The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX beats its own efficiency record in real-world driving with another 1,000 km+ journey on a single battery charge. Following its record-breaking maiden drive from Stuttgart to Cassis (France) in April, the research vehicle set the bar even higher, with a 1,202-kilometre road trip from Stuttgart to Silverstone in the UK.

After negotiating an autobahn closure and demanding cross-country diversion near Stuttgart, the VISION EQXX crossed the French border near Strasbourg then cruised across northern France at highway speeds to Calais, where it boarded the Eurotunnel. Continuing its journey in the UK, it took the M25 around London then stopped off at Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix in Brackley. Waiting to greet it there were the Formula 1 and Formula E experts who helped develop its advanced drivetrain.

The VISION EQXX then carried on to Silverstone, where it was welcomed by special guest driver Nyck de Vries. The Dutchman, who races for the Mercedes-EQ Formula E team, opted not to go easy on the research vehicle, taking it up to its maximum speed limit of 140 km/h on the iconic British race track. Making the most of the occasion, he completed 11 laps, using the last of the charge on the pit lane. Throughout the road trip, the VISION EQXX took advantage of its innovative thermal management system to achieve an average consumption of 8.3 kWh/100 km in the face of heavy traffic and summer temperatures.

As well as proving the effectiveness of Mercedes-Benz electric efficiency technologies in a wide range of real-life traffic scenarios, the VISION EQXX’s long-distance journeys on public roads provide R&D experts with valuable data for the ongoing development programme.

“The journey continues – even further, even more efficient! Yet again, the VISION EQXX has proven that it can easily cover more than 1,000 km on a single battery charge, this time faced with a whole different set of real-world conditions. As Mercedes-Benz strives to go all-electric by 2030 wherever market conditions allow, it is important to show to the world what can be achieved in real terms through a combination of cutting-edge technology, teamwork and determination,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement.

VISION EQXX: the trip log in figures

Once is not enough 

In April this year, a record-breaking maiden road trip saw it cover 1,008 kilometres from Stuttgart to Cassis on the French Mediterranean coast. With temperatures ranging from a chilly 3 to a more springlike 18 degrees Celsius, it completed that journey with energy consumption of 8.7 kWh/100 km and a remaining range on arrival around 140 kilometres. But once is not enough.

To demonstrate true real-world capability and to take the development process to the next level, the engineering team are running a series of road trips to test the technology underpinning the VISION EQXX under different conditions.

Keeping a cool head – innovative and efficient thermal management

This time, the route profile did not come with lower temperatures nor the demanding energy usage and recuperation scenarios presented by the Alps. The main challenges on this trip were summer temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius, paired with increased traffic density around Stuttgart and in the southeast of England. Nevertheless, the VISION EQXX kept a cool head the whole way thanks to its innovative thermal management system.

The exceptional efficiency of the electric drive unit means it generates only minimal waste heat. This helps keep the thermal management system extremely small and lightweight. The carefully engineered interaction of aero-shutters, coolant valves and pumps ensures the electric drive unit maintains the most efficient temperature balance at minimum energy cost. It encompasses a combination of innovative air-flow management and a cooling plate installed in the vehicle floor, enabling it to take advantage of the air flowing along the underside of the VISION EQXX. This is the most aerodynamically efficient way of keeping the electric drive unit cool under normal conditions, allowing an increase in range of around two percent in the most aerodynamic mode.

High ambient temperatures and stop-and-go motorway traffic necessitated cooling of the electric drivetrain and passenger cabin. However, the on-demand cooling system took it all in its stride with no significant impact on range. The multi-source heat pump in the VISION EQXX proved highly efficient at keeping the cabin temperature cool in the warm summer weather. During the 14 hours and 30 minutes of driving time, the air conditioning was operational for just over eight hours, yet had a minimal negative impact on overall energy consumption.

Arrival at Silverstone – taking the chequered flag at 1,202 kilometres

On the home straight to Silverstone, the VISION EQXX paid a visit to the home of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in Brackley, some 13 kilometres to the southwest, where it received an enthusiastic welcome from the team from Mercedes-AMG HPP and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix who played a pivotal role in its design. Working hand-in-hand with the engineering team in Stuttgart, the Formula 1 and Formula E specialists helped slash system losses in the drivetrain and develop a completely new compact and lightweight battery pack.

After a driver change, it was HPP’s Advanced Technology Director Adam Allsopp who took over at the wheel for the final leg to Silverstone. The significance of the drive to the racing circuit which hosted the very first Formula 1^T Grand Prix in 1950 was not lost on him: “Driving this beacon of the future of electric mobility to the place where the Formula 1 story began, and where we’ve seen and contributed to some iconic Formula 1 races is personally very special. Completing the journey from Stuttgart to Silverstone on a single charge with even greater efficiency really evidences some great progress in accelerating the technologies underpinning our electrification strategy. The contribution made over the years by motorsports at Mercedes-Benz is significant and it makes us very proud,” says Allsopp.

