The latest news from across the industry that ‘got us talking
Take a look at our bi-weekly news round-up of what’s got the team talking, a collection of topical industry news from both our marine, industrial and off-highway sectors.
Bibby Marine wins Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 2
Bibby Marine has been awarded government funding under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 2 (CMDC 2) to continue its research into the decarbonisation of its vessels.
The Department for Transport allocated over £14m to 31 projects supported by 121 organisations from across the UK to deliver feasibility studies and collaborative research and development projects in clean maritime solutions.
The funding will allow the Service Operation Vessel Offshore Charging System project to continue its research into the use of electrical batteries to power vessels, and how they are charged both on and offshore.
UK Government grant for Danfoss Power Solutions
Danfoss plan to make electric off-road vehicles cheaper to own and run than diesel equivalents
GLOBAL hydraulics and electric powertrain systems supplier Danfoss Power Solutions have secured a grant worth £407,112 from the UK Government to accelerate the electrification of construction machinery. The UK Department for Business Energy and Skills awarded the grant through its Red Diesel Replacement competition, which seeks to accelerate the transition to electric off-road vehicles such as excavators and wheel loaders.
Danfoss plan to combine electrification with their Digital Displacement technology to significantly improve machine efficiency. Reducing energy consumption by as much as 50%, the technology can dramatically decrease the size of batteries needed to power the machines and the amount of energy needed to charge them.
World’s First Flying Electric Car Race Just Happened
One of the most exciting developments coming within the decade is flying cars. After decades of attempts and dreams, it is happening now and the first-ever flying electric car race has happened in Australia, making the sport a reality.
The Airspeeders have completed over 270 test flights so far. These are the 13.4-foot-long eVTOLs that will race in the series. Right now, racing takes place at the Lake Lochiel salt flats near Adelaide, South Australia. Two MK3 Airspeeders competed as testing continues. Pilots use simulators for now, with the next step being remote racing. Both pilots have spent thousands of hours with the simulators.