This Week in Power & Motion: Developments in Electromobility Continue to Ramp Up

There is much going on in the world of fluid power and motion control, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the industries in which they work.

This week much of the news we've received is related to electrification, demonstrating the continued growth of this trend which is impacting almost every industry. With this trend, there will be a need to re-evaluate the design of hydraulic and pneumatic systems while also offering opportunities for other motion control related technologies to enter various markets. As Russ Schneidewind of HydraForce pointed out in a recent interview with Power & Motion, electrification and other industry trends will require hydraulic components to become more efficient and precise.

WATCH our video interview with Schneidewind.

This week has also been filled with news from Work Truck Week, a major commercial vehicle event taking place in Indianapolis, and news of technologies set to be launched at next week's CONEXPO-CON/AGG and International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) events. Electrification was a key theme during Work Truck Week and is anticipated to be a major trend at CONEXPO & IFPE as well. Visit our IFPE channel for news and interviews related to the event, and be sure you're signed up to receive our newsletters as we'll be sending out updates each day from the show.

NFPA Seeking Presentation Proposals for Next FPIC Seminar

The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) is seeking presentation proposals for the next Fluid Power Industrial Consortium (FPIC) seminar hosted in collaboration with the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). The next seminar will be held virtually June 1 on the topic: "Fluid Power and the Drive Towards Autonomous Functions and Operations."

The association said its ideal combination of presentations will include one from an OEM focused on autonomy in off-highway equipment — where there is a large drive for autonomous functions to ease machine use to overcome labor shortages — and two presentations from fluid power suppliers or system integrators with technology that can meet autonomy needs.

Proposals will be accepted from NFPA and FPIC members as well as their suppliers and customers which can address the topic. Those looking to submit a proposal should include a presentation title, speaker name and credentials, and a 2-3 sentence describing the content of the presentation. Proposals can be sent to Allison Hade of the NFPA at [email protected] before April 1.

Cummins Launches New Branding for New Power Business Unit

On March 8, Cummins Inc. announced Accelera as the new brand name for its New Power business unit. This business is focused on technologies aimed at helping OEMs and their customers achieve zero-emissions, including batteries and engines fueled by hydrogen and other alternatives to diesel.

The company said in a press release announcing the rebranding that it is a significant step forward in its efforts to achieving its Destination Zero strategy which involves development of zero-emissions solutions as well as reducing the company's own carbon footprint.

"Establishing Accelera reinforces our commitment to leading in zero-emissions solutions and highlights our unmatched ability to leverage our deep understanding of our customers’ needs and applications, technical expertise and extensive service and support network to walk hand in hand with our customers throughout the energy transition," said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins President and Chief Executive Officer, in the company's press release.

Accelera will be led by Amy Davis who has been named President of the business and has led the New Power business since 2020. Zero-emissions solutions developed under the brand will include hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, e-axles (brought after the acquisition of Meritor Inc.), traction systems and electrolyzers for use in a variety of industrial and mobile applications.

Oshkosh Develops Electric Refuse Truck

Oshkosh Corp. has developed what it says is North America's first fully-integrated electric refuse collection vehicle. While refuse vehicles typically require mounting a refuse collection body onto a third-party chassis, the company said its new vehicle has been designed from the ground up so all aspects are from a single OEM.

The refuse vehicle's drivetrain is comprised of advanced lithium-ion batteries and an electric axle system. According to Oshkosh, a full day's operation can be achieved on a single charge and without producing any emissions. Like other electric vehicles, it offers quieter operation which benefits both operators and the communities in which the refuse trucks are working.

Oshkosh plans to show the new electric refuse truck during Waste Expo to be held May 1-4, 2023 at its McNeilus brand's booth.

Oshkosh's new electric refuse truck offers customers a fully integrated vehicle from a single OEM.