Waiting at the track to greet the VISION EQXX was Mercedes-EQ Formula E racing driver Nyck de Vries. The 27-year-old Dutchman, who scored four Formula E wins in the last two seasons, has plenty of experience at coaxing every last drop of efficiency from an advanced electric drivetrain. However, he didn’t go easy on the VISION EQXX, taking it up to its maximum limited speed of 140 km/h at every opportunity on the fabled tarmac. He took the chequered flag after 11 laps, using up the last of the charge in the pit lane with 1,202 kilometres on the clock.“The VISION EQXX was a true pleasure to drive. I know what this team is capable of, and it was a real honour to drive such an amazing car on such a historic track,” says de Vries, adding with a smile: “And I can tell you that the interior is definitely a lot more luxurious than the cockpit of a Formula E car.”

VISION EQXX: the most important technical data at a glance

After weekend trip to Goodwood Festival of Speed, where next on the road trip into the electric future?

Following a brief recharge, the VISION EQXX continued on its way to HPP headquarters in Brixworth 33 kilometres away for an overnight stop, refresh and full recharge in preparation for its next outing this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Appearing at the renowned celebration of historic motorsports alongside other Mercedes icons of the past present and future, the VISION EQXX will also take its turn on the famous hill climb.

With two successful 1,000 km+ road trips under its belt, the VISION EQXX has well and truly justified its claim as the most efficient Mercedes ever built. But the story doesn’t end there. Work continues on the development of many VISION EQXX technologies for application in future series-production vehicles. For the team behind it, gathering invaluable real-life data, the most important question is: Where next?

Source: TFME

Amazon has opened its largest delivery station in Abu Dhabi as it prepares for a rush of orders during its upcoming Prime Day event in July.

Prime Day is one of the major sale events held by the site globally with 250 million items sold during 2021’s event alone.

The UAE saw a 140% increase in sales 12 months ago, and is expected to increase even further this year.

The new 4,700 sqm state-of-the-art delivery station, the second largest in the UAE, provides same-day and one-day deliveries to customers across the city, including those located in outer areas, such as Al Samha, Al Shawamekh, Yas and Saadiyat Islands, Bani Yas, and Al Wathba, explained Amazon in a statement.

“Amazon remains steadfast in its commitment to innovating on behalf of our customers. We pride ourselves on working alongside partners such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, who share our focus on innovation and providing the right resources and logistics to enable businesses and talent in Abu Dhabi to excel in the digital economy,” said Ronaldo Mouchawar, VP, Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

“By empowering the wider ecommerce ecosystem to get products to customers faster and more conveniently, we are ultimately improving the shopping experience for all customers.”

Amazon is also working with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) ahead of the opening of its most technologically advanced Fulfillment Centre in the region in 2023.

Eng. Abdulla Abdul Aziz AlShamsi, acting director general, ADIO, said that the partnership between Amazon and ADIO reflects the ease of doing business in Abu Dhabi and the long-term growth opportunities available in the emirate.

He added: “Amazon supports our vision for sustained investment in innovation and is bringing the latest logistics technologies to the region. The opening of Amazon’s new delivery station and planned Fulfillment Centre in 2023 will establish Abu Dhabi as a major global hub for ecommerce and logistics.”

Supporting Abu Dhabi’s efforts to encourage innovation, the delivery station operates using Amazon’s global logistics technologies that are built on the company’s 20-plus years of operational expertise.

“Built within Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem of innovation, our new delivery station brings world-class last-mile technology to the logistics and supply chain sector in the capital,” explained Prashant Saran, Director of Operations for Amazon MENA.

“The range of jobs at this facility will help to nurture the city’s talent pool and prepare them for the digital future that Abu Dhabi is striding towards. Opening ahead of the upcoming Prime Day event taking place this July on Amazon.ae, the facility and its technology enable us to continue to provide a seamless delivery experience for Prime members across the country.”

According to Amazon, the new delivery station creates opportunities for hundreds of full and part-time employees in a range of jobs with all kinds of experience, education, background, and skills: “From delivery station associates to positions in operations, health and safety, supply chain technology, and analytics, all employees are eligible for training programs that will upskill UAE talent in the future-facing ecommerce sector. The station will also create new opportunities for Delivery Service Partners in the country.”

Source: TFME

Since 2020, global supply chains have been faced with exceptional political, social and economic circumstances due to the pandemic, the semiconductor shortage and the Russia-Ukraine war. Lamborghini’s resilience ensured that the company remained extremely solid as it not only took on these challenges but also achieved record-breaking results on the sales and financial fronts. What strategy did Lamborghini adopt to ensure that production could continue uninterrupted? What approach is it taking as it prepares for the future?

These were the topics discussed with Silvano Michieli, the chief procurement officer at Automobili Lamborghini, along with the exemplary cooperation with the Ukrainian supplier Leoni.

