Tag: zero emission

Yanmar Launches New Electrification Unit to Drive Zero-Emission Solutions for Compact Off-Highway Machinery

Yanmar is set to officially launch a new organization dedicated to advancing electrification in the compact off-highway segment. This new Electrification Unit, which will commence operations in April 2025, will focus on delivering a diverse portfolio of e-powertrain solutions, including batteries and eDrives.

As a component manufacturer, supplier, and integrator, the new unit will work closely with Yanmar’s long-standing customers to electrify applications such as excavators, wheel loaders, and other industrial machinery. The new Electrification Unit will concentrate on three primary product areas: Yanmar-branded industrial machinery, machinery for OEMs, and components and e-powertrains for industrial machinery. By advancing these key sectors, the unit aims to drive innovation and reinforce Yanmar’s leadership in the transition to zero-emission solutions.

“This initiative is a major milestone in Yanmar’s commitment to realizing our brand statement, “A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.” The development of e-powertrains is crucial for adapting the expertise we have built with diesel engines to a broader range of applications beyond just construction and agricultural machinery, and it represents an important step towards achieving carbon neutrality.” said Tetsuya Yamamoto, Chief Operating Officer, Yanmar Holdings. “As we face the challenges of climate change and strive for a sustainable society, it is essential to accelerate the development and adoption of electric powertrains that not only enhance product performance but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

A Strategic Move Towards Sustainable Innovation

In recent years, Yanmar has heavily invested in research and development to establish itself as a leader in zero-emission technologies. This includes strategic acquisitions, such as the 2022 acquisition of Eleo Technologies, which has strengthened Yanmar’s battery capabilities.

The Electrification Unit will operate with strategic autonomy, allowing for agile decision-making and innovation in the fields of electric machinery, e-powertrains, and battery systems. Operating on a global scale, the unit will utilize an international network of teams and resources to ensure worldwide reach and localized expertise.

By drawing on the Yanmar Group’s extensive resources, including its technical expertise, service & support network, and deep understanding of application requirements, the new entity aims to develop solutions that directly address the industry’s electrification challenges.

The establishment of the Electrification Unit aligns with Yanmar’s broader Green Challenge 2050 initiative, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a sustainable future. In addition to electrification, Yanmar is actively exploring hydrogen and alternative non-carbon fuels, and resource recycling solutions to drive further advancements in environmental responsibility and carbon reduction.

Leadership & Integration

To spearhead this transformative initiative, Marko Dekena has been appointed to lead the Electrification Unit. With a long and distinguished career in electric and alternative energy powertrains within the automobile industry, Dekena brings deep technical expertise and strategic vision to Yanmar’s push toward electrification. His extensive experience in developing, integrating, and scaling sustainable powertrain solutions makes him uniquely qualified to lead this new division. “By leveraging Yanmar’s deep understanding of our customers’ needs, we are dedicated to delivering technologies that will accelerate the transition toward zero emissions,” said Marko Dekena. The new unit will draw upon Yanmar’s existing e-powertrain initiatives, such as Eleo Technologies’ battery activities, which will be integrated into the new Electrification Unit while continuing to operate on their current locations.

With this new organization, Yanmar is reinforcing its role as an industry leader in sustainable, zero-emission solutions. The Electrification Unit will not only support the ongoing transformation of the compact off-highway segment but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.

LEVC’s Zero-Emission Capable TX Taxi Hits One Billion Miles Driven Milestone

London EV Company (LEVC) is proud to announce that its revolutionary zero-emission capable (ZEC) TX taxi has achieved another significant milestone, estimated to have driven an incredible one billion miles since its launch in 2018.

With over 11,000 TX – the world’s most advanced ZEC taxi – sold globally, the taxi parc has achieved a staggering collective 1,000,000,000 mileage figure*, equivalent to travelling over 40,000 times around the Earth. What’s more, this has been achieved using TX’s revolutionary eCity range extender technology, which compared with the diesel TX4 has reduced the amount of CO2 from entering the atmosphere through driven exhaust emissions by 300,000,000 kgs.

LEVC manufactures the electric TX at its state-of-the-art facility in Ansty, Coventry, the TX’s eCity technology providing a pure EV range of up to 78 miles and a total range-extended capacity of 333 miles, making it ideally suited to operating in and commuting to urban environments.

No stranger to attaining landmarks, in 2022 the TX overtook the TX4 in its share of London’s taxi fleet and now represents more than 60% of all black cabs in London, with over 8,600 ZEC TXs on the streets of the nation’s capital.

LEVC TXs typically cover 20 – 30,000 miles per year, but some drivers really do go the extra mile. Gary Bowers, a 60-year-old taxi driver from Glasgow, has travelled over 280,000 miles in his, one of the highest mileages for a TX taxi globally. Exceeding the 232,000-mile distance from the Earth to the Moon, Gary and his TX have also eclipsed the 268,553 miles which NASA’s Orion spacecraft reached at its furthest point from the Earth, the greatest distance a spacecraft rated for human travel has ever been from its home planet.

While such impressive statistics clearly demonstrate the TX’s durability, reliability, environmentally beneficial and fit-for-purpose capability of its revolutionary eCity range extender powertrain, drivers also love the vehicle’s manoeuvrability, visibility, and ease of driving. For passengers, the quietness, smoothness, and panoramic roof – which makes the whole cabin area feel more spacious – are continually singled out for praise, as are the vehicle’s comprehensive accessibility features.

The TX taxi is an inclusive vehicle for all, regardless of age or disability. Featuring flexible space for up to six passengers, it includes an integrated wheelchair ramp enabling TX to accommodate a forward-facing wheelchair – the only taxi of its kind to do so. Additional accessibility features include a hearing induction loop, braille switches, a step, swivel chair and high visibility handles.

Chris Allen, LEVC Managing Director, commented: “This incredible 1,000,000,000 miles-driven achievement is testament not only to the durability and reliability of TX but the hard work that professional taxi drivers undertake. Designed, engineered, and manufactured from the ground up to be the world’s most advanced electric taxi, LEVC has ensured the TX is the ideal vehicle for drivers, passengers, and the planet. Since its launch, TX has set the benchmark for urban e-mobility, with more than 300,000,000 kgs of CO2 saved from being emitted into the atmosphere through exhaust emissions.

“The Plug-in-Taxi-Grant (PiTG) has been a key driving force in enabling drivers to make the switch to TX, with 60% of the fleet in London now zero-emission capable. With the current scheme set to end on 5th April, we urge taxi drivers considering making the transition to an electric taxi to buy ahead of the deadline and benefit from the £6,000 saving.”

With an investment of over £1 billion from the Geely Holding Group since 2013, LEVC has created the UK’s first dedicated manufacturing plant for electric vehicles. Building on this investment, LEVC recently announced its new strategy that will see it grow beyond manufacturing the TX, to become a leading zero-carbon mobility technology company.