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Inside the cell walls The high cost of lithium-ion batteries is a prison that has largely kept electric vehicles off the street; the keys to their release are more effective—but not more expensive—cell chemistries.

When fuel cells fly Emerging hydrogen and fuel-cell-based technologies are being developed for the future replacement of onboard electrical systems in more-electric or all-electric aircraft. Motor controls spin forward Improved power handling and software advances make electrified powertrains more competitive. Multiple controllers adds to EV complexity Model-based design has revolutionized the way products are developed, with design shifting from parts to the whole.

Defending the heavy-vehicle cyber domain Cybersecurity experts explained at SAE COMVEC 2021 how they're preparing the next generation of thwarters to protect increasingly electrified, connected and automated trucks. Digitalization of product engineering ESI proposes "sustainable" product development via virtual prototyping to ensure operational safety and comfort for off-highway machines. Developing a next-gen VGT Engineers from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries refine the design of a variable geometry turbocharger for commercial vehicles. Editorial Insightful comments from COMVEC Lidar lets Vermeer automate baling processes Extending a Wankel future on hydrogen fuel Next-gen HMI crucial for ADAS efficacy Altair honors weight-saving innovations A bevy of battery and fuel-cell electric truck reveals Q&A Dr. Philip Stephenson, general manager of the PACCAR Technical Center, hones in on the potential efficacy of E-fuels, commercial-vehicle battery-swapping.

Are higher voltage architectures imminent? As the limitations of current 12V architectures become more apparent, the commercial vehicle industry could be on the verge of adopting 48V. The only question is, will improvements in other technologies offer something better? Sensing changes in autonomous trucks Requirements for sensors and controls for commercial vehicles differ significantly from those used for cars. Many paths lead to reduced emissions A wide range of ICE technologies are needed to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Quotes from COMVEC 2018 Industry leaders spoke extensively about all things autonomous-ADAS, big data, connectivity, cybersecurity, machine learning-at the annual SAE event. Here's some of what they had to say. Fuel-cell Class 8-take 2.0 With a longer-range and more-refined fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck, Toyota aims to eventually eliminate emissions from trucks serving increasingly congested California ports.

Advances for off-highway engine design As manufacturers continue to drive out cost and meet a worldwide patchwork of regulatory frameworks, the tools for developing those engines are advancing. From showcase prototypes to advanced analytical techniques, suppliers are helping the cause. Military vehicles battle for autonomy at lower cost Engineers are adding sensors, more powerful micros and faster networks as they automate tasks and pave the way to autonomy. Heavy duty lightweighting Optimization of tractor-trailer systems and component design helps to reduce overall vehicle mass, a key strategy in improving fuel economy and meeting upcoming Phase 2 GHG regulations. Navistar's SuperTruck II explores composites, WiFi to cut weight Methane state of mind New Holland ramps up its focus on alternative fuels, showcasing a methane-powered concept tractor that trims emissions, operating costs.

Paving the way for the hydrogen highway Experts at SAE WCX 2022 look beyond EVs to other systems that can garner net-zero capabilities. Electric mobile machines won't abandon hydraulics Bosch Rexroth executive stresses that electrification in off-highway applications must make optimum use of both next-gen electric and hydraulic technology. Aftermarket augments off-highway autonomous efforts Kontron and Intel experts explain how rugged, modular COM Express solutions reduce complexity and allow retrofit of autonomous systems on heavy mobile equipment. Solving the challenges of Megawatt chargers Littelfuse executive details an alternative technique for fast and efficient high-power charging of commercial electric vehicles. Supplier Directory Complete listing of industry suppliers categorized by technology area.

Executive Viewpoints Industry leaders offer their insights on the state of the heavy-duty on- and off-highway industries in this annual series of opinion pieces. The executives share their views on the most pressing technologies and trends shaping their business and the industry moving forward. Alternative power and connectivity top of mind Using power dense flywheel hybrid technology to cut fuel consumption of OH equipment IoT connections transform manufacturing, vehicle validation Annual Product Guide Supplier Directory Complete listing of industry suppliers categorized by technology area.

Virtual powertrain development Simulation is critical for efficient product development, but proper tool selection and efficient data management are keys to success. Blue Arc amps up for EV production Shyft Group's EV subsidiary is lighting the path for the electrification of last-mile delivery vehicles as well as mobile charging solutions. Increasing connectivity in construction Jobsites look to overcome challenges posed by mixed fleets and proprietary telematics to achieve "one-dashboard" vision and increased machine utilization.

Over-the-air affair Remote updating of software and firmware on commercial trucks and off-highway machines is on the rise, not only for maintenance functions but also to add new features like operator-assist technology. Developments in engine-based gensets With demand for generator sets steady and regulatory change settling, suppliers can rationalize their offerings and push improvements in areas like noise abatement and economy. Testing, testing and even more testing The commercial-vehicle market is eager to adopt more ADAS and automated-driving innovations, but before those technologies get to the road they must first pass rigorous testing practices that prove their efficacy. Smart and connected powertrains FPT Tech Day reveals multi-power Cursor X concept, other "4.0 innovations" for hydrogen fuel cell, electric and natural gas propulsion.

Perkins bets big on smaller engine The new 2600 Series 13-liter engine for off-highway machines will do more with less thanks to variable geometry turbocharging. BorgWarner targets more- sustainable e-motors System optimization and lifecycle analysis are key to taking heavy rare earths out of next-gen motors for commercial EVs. Enhancing digital platforms with CT data analysis TE Connectivity gains critical insights using Volume Graphics software throughout design, simulation and manufacturing.