How is Lamborghini reacting to the supply chain challenges presented by the current geopolitical situation?

First Covid, then the issue with semiconductors, not to mention the conflict in Ukraine and protectionist policies: against this backdrop, Lamborghini has been taking risk limitation measures and securing its supply chain. One of the main initiatives that we’ve taken here has been to forge even closer ties with some of our strategic suppliers, going from a more traditional supplier/client relationship to one that’s more of a partnership. At the same time, we revise our processes to a more proactive, analytical approach. This will enable us to anticipate any new problems in the industry.

Referring specifically to the war in Ukraine, Lamborghini is in close contact with its suppliers in the country thanks to an emergency task force established by the Volkswagen Group that is responsible for ensuring that a steady flow of supplies continues to arrive. One of the stories that has emerged concerns is the cooperation with Leoni, which produces wiring for the Huracán in the West of the country.

How are Lamborghini suppliers selected? What are the necessary indicators and other requirements?

We place great importance on checking the financial reliability and sustainability of our suppliers and their supply chains. While the economic side of things must be considered, at the same time we’re having to deal with significant financial strain caused by the series of global crises that we’ve seen in recent years. As well as the margins, we now also look very closely into the solidity of our suppliers. The increasingly partnership-like nature of the relationships that we tend to establish enables them to learn about our requirements from the very beginning and optimise future supplies in terms of times and costs. In addition to financial stability, we also pay close attention to development performance and innovations, quality and logistics in terms of delivery security.

One of the keys to the success and high standards of the Lamborghini procurement strategy is the balanced blend between extremely well-organized big suppliers with connections to the Volkswagen Group that can provide certain forms of technology or specific components, and a number of smaller but highly specialized suppliers that can provide specific products for the unique Lamborghini manufacturing systems.

Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group. In terms of synergy, what are the greatest benefits that this brings to the supply chain?

There are considerable advantages to being part of a group like Volkswagen and this is demonstrated by situations such as the semiconductor shortage. Lamborghini has one of the highest contribution margins in the group, so it is prioritized when it comes to supplies. In addition, the group gives us access to a number of forms of technology that play a crucial role in our evolution

From current challenges to future prospects: at present, Lamborghini is reorganising stock management along its supply chain because it realizes that in the future the biggest risk of irregular supplies will be with the core materials and components, which play the most decisive role in the whole production cycle.

Globalisation as we know it is set to change. Many economists and historians are talking about a decline in globalisation and the start of a deglobalization trend. What’s your point of view on the matter?

I think that phenomena like globalisation are irreversible. Numerous geographical areas contribute to the production cycles of items that are made today. In my opinion, an extreme form of deglobalization is a Utopian, short-sighted idea. I’m more of a believer in rethinking the current supply processes and outlooks, which are in any case undergoing a natural evolution in the industry due to the new circumstances.

Source: TFME

Imagine a truck that only emits water vapor, produces its own electricity onboard and has a range of up to 1 000 km. It’s possible with fuel cells powered by hydrogen, and FCEV has started to test vehicles using this new technology.

To decarbonise transport, Volvo Trucks already today offers battery electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels, such as biogas. In the second half of this decade, a third CO₂-neutral option will be added to its product portfolio – fuel cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen.

“We have been developing this technology for some years now, and it feels great to see the first trucks successfully running on the test track. The combination of battery electric and fuel cell electric will enable our customers to completely eliminate CO2 exhaust emissions from their trucks, no matter transport assignments,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

The fuel cell electric trucks will have an operational range comparable to many diesel trucks – up to 1000 km – and a refueling time of less than 15 minutes. The total weight can be around 65 tons or even higher, and the two fuel cells have the capacity to generate 300 kW of electricity onboard.

Customer pilots will start in a few years from now and commercialisation is planned for the latter part of this decade.

“Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks will be especially suitable for long distances and heavy, energy-demanding assignments. They could also be an option in countries where battery charging possibilities are limited,” says Roger Alm.

Generates its own electricity

A fuel cell generates its own electricity from the hydrogen onboard instead of being charged from an external source. The only biproduct emitted is water vapor.

Fuel cells delivered by cellcentric

The fuel cells will be supplied by cellcentric – the joint venture between the Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG. Cellcentric will build one of Europe’s largest series production facilities for fuel-cells, specially developed for heavy vehicles.

More green hydrogen needed

Fuel cell technology is still in an early phase of development and there are many benefits with the new technology, but also some challenges ahead. One of them is large-scale supply of green hydrogen. Another is the fact that refueling infrastructure for heavy vehicles is yet to be developed.

“We expect the supply of green hydrogen to increase significantly during the next couple of years, since many industries will depend on it to reduce CO₂. However, we cannot wait to decarbonise transport, we are already running late. So, my clear message to all transport companies is to start the journey today with battery electric, biogas and the other options available. The fuel cell trucks will then be an important complement for longer and heavier transports in a few years from now”, says Roger Alm.

Source: TFME