Trucking news and briefs for Friday, April 16, 2021:
SuperTruck 3 initiative expands to include medium-duty trucks
The Department of Energy on Thursday unveiled two funding opportunities totaling more than $162 million to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in cars and trucks. The funding will support the next stage of the SuperTruck initiatives – aimed at electrifying freight trucking – along with efforts to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and lower emissions for on- and off-road vehicles.
DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) first launched the SuperTruck initiative in 2009, aimed at improving heavy-duty truck freight efficiency by 50%, while the follow-up SuperTruck 2 in 2016 sought to double fuel efficiency for Class 8 trucks.
EERE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) are partnering on the SuperTruck 3 to offer up to $100 million in funding over four years to pioneer electrified medium- and heavy-duty trucks and freight system concepts.
DOE says the funding focuses on a range of approaches to electrification – all-electric, plug-in hybrid systems using renewable biofuels, and hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, including hybridization strategies such as fuel cell range extenders.
In addition to the $100 million available for medium- and heavy-duty truck development, VTO is also offering up to $62.75 million as part of its “Low Greenhouse Has Vehicle Technologies Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment” initiative aimed at reducing emissions and increasing efficiencies for on- and off-road vehicles.
The application processes for the SuperTruck 3 initiatives will include two phases: a concept paper and a full application. Concept papers are due May 13, 2021, and full applications are due July 12, 2021. Applicants are required to submit a plan for achieving diversity, equity and inclusion objectives, including support for people from underrepresented groups in STEM, advancing equity within the project team, and producing benefits for underserved communities.
Nikola partners with Iveco, OGE for hydrogen infrastructure in Europe
Nikola Corporation, European truck maker Iveco and European pipeline firm OGE are partnering to establish a hydrogen network to support fuel-cell electric vehicles.
Iveco and OGE will join Nikola in advancing hydrogen infrastructure to enable the growth of FCEVs in alignment with European policy and industry needs.
The primary focus of the collaboration is to further develop hydrogen fueling systems in Germany in support of the European commercial transportation system and to work with industry partners to install safe, reliable and cost-effective storage and fueling locations for FCEVs.
Fleet expands with new offices in Texarkana
Family-owned and operated carrier Woodfield Inc., headquartered in Camden, Arkansas, is expanding its operations by leasing a 1,500 square-foot space for offices and 10 spaces for its trucks at the TexAmericas Center in Texarkana.
The 120-truck carrier will use the Texarkana space for its regional hauling division and its over-the-road fleet management oversight. Woodfield’s regional-based operations will begin in early May.
