Tag: trucks
Penske Supports 8th Annual Tree Day in Tennessee
Tennessee’s tree population – weakened by a series of challenges both natural and man-made – will receive a much-needed boost thanks in part to Penske Truck Rental.
Nearly 75,000 baby trees will be planted across the state on Saturday as part of the Tennessee Environmental Council’s eighth statewide Tennessee Tree Day (TTD).
Seven Penske rental trucks transported the seedlings to holding areas in 10 locations across the state, where they will wait to be claimed by about 15,000 volunteers who will plant the baby trees in yards, farms and other locations.
“Tennessee Tree Day is enormously popular. I am amazed that every year thousands of new people come to participate. There is no end to the well of interested people who want to plant trees,” said Jeff Barrie, CEO of the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing public awareness about the value of trees and their contribution to the health of the environment.
Benefits of a Healthy Tree Population
Fast beyond their aesthetic value, trees enrich the environment and add value to communities. Trees provide shade that helps cool communities, making it a more pleasant experience for those living in them.
“We also know that trees produce a significant amount of oxygen that enable animals and humans to live,” Barrie said. “We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, and trees do the opposite. It is a great symbiotic relationship upon which all life depends.”
In addition, trees help with stormwater runoff during flooding. “We like for people to plant trees near waterways for that reason,” said Cynthia Hernandez, Tennessee Tree Program Manager.
In recent years, ice storms, tornadoes and housing development have all impacted the tree canopy in Tennessee. “The natural disasters alone are the leading cause of tree death and tree loss,” Barrie said. “We think at the very least we need to do our part to replace the trees that have been lost.”
Driving Community Service
This is the third year that Penske’s Nashville location has provided trucks for Tennessee Tree Day. The trucks were loaded up this week with 15,000 trees each for transport to locations across the state. It’s the equivalent of 170 acres of tree canopy being transported in each Penske truck, Barrie said.
Penske truck delivers 10,000 trees to Evergreen Nursery in Johnson City, Tennessee.
The trucks have played an important role in the success of TTD.
“Penske, for the past three years, has been very generous in supporting the event by an in-kind contribution of trucks,” Barrie said. “It makes our event possible. It would be much more expensive if we didn’t have that support from Penske.”
Volunteers will plant 12 tree species native to Tennessee: Bald Cyprus, Eastern Redbud, Gray Dogwood, Hybrid Chestnut, Northern Red Oak, Nuttall Oak, Pawpaw, Pecan, Red Mulberry, Shagbark Hickory, Shellbark Hickory, Virginia Pine and Wild Plum.
The trees are bare-root seedlings, which means they have no soil at the root. The seedlings are kept in bags during the transport process to protect them during the trip to one of 10 hubs across the state.
While young trees are more resilient, and weather the transport and transplanting process better, it is important to plant the seedlings as soon as they are removed from the bag to prevent their roots from drying out.
Impact on Future Generations
TEC has aided in the planting of nearly 742,000 trees across Tennessee since 2007 and the nonprofit has a goal of planting a million trees by 2025.
When mature, the tree planting will result in 8,500 acres of new tree canopy providing wildlife and pollinator habitat, 11 million tons of carbon dioxide captured, 26 billion gallons of rainwater filtered, and oxygen produced for more than 2 million Tennessee residents every year, according to TEC.
Yet, another important benefit is planting a seed of conservation in the minds of the next generation of Tennessee residents.
“The greatest thing is families will watch the trees grow as their kids grow. And those trees will be on their property for decades and perhaps generations,” Barrie said. “They will reap the benefits of the trees they plant.”
“One of the best ways people can help the environment and the community is to plant a tree,” Barrie said. “Penske makes it doable and affordable for us to do this for thousands of people in Tennessee, so we greatly appreciate the support.”
Visit www.tectn.org/tennesseetreeday for more information about the event.