Bailey Int'l. Establishes Dedicated Facility for Hydraulic Components

Bailey International is expanding its capabilities for hydraulic motors, valves and pumps. After its recent acquisition of Hydrolico, the company has combined the two companies' expertise in hydraulic components to create a facility dedicated to the aforementioned components.

The new MVP (motors, valves, pumps) Center in Grand Rapids, MI, will have a fully stocked inventory of standard motors, products which can rapidly be customized as well as custom manufacturing capabilities. It will also stock hard-to-find equipment such as hydraulic motors. The MVP Center will be staffed by a team with hydraulic expertise.

"There is a significant shortage of hydraulic motors available in the industry, as well as a shortage of professionals who know how to build and service these motors. By expanding our focus and capabilities with the MVP Center, Bailey is able to offer dedicated expertise and critical products to help keep our customers up and running," said Chris Rowley, Vice President of Bailey’s Hydraulic Business Unit, in the company's press release announcing the new MVP Center.

The new facility includes over 20,000 sq. ft. of warehouse, manufacturing and configuring space.

Delta-Q Sees Business Momentum in Electrification

Battery charger developer Delta-Q Technologies, part of the ZAPI GROUP, recently announced major business and revenue milestones. The company said it achieved a record year of growth in 2022 in its target markets and eclipsed previous revenue years.

Growth for the business has been aided by its many strategic initiatives as well as the increasing push toward electrification in the various markets the company serves. In April 2022, the Delta-Q shipped its 4 millionth battery charger.

In conjunction with its ongoing growth, Delta-Q has established a team dedicated to sustainability initiatives within the company. This team will do so by working to further social responsibility and reduce the company's carbon emissions, both locally and globally.

Volvo Expands Sustainability Initiatives

Volvo Group continues to expand its efforts in the area of sustainability. Most recently, it has established four innovation hubs in France, Sweden, India and the U.S.

Referred to as CampX, the innovation hubs aim to accelerate new technology and business innovations for sustainable mobility by partnering with startup companies the company stated in its press release announcing the opening of the latest location in Lyon, France.

Through its CampX concept, Volvo collaborates with startups which have developed promising technologies related to electric and autonomous vehicles as well as digital solutions. The startups collaborate with Volvo engineers and business experts to conduct short validation projects at the innovation hubs. As a part of CampX, startups are also able to receive mentoring, networking and business insights from experts within the Volvo Group.

By working together with Volvo, the startups are able to validate their technologies and test them in laboratories, workshops and test vehicles the company said in its press release. The company said the newest location in France will focus on decarbonization, urban logistics, and uptime services.

"Climate change is by far the biggest challenge of our generation. At the same time, demand for transport and infrastructure continues to grow and we must be able to meet this demand with sustainable mobility solutions. Volvo Group is therefore committed to the decarbonization of the transport industry by developing innovative technologies within electrification, automation, and digitalization. CampX is our strategic engine to boost this transformation through partnerships with innovating startups. We co-create to accelerate," said Lars Stenqvist, Chief Technology Officer, Volvo Group, in the company's press release.

Volvo has opened its fourth CampX innovation hub at which it works with startups on potential electromobility and other technologies.

Development of sustainability related solutions, such as electric vehicles, is present across various parts of the Volvo Group including its construction equipment and trucking businesses. Recently, Volvo Trucks announced it has become a market leader in the growing electric-powered commercial vehicle segment.

To date the company has sold over 4,300 electric trucks across the globe, and holds a 32% share of the market for heavy electric trucks in Europe. In North America (the U.S. and Canada for Volvo's purposes), the company said half of all heavy electric trucks registered in 2022 were Volvo branded. The company said 2022 saw the highest rate of growth to date for use of heavy electric trucks on roadways in Europe and the U.S.

"Although the market for electric trucks is still small, the trend is clear: many of our customers are now starting their own shift to electric. We intend to be the catalyst for this transition and aim for 50% of our global sales of new trucks to be electric in 2030," said Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, in the company's press release announcing its increased market share in electric trucks.