AC D’CODER

The delivery

AC Alter nating current – Flow of electrons switches back and forth at regular intervals or cycles

DC Direct current – Flow of electrons is consistent in one direction

Voltage Unit of electrical potential difference or the size of the force that sends the electrons through a circuit

Ampere Measure of current flow

Ohm Unit of electrical resistance (force that counteracts the of current)

The units

Joule Energy dissipated as heat when an electric current of 1 ampere passes through a resistance of 1 ohm for 1 second

Watt 1 watt = 1 joule per second (A 100-watt light bulb is bur ning at 100 joules per second)

Kilowatt 1000 watts kWh 1000 watts used over a one-hour period

Megawatt 1,000,000 watts

“The key to the whole thing is energy. How to get it, pay for it, and how best to utilise it. It’s a whole new world, with the ability to pay less depending on the time you buy it and even produce it yourself – likewise, the driver. Going forward, operator behaviour will be more critical than ever. With BEVs, driving well is not just about limiting cost as it is with an ICE. With the right anticipation and use of regeneration, you can put energy back into the system in the act of working.”

As Mark put it: “That’s money back in the bank.”

“Obviously, on our part, there’s a lot to be done in the years ahead to ensure our techs and trainers are ready to support the product,” Alfons says.

With the two Reliance trucks being real-world working machines, Alfons says the interest and inquiry has ratcheted up several notches. “They’re now out there. They’re seen working, doing the job they were bought for. BEV trucks in the heavier weight categories are here.”

Terawatt One million million watts (Europe is predicted to need 37 terawatt hours by 2030)

The chargers

CCS Combined Charging System can use combo 1 and 2 connectors and provides electric vehicle charging up to 350kW (500 amps)

MCS Megawatt charging system – under development, with a connector rated for a maximum charging rate of 3.75MW (3000 amps DC)

The vehicles

ICE Inter nal combustion engine (Just so you know)

EV Electric vehicle

BEV Battery electric vehicle

HEV Hybrid electric vehicle

PHEV Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

FCEV Fuel-cell electric vehicle