Tesla Isn't the Only Automaker Working on an Electric Semi-Truck
Volkswagen Truck & Bus has debuted the e-Delivery, which will be produced in Brazil starting in 2020.
According to Volkswagen, the e-Delivery is an all-new platform developed in Brazil with the aim of offering new mobility alternatives to large cities. The platform is versatile enough to also underpin electric buses, which is what the automaker will begin testing in several European cities through MAN and Scania. Series production of those electric buses is expected to start before 2020 before Volkswagen Truck & Bus focuses on heavy-duty semi-trucks.
The company is also putting a focus on finding different ways to ensure electric semi-trucks have the range and load capacity to be viable for transport. One idea is that the trucks take advantage of overhead power lines, allowing them to run on zero emissions and batteries can be charged depending on how many miles the trucks still have to go. This area of development is known as “e-road” and Volkswagen says test routes have been announced in Germany.
SEE ALSO: VW Group Will Electrify Every One of its Models by 2030
Along with developing electric pwoertrains for buses and trucks, Volkswagen is also focusing on autonomous technologies. “A large number of stages have to be reached before trucks that navigate congested urban areas autonomously can become reality: from automated protection vehicles in highway road maintenance and autonomous dump trucks in mines, all the way to driverless tractors in port terminals and platoons for long-haul transportation on the highways,” Volkswagen Truck & Bus said in a statement.
The division is working closely with Volkswagen Group Research to make automated driving a viable option on public roads, including level-five autonomous driving.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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