Tag: electrified

Iarnród Éireann launches HVO fuel pilot on Cork commuter fleet

Iarnród Éireann has launched a new renewable fuel pilot on its commuter fleet, as part of its ongoing programme to reduce carbon emissions across the national rail network.

The trial will use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – a renewable diesel alternative produced from vegetable oils and waste fats – to power two formerly diesel-fuelled trains on the Cork commuter network. HVO can cut emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel, serving as a drop-in replacement without the need for significant engine modifications.

The trial, which and will run until June, is expected to use approximately 100,000 litres of ethically sourced HVO. Each of the trains currently consumes between 3,000 and 4,000 litres of diesel per week; at a similar burn rate on HVO, the pilot period is projected to cover 12 to 16 weeks of operation.

Performance and reliability during the trial will be closely monitored to assess the potential for wider deployment of HVO across the fleet.

The pilot will see two 2600 Class diesel multiple units (DMUs) operate exclusively on HVO over the coming months, replacing conventional diesel on selected services. Commuters will be able to spot one of these trains thanks to HVO decals on the exterior of the carriages.

Iarnród Éireann’s Climate Action Plan commits to introducing HVO across its diesel fleet, where appropriate, on a phased basis to 2030, to meet short-term emission reduction targets. 100% HVO use is already in operation on all track maintenance vehicles.

HVO for the trial is being supplied by Corrib Oil and Iarnród Éireann has received and verified the relevant ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) documentation for the fuel. This certification confirms that the HVO being used meets recognised sustainability and traceability standards.

Commenting on the initiative, Mary Considine, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive, said: “This pilot is another important step in our efforts to decarbonise Ireland’s rail network. In trialling HVO on our commuter fleet, we are testing a lower-carbon alternative that can be deployed quickly while we continue to invest in electrification and other long-term more sustainable solutions.”

Subject to a successful outcome, the findings of the pilot will inform future decisions on expanding the use of HVO as a lower carbon “drop-in” replacement for diesel on non-electrified routes, complementing Iarnród Éireann’s broader investment in sustainable mobility.

AI, Data and BEVs Power a New Model for European Long-Haul Transport

Scania Ventures, LOTS Group and JUNA Technologies, together with carrier HAWA, operate one of Europe’s longest electric truck routes, demonstrating that high utilisation, long-haul battery-electric transport is commercially viable already today.

By combining LOTS Group’s AI-based platform Pathfinder with JUNAS’s electrified vehicle solutions and Hawa’s operational logistics expertise, the partners are creating a scalable model for electrified long-distance logistics in Europe. The 1,250-kilometre corridor is already operating in daily commercial service across central Europe. The partnership prioritises operational quality and cost efficiency, demonstrating how intelligent planning, effective asset utilisation, and robust daily operational management can help customers minimise their CO₂ emissions.

LOTS uses Pathfinder to analyse routes, charging requirements and shipment data to design and optimise electric long-haul operations under real-world conditions. This enables the partners to simulate various scenarios, minimise operational risk and adjust routes prior to broader deployment.

At the same time, the setup is designed to be scalable. By analysing operational data over time, the corridor can adapt to new transport flows and be expanded to include additional zero-emission capacity as infrastructure and customer needs evolve.

JUNA provides access to electric truck capacity via a pay-per-use model, thereby reducing barriers to entry for battery-electric long-haul transport. The partners have together created a fully integrated, end-to-end electric corridor that functions in day-to-day operations.

“With Pathfinder, we can design and run electric routes that meet customer requirements and real-world road conditions. The platform enables us to simulate different scenarios, reduce risk and optimise flows before moving into full-scale operations,” says Johan Palmqvist, Managing Director at LOTS Group Europe.

“For JUNA Technologies, this corridor proves that electric long-haul transport is not a pilot project but a viable, day-to-day solution,” says Johan Kjellner, Managing Director and COO at JUNA Technologies. “By integrating our electric truck capacity into a data-driven, AI-optimised network, we can deliver reliable, zero-emission transport at scale”

Electric long-haul road transport is often portrayed as a solution that will only become commercially viable around 2030. This corridor challenges that narrative by demonstrating that heavy battery-electric vehicles can reliably run demanding inter-city stretches with tight delivery deadlines, and ensure year-round utilisation.

