Governments across the world are introducing legislation and changing regulations to move their country closer to achieving net zero – having a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount of greenhouse gases absorbed from the atmosphere. This transition has irreversible impacts on how OEMs design and develop off-highway vehicles, with more and more manufacturers choosing to go electric or researching alternative fuels to power the vehicles.
Off-highway vehicles and equipment are major contributors to pollution, accounting for almost three-quarters of fine particulate matter (PM) and one-qua of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from mobile sources in the U.S., and one-quarter of PM and >15% of NOx in Europe. Emissions standards and in-use compliance for off-highway vehicles and equipment require some key differences in approaches to reduce emissions compared to on-road vehicles. Off-highway vehicles and equipment include a wide range of sizes, weight and functions and are characterised by low volume and decentralised, creating barriers to bring down costs through economies of scale and meet required functionality. Off-highway industries, particularly ports and construction sites, are more sensitive to air quality and pollution concerns than CO2 emissions, as ports and construction sites are often located near urban centers and disadvantaged communities. Existing emissions regulations target PM and NOx emission, rather than CO2. Due to higher costs of low- and zero-emission equipment, lack of regulatory pull for most industries, and infrastructure challenges, demand for innovation in the off-highway sector is low.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations laid out for emissions from nonroad (off-highway) vehicles and engines. The road to clean air also depends on extensive collaboration between EPA and vehicle, engine, and fuel manufacturers; state and local governments; transportation planners; and individual citizens. This integrated approach to mobile source emission control has been responsible for greatly reducing mobile source air pollution during the last 30 years. Technological advances in vehicle and engine design, together with cleaner, higher-quality fuels, have reduced emissions so much that EPA expects the progress to continue, even as people drive more miles and use more power equipment every year.
Battery electric solutions are one of the easiest ways to achieve a zero-emission powertrain because the technology is readily commercially available, but there are still major challenges such as requirements for recharging in remote areas and for very large batteries in some instances. With the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and the reduction of emissions, hybrid powertrain technology is gaining prominence in the off-highway vehicle sector. Due to the heavy loads, low speeds, and variable operational patterns characteristic of construction machinery, a fully electric powertrain may not be the ideal solution. As a result, to address the substantial fuel consumption linked to construction equipment, there is a rising interest in hybrid powertrain technology from both manufacturers and governmental organizations. Electrified vehicles promise environmental benefits and adherence to stringent emissions standards, but they require careful balancing of battery life, cost, and performance. The integration of hybrid electric-hydraulic systems is a promising solution to enhance energy efficiency and extend operation time.
Alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil, electrofuel and hydrogen fuel, offer an alternative to electrification or hybrid powertrains, the use of different fuels is projected to grow significantly as they become a viable diesel alternative and more research and development is dedicated to it. Hydrogen internal combustion engines offer a low-carbon solution to meet the requirements of round-the-clock, high-energy usage in difficult environments.
Every year new technology and innovations in the zero-emission off-highway sector are being made, with companies like Hitachi Construction Machinery, John Deere, and Cummins making new developments in the field. The DZOMUSA Expo, taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre in Chicago, IL, on December 3–4, 2024 has two tracks taking place side-by-side, the Design and Development of Zero Emission Off-highway Machinery Track (DZOM) and Autonomous Off-Highway Machinery Technology Track (AOMT). The DZOM track serves as a pivotal platform featuring 30+ senior expert speakers who will address technical insights on electrifying off-highway machines. This track will explore challenges and opportunities related to developing new technologies, advancements in electric, hybrid, and alternative powertrains, integrating drives, energy management, and emphasising the significance of sustainability. Additionally, the event will highlight technological advancements and collaborative efforts aimed at achieving zero-emission goals in the off-highway sector.
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