By Bernie Mixon
Mitsubishi Motors Inaugurates New Paint Factory in Thailand
The new paint factory is one of the largest automobile paint factories in the Kingdom of Thailand, which has realized improved production efficiency and reduction of environmental load by automated major painting processes and advanced technology.
The advanced and environmentally friendly technology enables to reduce volatile organic compound emissions by 50 percent compared to the past. Further, the wastewater treatment plant allows for water recycling and reduces water discharge by 50 percent. Mitsubishi Motors Thailand has also invested in solar panels that can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 1,700 tons per year.
Their Excellencies Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Industry in Thailand, Kazuya Nashida, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand and other guests attended the inauguration ceremony.
"At Mitsubishi Motors, we have strong desire to enhance the manufacturing efficiency and quality, as well as to transform our business towards a sustainable future," said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors. "We established Environmental Plan Package which identified our direction to reduce 40 percent of CO2 emissions from our new cars and business activities by 2030. Certainly, the business operation in Thailand has played an important role to achieve our global goal."
About Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) -a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan-, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has more than 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, mainland China, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Russia. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification-launched the i-MiEV -the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV -the world's first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. The company announced a three-year business plan in July 2020 to introduce more competitive and cutting-edge models, including the Eclipse Cross (PHEV model), the all-new Outlander and the all-new Triton/L200.
For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company's website at
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/
Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.comMitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) today inaugurated a new paint factory with 12 billion yen investment at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand Co., Ltd. to replace the existing paint facilities.
Hitachi Energy to Accelerate Sustainable Mobility in Germany’s Biggest City
Hitachi Energy will provide a complete Grid-eMotion Fleet grid-to-plug charging infrastructure solution for the next two bus depots to be converted in the bus electrification program. Hitachi Energy's solution offers the smallest footprint for both the connection, as well as low noise emissions and high reliability - three key requirements for bus depots in a densely populated urban environment, where space is limited and flawless charging is vital to ensure buses run on time.
The solution comprises a connection to the distribution grid, power distribution and DC charging infrastructure with charging points and smart charging systems. Hitachi Energy will perform the engineering and integrate, install and service the entire solution. The solution has a compact and robust design that requires less equipment than competing infrastructure, which results in a small footprint, lower operating and maintenance costs, and higher reliability. Typically, Grid-eMotion Fleet requires 60 percent less space and 40 percent less cabling than alternative charging systems; it also provides superior overall system reliability.
"We are delighted to help the City of Berlin in its transition to quiet and emission-free transportation and a sustainable energy future for the people of this iconic capital," said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business. "We feel the urgency and have the pioneering technology and commitment to advance sustainable mobility, thus improving the quality of life of millions of people."
BVG operates Germany's biggest city bus fleet of around 1,500 vehicles, which it aims to make completely electric and emission-free by 2030. This requires the installation of charging infrastructure in its large network of bus depots.
About Grid-eMotion
Grid-eMotion comprises two unique, innovative solutions - Fleet and Flash. Grid-eMotion Fleet is a grid-code compliant and space-saving grid-to-plug charging solution that can be installed in new and existing bus depots. The charging solution can be scaled flexibly as the fleet gets bigger and greener. It includes a robust and compact grid connection and charging points, and is also available for commercial vehicle fleets, including last-mile delivery and heavy-duty trucks that require high power charging of several megawatts. Grid-eMotion Flash enables operators to flash-charge buses within seconds at passenger stops and fully recharge within minutes at the route terminus, without interrupting the bus schedule.
Both solutions are equipped with configurable smart charging digital platforms that can be embedded with larger fleet and energy management systems. Additional offerings from Hitachi Energy for EV charging systems consist of e-mesh energy management and optimization solutions and Lumada APM, EAM and FSM solutions, to help transportation operators make informed decisions that maximize their uptime and improve efficiency.
In the past few months alone, Hitachi Energy has won orders from customers and partners all over the world for its smart charging portfolio - a sign that Grid-eMotion is changing the e-mobility landscape for electric buses and commercial vehicles. Grid-eMotion solutions are already operating or under development in Australia, Canada, China, India, the Middle East, the United States and several countries in Europe.