 

Everrati grows redefined and electrified Porsche portfolio with homage to the legendary 964 RSR

Everrati Automotive Limited (Everrati™), the leading sustainable-luxury technology company specialising in redefining and futureproofing automotive icons through the integration of
cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, today reveals its most driver-focused electrified Porsche yet – a new addition inspired by the Type 964 RSR.

Building on Everrati’s leading portfolio of redefined modern classic Porsches, the new zero emission homage channels the ethos of the Type 964 RSR 3.8, blending a stunning motorsport-inspired hand-built 911, with carbon-fibre body elements and a host of weight-saving measures both inside and out, bringing things up to date with a bespoke, OEM-grade, state-of-the-art EV powertrain.

Launched in 1993, the Type 964 RSR 3.8 is one of the rarest 964 variants with just 51 examples of the race-ready lightweight, rear-drive, turbo wide-bodied competition car ever produced. At the time it revived a famous Porsche motorsport badge which first appeared on the 1973 911 Carrera RSR and has since featured on ultimate track-focused 996, 997, 991 models.

As car custodians and passionate automotive enthusiasts, Everrati is honouring the 964 RSR’s influence and legacy with its redefined model, creating a fully futureproofed example of sustainable luxury in the process, a rolling piece of art, a vehicle that can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Based on an expertly restored 911 (964), which started life as a narrow-bodied car, Everrati’s
RS-inspired edition respects the lightweight, high-performance ethos of the RSR, with its rear seats deleted, a rear roll cage added and lightweight driver and passenger seats installed, clad in the world’s lowest carbon leather from Everrati partner Bridge of Weir Leather.

On the outside, there are lightweight 18-inch wheels from HRE, while the eye-catching carbon-fibre bodywork boasts a completely new aero package, including larger rear spoiler inspired by the legendary 964 RSR, along with a revised front lower splitter.

Under the skin lies an OEM-grade 63kWh battery pack and battery management system. This Gen2 version brings multiple advances over Everrati’s Gen1 system, featuring new and improved cooling and a more refined version of its drive controller and software, enhancing performance and efficiency. With OEM-grade high-performance electric motors delivering electrifying power to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential, the RSR-inspired version enables an emission-free range of more than 200 miles and 3.7 second 0-60mph acceleration.

The RSR homage also features TracTive suspension, a premium, electronically controlled active and adaptive suspension system which offers multiple settings designed to optimize and enhance driving dynamics, comfort and performance, whether on the road or track.  Combined with Apple CarPlay and AC and DC Fast charging, the new RSR homage is fully equipped for a short B-road blast or longer touring journey.

Everrati Founder and CEO, Justin Lunny, commented: “This exciting new addition to our range of redefined and electrified 911s is without doubt the most driver-focused yet. Paying homage to a legendary model from three decades ago, our new ‘RSR’ gets pulses racing with a host of lightweight enhancements, resulting in an unrivalled experience that combines the best of classic design with modern, zero-emission, performance.

“Like all our models, it features hand-built craftsmanship, with OEM-grade engineering processes, futureproofed via a state-of-the-art electric powertrain. We are committed to preserving the legacy of iconic vehicles while advancing the transition to sustainable luxury mobility. Our expertise in redefined Porsches positions us as the go-to international creator of redefined 911s and iconic cars.”

The new model, like all 964-based variants in its range, will be built for an international market by Everrati’s production partners, Aria Group, based in Irvine, California, underlining its strategy to forge relationships with the world’s best specialists where appropriate.

Designed and developed at its global headquarters in Oxfordshire, the latest 911 RSR-inspired model will join Everrati’s leading portfolio of redefined automotive icons, which includes electric versions of the Porsche 911 (964) Coupe, Targa, Cabriolet, G-Series based ST-inspired edition, Range Rover Classic, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Series, GT40, and Mercedes-Benz W113 SL ‘Pagoda’.