Heavy-duty engine design What are the most significant factors influencing the way engine developers approach near-term design and development cycles? Two experts provide their insights from recent programs. Reducing winter range loss for electric trucks Researchers at the Austrian Institute of Technology have developed an air exchange system that's capable of reducing heat load by 37% in real-world tests. Narrower focus, bigger payoff Design teams are targeting focused markets for their commercial electric-vehicle programs to combat challenges like range and infrastructure. Removing complexity for autonomous trucks Narrowing the operating domains for driverless commercial vehicles reduces the requirements of autonomous technology and speeds time to market. Plastics innovations 2019 The 49th annual SPE Automotive Awards highlight the ongoing benefits of lightweight polymers and composites.

Meeting truck autonomy hurdles head-on Combining sensors, inter-vehicle communications and controllers poses major challenges in the effort to bring greater levels of automation to commercial trucking. Simulation key to additive manufacturing analysis Advanced simulation tools help to optimize 3D printing processes before physical build. Making the case for battery-electric fleet power Battery systems edge closer to a tipping point as commercial and heavy-duty fleets broaden their application. Electrified forklifts go big Hoist Liftruck brings full electrification to some of the biggest forklift trucks, motivated only in part by regulatory pressures.

Enhancing truck-sensor modularity Kodiak Robotics' fifth-generation sensor stack and new SensorPods boost sensor and GPU performance and improve power efficiency. Bosch high on hydrogen The supplier is committed to all facets of the H2 economy as volume production of its power module kicks off for Nikola's Class 8 fuel-cell truck. Constructing bus structures with stainless steel Outokumpu and collaborators show a possible weight reduction of up to 35% by using high-strength stainless steel in place of carbon steel. Volta Zero is U.S. bound The startup plans to apply lessons learned in Europe to the U.S. market, bringing a "small fleet" of electric trucks for potential customers by the end of the year.

Headliners from Las Vegas Big reveals abounded at the triennial CONEXPO trade show. Following are some of the most notable unveilings from the desert. Cat doubles down on diesel with new C13D platform Deere pursues electric construction machines and charging infrastructure JCB debuts clean-sheet hydrogen combustion engine Volvo CE unveils electric asphalt compactor, announces NA arrival of L350H loader Honda reveals next-gen Autonomous Work Vehicle Deere 3D-prints fuel valves for tractors HP's binder jetting technology and GKN's manufacturing expertise helped John Deere realize its first 3D-printed metal part for mass production. Returning to the SAE presidency for 2023 Setting a "prudently aggressive" mindset in advancing SAE's goals in the mobility ecosystem.

Connectivity continues its advance More OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are focusing on embedded telematic systems, hoping to displace aftermarket hardware. Tailoring fuel injection to control NOx The next big step to help heavy-duty diesel engines meet stricter emissions regulations involves adapting the fuel-injection system to the combustion needs. Active on safety Crash-avoidance technologies are vital "building blocks" to automate commercial vehicles, implement truck platooning and ultimately achieve zero accidents. Engineering with simulation and data Companies are discovering new simulation techniques, especially optimization; the next step is to combine simulation with sensor data and predictive analytics to create even more robust off-highway equipment.

'Infernal' combustion no more Continuous improvements to the 130-year-old ICE aim to keep conventional engines ahead of electric drive. Alternative fuels tested at altitude Federal government researchers in Canada tested certain alternative fuels at simulated altitudes and found that they do offer some benefit.

The Best of COMVEC 2016 Autonomous vehicles, improved fuel efficiency and thermal management are among the pressing topics detailed in this select group of technical papers from the SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress. Autonomous solutions in agriculture Pneumatically shifted air suspension loading on 6x2 trucks Optimizing waste heat recovery for long-haul trucks Downsizing a HD diesel engine for off-highway applications Fan-shroud optimization for enhanced thermal performance Touch takes hold, switches lend a hand Touch screens are becoming the norm, but knobs and switches are often used to improve operator comfort. U.S. Army marches toward driverless future TARDEC targets vehicle autonomy with new V2V / V2X test bed in Michigan.

Rotary SI/CI combustion engines: A thing of the future? The internal combustion engine enjoys widespread use as an inexpensive and reliable power conversion system. While piston engines date back 150 years, various alternative engine architectures and cycles have been considered. Aftertreatment comes with challenging diagnosis Diagnosing engine and aftertreatment systems is forcing design teams to look at new ways to diagnose problems over long vehicle lifetimes. Taking on NVH reduction techniques A look at the enhanced durability benefits obtained by changing the polymer composition, manufacturing methods, and design optimization of a powertrain mount for an off-highway vehicle.

Improving heavy-duty engine component efficiencies Cylinder deactivation can improve fuel economy by using a reduced number of cylinders that operate at higher loads and thermal efficiency, while other cylinders are turned off, when the engine operates at partial load conditions. A switching roller finger follower is one of the technologies that help make it work. Pumping up hydraulic capabilities Electrohydraulic advances keep coming as distributed electronics flex their muscle. Tracking the trends in commercial vehicle communications Industry insiders at Molex offer what they think the future may hold for heavy-duty components in 24/7 communications systems. ADAS system validation It is crucial that different advanced driver assistance systems functionalities interact seamlessly with existing electronic control unit (ECU) networks.

Clearing the air Sensors, diagnostics and controls advance to help trap emissions. Bringing the heat on cooling technologies Electronic controls, variable-speed fans cool engines, heat aftertreatment systems. 3D printing machines can't be built fast enough In the additive manufacturing world, the costs of components are dropping, the technology is becoming more reliable and parts are fabricated faster, allowing industries beyond aerospace to adopt additive technologies, says Oak Ridge Lab's Ryan Dehoff.