Daimler Truck, Volvo, Hino Trucks, Hexagon Purus, Renault and more

Daimler Truck and Volvo have announced a strategic alliance to develop a joint software-defined vehicle platform and a dedicated truck operating system. This platform will serve as the basis for future software-defined commercial vehicles. The two companies plan to create a 50:50 joint venture based in Gothenburg, Sweden with the aim of setting the industry standard for a truck operating system. The products from this joint venture will also be offered to other OEMs, which could develop their own software applications, thus allowing for unique digital vehicle functions.

Hino Trucks, a subsidiary of Toyota, and Hexagon Purus have introduced a new brand called Tern, focusing on producing battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks for urban, regional, and long-haul distribution. The first model, named Tern RC8, is a tractor-trailer with a permissible total weight of 30.8 tons and is available with a battery pack of 269 kWh in a 750-volt configuration or 538 kWh. It can charge up to 80% in just under two hours with a charging speed of 241 kW. The peak output is set at 680 horsepower, with a normal output of 494 horsepower. Series production of the Tern RC8 is scheduled for late 2024.

Daimler's subsidiary Fuso has introduced a facelift for its Canter light truck and its all-electric variant, the eCanter. The electric light truck will now be available in 46 versions, up from 42. Starting in March 2025, new chassis configurations will also be available. Additionally, the placement flexibility of the high-voltage battery in the chassis will allow for new setups like crane or liftgate configurations. Three battery configurations are available, offering ranges of 80 km, 140 km, and 200 km depending on the configuration and version.

Ballard has introduced an upgraded fuel cell module with a capacity of 120 kW designed for heavy-duty vehicles. This module achieves a power density of 0.36 kW per liter and a gravimetric power density of 0.48 kW per kilogram, reportedly offering the highest volumetric power density in the industry for heavy-duty applications according to Ballard. The module's output is 120 kW and can be combined with up to three modules for a total output of up to 360 kW. It is rated for 30,000 operational hours. Furthermore, the module contains 33% fewer parts, operates over a wider temperature range, offers quick maintenance capabilities, and provides system efficiency of over 60%.

Renault has announced plans to develop a new electric vehicle with Level 4 autonomy for public transportation. The company aims to create an electric, automated "miniBus" platform for urban public transport needs, incorporating various automation solutions from specialized partners. Renault has partnered with WeRide for this project. Test runs of autonomous e-shuttles are planned during the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, scheduled from May 26 to June 9, 2024. A highly automated driving service will transport guests from parking lot P2 at Bois-de-Boulogne to the Roland-Garros Stadium and back after the matches.

The British company CityShuttle has unveiled what it claims is the world's largest cargo bike for last-mile delivery, known as the ePack4. This cargo bike is covered, runs on six wheels, and offers up to four cubic meters of cargo space and a payload capacity of up to 350 kilograms. Production is set to begin in early 2025, initially launching in the UK and later across Europe.