The Need for Adaptation with Electric and Hydrogen Trucks
The transportation sector is on the cusp of a radical transformation, driven by the market and Governments' efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and embrace a sustainable future. Electric and hydrogen trucks are at the forefront of this revolution, which promises a cleaner and more efficient way to move goods.
However, this shift presents significant challenges for the infrastructure that supports heavy vehicles. Australia has several factors to consider regarding axle weight limits influencing mechanical workshop requirements. As per the Electric Vehicle Council, Australian Design Rules (ADR) have several barriers to electrification. ADR is the national standard for road vehicle safety, anti-theft, and emissions. All new road vehicles manufactured in Australia and imported new or second-hand vehicles must comply with the relevant ADRs when they are first supplied to the Australian market. Currently, the width, steer axle mass, and fuel standards are out of step with international regulations, creating a unique and expensive import and modification process for selling a vehicle in the Australian market.
The Rise of Electric and Hydrogen Trucks
Electric trucks powered by batteries are already in Australia. Major manufacturers like Volvo, with its FL model, and Daimler, with its Fuso eCanter model, are already selling electric trucks in Australia. Hydrogen trucks, which utilise fuel cells to generate electricity, are also gaining momentum, offering potentially longer ranges and faster refuelling times.
Both electric and hydrogen technologies offer compelling advantages over traditional diesel trucks, such as:
However, the adoption of these new technologies is not without its challenges.
Axle Weight Limits and Tare Mass
In Australia, the current axle weight limits, which were designed for diesel trucks, are inadequate for electric and hydrogen trucks. The significant weight of battery packs and hydrogen fuel cells, which are crucial for the operation of these vehicles, need to be factored into the tare mass (the weight of the vehicle without a load).
Australia's current regulations focus on gross vehicle mass (GVM), which includes the tare mass and the maximum load the truck can carry. The problem arises when the tare mass of electric and hydrogen trucks exceeds the allowed GVM despite their lower payload capacity compared to diesel trucks.
Challenges for Workshops
The transition to electric and hydrogen trucks poses several challenges for workshops that maintain and repair these vehicles.
A Collaborative Effort
Addressing the challenges of integrating electric and hydrogen trucks into the Australian transportation landscape requires a collaborative effort involving government, industry, and research institutions. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) have partnered to address the need for electric freight policy. Read the report here.
Embracing a Sustainable Future
The transition to electric and hydrogen trucks presents a significant opportunity for Australia to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. It also enables Australia to be in tune with the rest of the world, which is embracing technology at a rapid pace.
However, this transition requires a coordinated effort to address the challenges and capitalise on the benefits. By updating axle weight limits, investing in infrastructure, and promoting skills development, Australia can pave the way for a thriving heavy transport sector that is both environmentally responsible and economically viable.
References
By partnering with ENDUREQUIP for your heavy vehicle lifting requirements, you ensure exceptional quality, superior safety, and efficient operation of an Australian-Made product.
Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Part 2 of the 2-part article. Click here to read Part 1.
The RUD Lashing Point Range
To cater to various load-securing needs in transport, RUD offers a comprehensive range of lashing points, including weld-on and bolt-on options.
Weld-On Lashing Points:
RUD offers a large range of weld-on lashing points for all load-securing solutions.
LPW:
LRBS-FIX:
RUD Bolt-On Lashing Points:
RUD also offers bolt-on lashing points for a variety of load-securing requirements.
LVLBG-PLUS:
OPTILASH-FIX:
OPTILASH-CLICK:
SLP:
Why Partner with RUD for Your Lashing Needs?
There are several compelling reasons to choose RUD for your lashing point requirements:
By partnering with RUD for your lashing point needs, you are guaranteed exceptional quality, superior safety, and efficient operation of all your load securing and lashing requirements.
Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
When transporting heavy machinery and cargo, secure and reliable lashing points are critical. These critical components not only guarantee the safety of goods during transit but also minimise potential damage and costs. In addition, appropriately secured loads significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by shifting cargo, protecting drivers, passengers, and other road users*.
* If you want more details on the importance of load securing, including the NHVR Load Restraint Guide, read our 2-part article published earlier:
The Importance of Secure Lashing During Transport
Imagine a scenario where a load shifts unexpectedly during transport in your heavy vehicle. Not only could it damage the cargo itself, but it also poses a significant risk of accidents for drivers, passengers, and other road users. This is why proper load restraint using certified lashing equipment, as mandated by the Australian Load Restraint Guide, is absolutely crucial.
RUD: A Global Leader in Lashing Solutions
RUD is a world leader in the lifting and lashing industry and offers a comprehensive selection of lashing points with capacities ranging from 3,000 to 32,000 daN. These lashing solutions cater to diverse sectors, including the lashing of heavy and large loads in cargo transportation, vehicle transport, railway operations, and construction equipment.
Uncompromising Quality and Compliance
RUD takes quality and compliance seriously. All the RUD lashing points undergo rigorous 100% crack testing and adhere to the strictest quality control procedures. This ensures that you receive reliable and compliant products that meet the demands of heavy vehicle transport.
