-floor city bus, offers battery capacities ranging from 189 to 423 kWh for a range of up to 314 km. With seating for up to 39 passengers, generous windows, and a low-floor design, it prioritizes comfort and accessibility.
The E1, designed specifically for the European market, features a lightweight build, hub motors, and a 400-kWh NMC battery system. It can accommodate up to 93 passengers and will first hit the roads in Spain.
Automotive supplier Eberspächer has opened a new manufacturing facility in Przylesie, Poland, dedicated to producing thermal management systems for electric buses. The 12,500-square-meter site is set to boost overall capacity by 30%.
In addition to relocating production from Olawa, the new AC138 EVO model—highlighted for its energy efficiency and use of climate-friendly R744 refrigerant—will enter production here in January 2025. The facility is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring photovoltaic arrays and a heat pump–based heating and cooling system.