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Read on to hear Buta’s input on the key challenges facing bus operators and automotive OEMs for heavy duty and off highway vehicle development so that they can continue to meet both performance and emissions expectations.
Please can you briefly explain your current role and expertise on this topic.
Buta Atwal (BA): I am CEO of Bamford Bus Company, trading as Wrightbus. Wrightbus has a long history of leading the way with new energy products within the bus industry. We launched our first battery electric bus in 1998, our first fuel cell electric bus in 2008, our first fuel call double deck bus in 2016 and will be launching our first double deck EV later this year.
What do you think is the number one challenge for organisations looking to reduce vehicle emissions?
BA: The number one challenge is uncertainty. We are moving from established diesel powertrains that are very well known in terms of both otodperation and maintenance. The landscape shifts as soon as you move towards new energy products. What is the range? What is the charge time? What is the refuelling time? Can it drive the route?
It is up to manufacturers to step up and work closely with our customers to manage these challenges and ensure that the bus will perform as expected, to ensure that the right powertrain is selected and that all parties use a collaborative.
What would you say is the technology to watch when it comes to heavy-duty/off-highway development?
BA: Battery Electric vehicles cannot be operated with the same freedom of choice as a diesel vehicle can, primarily down to a combination of charge times and range. The technology to watch is hydrogen, as today it can get to around 90% of a diesel vehicle and very soon that will be 100%.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is the front runner today and we are seeing big improvements in terms of both performance and cost, primarily due to their point on the development curve being ten years behind battery EV, it is logical to assume this progress will continue at a faster rate.
What is your advice to organisations just starting their work towards alternative powertrains?
BA: Work very hard on building strong links between both your customers and your supply chain. Take as few risks as possible by using established players and studying other industries to look for parallels with your product requirements.
What has been your progress and/or biggest achievements when it comes to heavy-duty/off-highway development?
BA: Despite our long history of producing very efficient diesel micro hybrid products, we are most proud of our fuel cell double deck bus, which was first to market in the UK and we have sold more than 120 to date.
What breakthroughs in terms of technology do we need for a cost-effective and net-zero heavy-duty/off-highway sector in the future?
BA: I believe we have most of the building blocks in place today, but what we are missing is real volume to drive the price down. Today's fuel cell buses are roughly half the price they were ten years ago, and the data we have suggests that trend will continue, but is more linked to volume than time.
In terms of breakthroughs, there is still the potential for new and innovate energy storage mediums that could help achieve cost targets sooner, but I am yet to be convinced this will happen in the near term.
Why do you feel it is important for all engineers and professionals involved in the heavy-duty/off-highway sector to be part of the conversation about vehicle development?
BA: It will take a collaborative approached for us to collectively reach our goals. Industries such as bus should be prepared to work with other industries that are not as far along the new energy curve.
Buta will be speaking as the opening keynote presentation at the Institution's Emerging Technology for Heavy-Duty and Off-Highway Vehicle Development seminar, taking place online on 22 June 2021.
With an agenda comprised of leading operators, automotive OEMs and researchers, the seminar will tackle the common challenges for engineers involved in these vehicle types. Join to understand the latest in alternative powertrain and fuel types, including hydrogen and biomethane, together with the lessons learned from fleet rollouts for buses, coaches, tractors, construction vehicles and more.
For full details and to register your place, please visit the event website.