About Hitachi Energy Ltd.
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world's energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the Environment, the Resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to enhance Security & Safety. Hitachi resolves the issues faced by customers and society across six domains: IT, Energy, Mobility, Industry, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.
Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.comHitachi Energy has won an order from Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Germany's biggest municipal public transportation company, to supply its Grid-eMotion Fleet smart charging infrastructure to help BVG transition to sustainable mobility in Berlin, the country's capital.
Honda to Install Stationary Fuel Cell Power Station on California Campus as First Step Toward Commercialization of Zero-Emission Backup Power Generation
Honda's proof of concept fuel cell power station will utilize fuel cell components from Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles in a flexible, four-quad parallel stationary fuel cell power generation system capable of generating up to 1152kW-DC/1MW-AC from an inverter. A unique advantage of the four-quad design is the flexibility to change the layout of the four individual fuel cell units to suit the installation environment, accommodating a cuboid, L-shape, Z shape or other packaging requirements.
The station will be connected to the data center on the American Honda campus in early 2023, providing a real-world power generation application to verify performance. This will enable Honda to advance its know-how in the power supply area, as well as supply chain development, grid connection access, construction specifications, AC/DC connection requirements and other critical areas.
"We will leverage the expertise Honda has established in creating multiple generations of fuel cell systems for the development of a fuel cell power generation station," said Mitsuru Kariya, senior vice president in charge of the R&D Business Unit of American Honda. "This project is an opportunity to further utilize our strengths in fuel cell technology to more quickly create, assess and advance a clean power generation system for potential commercial customers."
While Honda remains committed to developing fuel cell systems for passenger vehicles, the market for fuel cell systems to power larger trucks and transport ships, as well as stationary generation, is expanding rapidly in the U.S. and is expected to grow to over $86.7 billion annually by 2030. Data centers in particular require high-quality and reliable power, where any disruption in power supply can lead to downtime or problems such as data corruption and damage to servers.
Typical stationary backup generators rely on diesel fuel, which result in higher carbon emissions and local air pollutants. Backup power systems utilizing hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising future for clean, yet reliable and high-quality power generation, especially when operating on so-called "green" hydrogen made from renewable sources, with water vapor as the only emission.
Honda Fuel Cell Technology Leadership
Honda has led the industry over the past quarter-century in the development and deployment of fuel cell technology, including extensive real-world testing and customer deployments.
- In July 2002, the Honda FCX became the first fuel-cell vehicle certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB).
- In December 2002, Honda introduced the world's first production fuel-cell vehicle, to both the U.S. and Japan markets.
- In 2003, Honda became the first automaker with a fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures.
- In 2005, Honda became the first automaker to lease fuel cell vehicles to individual retail customers.
- In 2008, Honda became the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle (FCX Clarity) on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles.
- In 2013, Honda and GM began working together on the co-development of a next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies.
- In 2017, Honda introduced the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle.
- In 2020, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. signed an agreement for joint research of the use of hydrogen fuel cells to power heavy-duty trucks, looking to expand fuel cell use by applying the zero-emission technology to larger vehicles.
In 2021, Honda announced its collaboration with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to develop a fuel cell system combined with a high differential pressure water electrolysis system that will help support a "circulative renewable energy system" to supply space and lunar stations with electricity, oxygen and water.
At FC Expo held in Japan during March 16 and 18, 2022, Honda will display a prototype of FC Power Unit co-developped with General Motors, a portable FC generator concept model.
Honda Commitment to the Environment
Honda is committed to addressing global environmental and energy issues by striving to realize carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050. Honda proudly has the highest fleet average fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of any full-line automaker in America, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest data. To reduce CO2 emissions even further, Honda will strive to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of auto sales in the U.S. and globally by 2040.