Flexibility and Adaptability for Optimised Loading and Unloading
When it comes to efficiency, RUD's lashing points are designed for unmatched flexibility during loading and unloading operations. The compact designs with large eye diameters allow greater versatility when using different lashing equipment. The diverse welding surfaces also enable easy and seamless integration into the truck or trailer chassis during the build process.
For instance, the RUD OPTILASH-CLICK system stands out for its ability to be moved along the chassis, reducing the required number of lashing points. This translates to cost savings and a lighter weight for your heavy vehicle.
Benefits of Choosing RUD Lashing Points
There are numerous advantages to incorporating RUD lashing points into your transport operations:
Without Trucks, Australia Stops! But when trucks need to go, Endurequip keeps them going!
To be continued ...
Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
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Tradition in Dynamic Innovation.
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly transforming the transportation landscape, and the impact extends beyond passenger cars. Heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses are also going electric, bringing significant changes to the way they are maintained and repaired.
Electric Vehicles are also changing the revenue stream of workshops with fewer oil changes and seasonal inspections. In addition, EVs can be heavier than their diesel counterparts because of the significant weight of the battery, resulting in higher tyre wear rates. Electric Vehicles (EVs) can wear out tyres up to 30% faster than traditional diesel vehicles, making the need for tyre replacements more frequent.
This article explores how electric trucks and buses will change the operations of mechanical trucks and bus workshops. It also focuses on the challenges and opportunities presented by the unique undercarriage design and the adaptation required to lift these heavy vehicles.
A New Era of Service:
The transition to electric vehicles requires mechanical workshops to adapt their skillsets and equipment to cater to this new technology. Governments and councils across Australia are offering courses and support to mechanics to transition to electric vehicles. NSW is planning to phase out diesel buses by 2030, while the ACT Government procured the first zero-emission buses last year. Brisbane Council is working with the Queensland Government to introduce their Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy by introducing zero-emission buses starting in 2025.
While the core principles of mechanical maintenance remain the same, electric trucks and buses introduce distinct elements that necessitate adjustments in workshop operations.
High-voltage systems: Servicing electric vehicles necessitates specialised training and safety protocols to handle high-voltage (HV) batteries and electric motors. Technicians must be certified and equipped with appropriate compliance requirements to work safely with these components.
Diagnostic Tools:
Traditional diagnostic tools used on internal combustion engine vehicles are not suitable for EVs. Workshops need to invest in specialised diagnostic equipment and software specifically designed for electric powertrains.
Focus on Preventative Maintenance:
Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles with regular component wear and tear, electric vehicles experience less frequent mechanical issues. However, preventative maintenance becomes crucial to ensure optimal battery health and performance. Workshops will need to develop specialised service packages and schedules tailored to electric vehicles.
The Undercarriage Challenge: Mobile Column Hoists and Electric Vehicles
One of the most significant challenges posed by electric trucks and buses lies in their undercarriage design. Unlike traditional vehicles with engines and fuel tanks located beneath the driver's cabin, electric vehicles house their battery packs under the vehicle floor, impacting the feasibility of using lifting equipment with tyres. This is particularly relevant to mobile column lifts, which need to be modified with adaptors to be used with both electrical and diesel engine vehicles.
Some of the Challenges for Mobile Column Lifts are:
Limited access points: The placement of battery packs underneath the chassis can restrict access to the tyres with mobile column hoists. This requires a careful selection of lifting points to ensure safe and stable lifting without compromising the integrity of the battery pack or other vital components.
Weight distribution: The weight distribution of electric vehicles differs from diesel vehicles due to the placement of heavy batteries. Workshops need to ensure the hoist configuration can handle the specific weight distribution of the electric vehicle being serviced, maintaining proper stability during the lifting process.
Lifting point adaptors: Depending on the specific vehicle model and lift design, workshops might need to invest in specialised lifting point adaptors to ensure proper contact and distribution of lifting force while avoiding damage to the undercarriage or battery pack.
Embracing the Change: Opportunities for Workshops:
Despite the challenges, the transition to electric vehicles also presents opportunities for workshops to adapt and thrive:
Invest in specialised tools and equipment: Workshops can invest in specific tools and equipment designed for servicing electric vehicles, such as high-voltage diagnostic tools, battery management systems, and lifting adaptors. This allows them to offer comprehensive services for the growing electric vehicle fleet.
Develop new service packages: By offering specialised preventative maintenance and repair services tailored to electric vehicles, workshops can attract new customers and differentiate themselves from competitors.
Upskill workforce: Training existing technicians and recruiting personnel with expertise in electric vehicle technology is crucial to ensure a skilled workforce capable of servicing these vehicles safely and efficiently.
Conclusion:
The transition to electric trucks and buses requires significant adjustments from mechanical truck and bus workshops. While mobile column hoists face challenges due to the different undercarriage designs of electric vehicles, proactive workshops can adapt by investing in specialised tools, developing new service offerings, and upskilling their workforce. By embracing the change and staying at the forefront of technological advancements, workshops can ensure they are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving transportation landscape.
Without Trucks, Australia Stops! But when trucks need to go, Endurequip keeps them going!
If you want to know how the team at RUD can help you, please call 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
