INTERNATIONAL NEWS
D2H Advanced Technologies is working as part of a consortium
of leading British engineering and industry bodies to develop a
zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of the iconic
Toyota Hilux.
The project, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK)
Ltd (TMUK) and funded by the UK Government through the
Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), will investigate and develop
the necessary technologies to integrate the second-generation
fuel cell components as used in the latest Toyota Mirai within
an electrically-propelled Hilux.
D2H will use their expertise in simulation, aerodynamics
and thermodynamics – honed over many years at the pinnacle
of competitive motorsport – to address the many challenges
involved in developing cooling systems and airflow strategies
that deliver maximum efficiency. Crucial to the project is the
need to maintain performance and reliability, factors that are
critical in commercial vehicles, while also ensuring any solution
can be produced cost-effectively.
Scheduled to run for two years, the project will see pro-
totype vehicles built at TMUK’s Burnaston site in 2023 with
small series production a consideration. As such, the project
represents an exciting opportunity to support the decarboni-
sation of the transport sector in what is traditionally a hard-to-
electrify segment. BFA
Volta Trucks, the leading and disruptive full-electric commercial
vehicle manufacturer and services provider, has announced
the first implementation of its new full-electric Volta Zero with
Truck as a Service charging infrastructure to Heppner.
The pre-order with deposit from Heppner will see 16 full-elec-
tric Volta Zeros operate from the company’s depots in Rungis and
La Courneuve in Paris, and Lyon. Importantly, the agreement also
covers the implementation of the electric charging infrastructure
to run the vehicles, with a range of 22kW slow and 150kW fast
chargers to be installed by Volta Trucks’ recently announced
charging infrastructure partner, Siemens.
The agreement with Heppner recognises that the successful
implementation of an electric commercial vehicle fleet doesn’t
solely rely on a world-class, innovative truck, but all the support
services that surround the vehicle.
Truck as a Service is designed to de-risk and accelerate the
migration to electric commercial vehicles for fleet managers.
Through its Truck as a Service offer, Heppner will have access to
the maintenance, servicing, insurance and training services of
its vehicles, and will rely on Volta Trucks for the development
and successful implementation of all aspects of the migration
to electrification.
The Heppner Group is developing its urban distribution
offering by introducing both the full-electric Volta Zero trucks
into its fleet of vehicles. This agreement will enable Heppner to
offer its drivers both 16 tonne and 18 tonne full-electric trucks
suitable for last-mile delivery.
The Volta Zero is the first purpose-built full-electric medium
duty commercial vehicle designed specifically for urban
logistics. With 150-225 kWh of battery power, located between
the chassis rails as the safest possible location, the Volta Zero
will deliver a range of 150-200 km, which is more than sufficient
for distribution in city centres.
As a vehicle that’s specifically designed for urban use,
safety is also very important. The driver of a Volta Zero sits
in a lowered central seating position, with 220 degrees of
direct vision of other vulnerable road users. The driver is
also supported by 360-degrees of birds-eye camera visibility.
From the central seat, the driver can also enter and exit onto
the pavement from either side of the vehicle through sliding
doors, making it safer for the operator and passing cyclists
and pedestrians. BFA
Hydrogen fuel cell-powered Toyota Hilux in development
First Volta Trucks implemented by Heppner
Hydrogen Toyota Hilux
prototype announcement
BUSINESS FLEET AFRICA | December 2022
10
WWW.BUSINESSFLEETAFRICA.CO.ZA