ConstructionWorX DIGITAL
Next Generation Powertrains Specialist powertrain consultants and CEA members, Knibb Gormezano and Partners, share their vision of the evolution of powertrains. Investment in a Post-COVID recovery worldwide has created a sharper focus on climate change and the shift to Net Zero. Although the industry had slowly started to de-carbonise we see the trend rapidly accelerating and the impact on Construction Equipment, and specifically the powertrains installed in its machines, will be even more significant than reducing noxious emissions over the next decade. Internal combustion engines (ICEs) that currently run over 95% of machines worldwide will see a further evolution through the ‘20s but will increasing compete with zero tailpipe emission machines. The high energy demands of many machines mean OEMs will need to consider low carbon liquid and gaseous fuels to continue running the cleaner and more efficient ICEs. In the short term this will be a minor incremental change, but over this decade could see the diesel engine replaced in many sub-segments and end uses.
8 JUNE 2021
Commercial Vehicle Electrification is accelerating In the commercial vehicle segment (heavy trucks and buses) global CO2 and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) regulations, combined with the introduction of Zero and Low Emission Zones (ZEZ/LEZs) in many cities, is seeing steadily increasing volumes of fully electrified trucks. Several heavy truck OEMs in Europe have indicated they will pivot away from fossil fuel ICEs by 2040. This will pull Construction Equipment OEMs, which are increasingly being pushed by their customers.
Corporate Social Responsibility and CO2 targets will drive electrified CE demand Many end customers are having to set higher CO2 reduction targets in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guidelines. Without specific CO2 legislation the driver for non-road machine electrification is very
