The Brisbane Truck Show 2023 (BTS23) is almost upon us, from May 18-21 we can expect some exciting reveals that should interest VASA members. Among the exhibits will be Carrier’s new carbonless cooling system, HDrive’s autonomous yard truck and the Australian debut of the eActros, the first all-electric truck from Mercedes-Benz. The next VASA SightGlass … Continue reading Brisbane Truck Show 2023 reveals well worth checking out
Daikin, the only company globally to manufacture both air-conditioning systems and refrigerants, has developed a low-GWP refrigerant designed for electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with heat pumps. R474A (D1V-140) has been developed as an alternative to R1234yf for improved heat pump performance in EVs, particularly in colder climates, where they can lose up to 20 per … Continue reading Daikin R474a (A2L) approved for EV heat pumps
A new green technology opportunity has arrived with the electric vehicle (EV) conversion market, potentially worth billions a year to the global automotive aftermarket. This has given rise to multiple independent startups – such as Australian company Jaunt which recently merged with British outfit Zero EV to create multinational conversion specialist Fellten – as well … Continue reading ‘Engine Swap’ market hots up with battery electric and hydrogen driveline conversions
A sharp increase in sales of electric vehicles has uncovered a foggy phenomenon during the Northern Hemisphere winter that caused enough ‘no smoke without fire’ concern to result in reports of fires to emergency services. However, the clouds emitted by Teslas while rapid charging have been identified as condensation from the thermal management system rather … Continue reading Tesla fog mystery solved
Sydney-based electric and hydrogen truck and bus importer Foton Mobility Distribution will partner with TAFE NSW, TAFE Queensland, South West TAFE (Victoria), Federation University, Deakin University (Victoria) TAS TAFE, TAFE SA, South Metropolitan TAFE WA, MTA NSW and MTAQ to develop training programs and accreditations to meet changing transport industry needs during the transport to … Continue reading EV, hydrogen truck & bus training move
The Volvo Group Australia factory in Brisbane will begin producing all-electric trucks in 2027. In preparation, the Queensland state government has issued permits for two battery-electric Volvo heavy trucks to undergo local trials as the models in question exceed Australia’s 2.5-metre width restriction by 2.5cm. Although it may be possible for locally-built electric Volvo trucks … Continue reading Volvo to make electric trucks in QLD
Infra-red heaters, often used for customer comfort in outdoor dining areas during winter, will be help save energy in the cabin of the new Lexus RZ electric SUV that goes on sale in Australia and New Zealand mid-year. Rather than warming the air, the infra-red panels in the RZ heat only solid objects in their … Continue reading Lexus to debut infra-red cabin heating
Students at UNSW Sydney have claimed a provisional Guinness World Record by designing and building a solar-powered electric car that travelled 1000km on a single charge in under 12 hours. Continue reading Australian-made, solar-powered electric car breaks 1000km record at average of 85km/h
Despite distinct angles and different participants, electric vehicle panel sessions at both the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo and Wire & Gas shared a common takeaway message: Workshops and technicians will be a key educator during the electrification transition. Furthermore, those who embrace this role stand to benefit earlier, and most, from the opportunities this transformation … Continue reading Workshops are the educators: AAAA Expo, Wire & Gas EV panels
It is time for automotive workshops to consider the effect that electric cars might have on their operations but fortunately there is already much in the way of support for workshops looking to increase their repertoire and prepare for the future. Many are thinking about investing in the training and equipment required to assess and … Continue reading How to get up to speed on EV repairs