Honda also is working to reduce the environmental impact of its business operations. To slash CO2 emissions from its North American manufacturing operations, Honda has entered into long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for renewable wind and solar power seeking to cover more than 60% of the electricity that Honda uses in North America. This enables the company to fully offset the remaining carbon intensive grid-supplied electricity used in its Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama automobile manufacturing operations. Honda also promotes environmentally responsible business practices with its suppliers and retail dealer partners across North America.
Learn more at https://csr.honda.com/environment/na-environmental-report/
Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.comHonda today announced plans to install a stationary fuel cell power station on its corporate campus in Torrance, Calif. by early 2023.
Toyota Develops Storage Module Utilizing Resin High-Pressure Hydrogen Tanks
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In connection to this module development, Toyota will also continue with verification of transport safety and hydrogen storage quantity utilizing the agile development site of a race, etc. in the same way as last year. This year as well, verification will start with the Super Taikyu Race in Suzuka, to be held from March 19 to 20.
Background of module development
Toyota has been working on initiatives toward realizing a hydrogen-based society, such as the sale of FCEVs and FC systems. As part of this, the 70 MPa resin high-pressure hydrogen tank developed for automobiles is now the subject of numerous requests from those who would like to use it in railways, shipping, and port cargo handling, as well as FC generators. However, using the same tanks in various fields requires meeting different safety standards and adjusting to each environment. For this reason, they are not currently used for a wide range of purposes. The government is working on a range of studies to promote the early adoption of hydrogen while ensuring safety, and Toyota and its business partners are ready to offer cooperation and support. Toyota developed this hydrogen storage module as a way to answer these demands and expand the use of hydrogen.
Initiatives to promote the use of high-pressure hydrogen tanks
Starting last year, Toyota has been carrying out repeated verification testing with its business partners throughout the whole phases of producing, transporting, and using at the Super Taikyu Series venue, a place for agile development that embodies the idea of "making ever-better motorsports-bred cars." This is also connected to the development of this conceptual model. This year too, starting with the Super Taikyu Race in Suzuka (March 19 to 20), Toyota will be working on connecting with new business partners and carrying out verification testing with the idea of expanding hydrogen use even further.
This race will be used to verify the transport of large amounts of hydrogen by an FC truck that will carry resin high-pressure hydrogen tanks for automobiles with large volumes (2 sets of 16-tank packages) filled at 45 MPa.
This verification will be implemented upon the certification of the vessels by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and is an initiative that will also contribute to the studies being carried out by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism for encouraging the use of hydrogen. In keeping pace with studies by the government, Toyota will continue to use opportunities such as the Super Taikyu races to verify its capabilities in utilizing the 70 MPa which is certified only for use in automobiles.
Features of the hydrogen storage module conceptual model
In addition to the three variations of hydrogen capacity based on the resin high-pressure hydrogen tank used in the Mirai, large modules that use tanks with enlarged capacities are also included in the lineup.
Feature 1Storing and transporting hydrogen
The module unit, which packages safety-assured resin hydrogen tanks for use in automobiles, is integrated with various safety devices that automatically monitor operation status to ensure the module is extremely safe. As storing and transporting hydrogen more safely and efficiently can be done through high-capacity hydrogen loads, it is possible to use hydrogen-based energy in a range of locations where hydrogen filling is difficult, such as ports or mountain areas.
Feature 2Using hydrogen
When using hydrogen as a fuel for FC products, in combination with the FC system module released by Toyota in March 2021, allows safe and easy use in a range of fields, including mobility such as trains and ships in addition to trucks and buses, port cargo handling, and FC generators.
For further details, refer to the link. https://www.toyota.co.jp/fuelcells/en/index.html
Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.comToyota Motor Corporation announced today that it has developed a hydrogen storage module that integrates multiple resin high-pressure hydrogen tanks at 70 MPa for automobiles--already proven in the "Mirai" fuel cell vehicle (FCEV)--and safety devices such as a hydrogen detector and an automatic shut-off switch.
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