OSLO, 14 August 2023: Hexagon Purus, a world-leading provider of zero-emission mobility and infrastructure solutions, has inked a significant long-term agreement with a major North American Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to undertake complete vehicle integration of battery electric vocational trucks in North America. This landmark collaboration seeks to enhance zero-emission heavy-duty transportation solutions, aligning with global efforts to reduce emissions.
Scope of the Agreement
The essence of this collaboration revolves around the comprehensive integration of battery electric vocational trucks. Hexagon Purus will leverage its proprietary zero-emission technology, encompassing battery systems, auxiliary modules, power modules, and vehicle-level software. Notably, these trucks will meet the requirements of California’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulation, which mandates higher zero-emission vehicle content for trucks sold in California from 2024 onward. The agreement is set to span from 2024 and holds the potential for approximately USD 150m in sales.
Empowering Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Trucking
Morten Holum, the CEO of Hexagon Purus, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to fortify our collaboration with this globally distinguished OEM, harnessing our collective expertise in zero-emission heavy-duty truck development. Our distinctive vehicle integration capabilities, coupled with our proprietary product portfolio, position us as a sought-after partner for OEMs seeking to embrace zero-emission solutions.”Todd Sloan, EVP of Hexagon Purus, highlighted the company’s role as a critical technology supplier for zero-emission mobility. He emphasized, “This agreement underscores our strategic partnership with OEM customers. We take pride in our longstanding relationship with this OEM and anticipate contributing to their vocational vehicle program and transition towards zero-emission mobility.”
The Path Forward
In the pursuit of the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement, the transportation sector’s role is pivotal. Both the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in the US have introduced proposals and regulations to reduce emissions in the transportation sector. California’s CARB introduced the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) standard, demanding higher zero-emission vehicle content in trucks sold or operated in the state from 2024. This directive aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles, paving the way for a greener transportation sector.
Impact and Potential
The ACT standard requires 5% of new class 7 and 8 trucks sold in California in 2024 to be zero-emission vehicles. Moreover, new additions to class 7 and 8 truck fleets serving intermodal seaports and railyards are required to be zero-emission from 2024.
In a significant move, the ACT regulation mandates 100% of truck manufacturers’ sales to consist of zero-emission vehicles by 2040, signaling the end of internal combustion engine truck sales in California. This shift encourages investments in infrastructure and supply chain development.With approximately 1.8 million commercial trucks in operation daily in California, the collective effect of regulations like ACT and Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) is projected to lead to about 0.5 million zero-emission vehicles on Californian roads by 2035, surging to 1.6 million by 2050.
Conclusion
Hexagon Purus’ collaboration with a major North American OEM to integrate battery electric vocational trucks showcases a pivotal step towards zero-emission mobility. By aligning with California’s stringent regulations and global emission reduction goals, this partnership marks a significant stride towards sustainable heavy-duty transportation. The joint efforts of Hexagon Purus and the OEM exemplify the commitment to drive the transformation towards a cleaner and greener future in the automotive industry.