< Previousaccording to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. OEMs are making fuel breakthroughs with new machineries, such as JCB’s 20 tonne 220X excavator powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, Volvo’s HX04 – the world’s fi rst articulated hauler prototype; Hyundai’s fuel-cell excavators and forklifts, and SANY’s dump truck and mixer truck, among others. Hydrogen fuel cell construction vehicles predominantly have fi ve critical advantages, including zero pollution, with only water and heat being discharged, in addition to long battery life, more power, enhanced weather adaptability, and extra safety considerations, according to SANY’s R&D team. Meanwhile, JCB, the fi rst construction company in the world to unveil a working prototype of an excavator powered by hydrogen, has also developed a hydrogen-fuelled engine, which can be used in various equipment, including loadalls, excavators, and backhoes. Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered forklifts and medium/large capacity excavators are expected to begin mass production and distribution in 2023. Concerning this, the company stated that hydrogen fuel cells are much easier to expand, making them a much more logical choice for large forklifts or excavators than lithium batteries, which have been marred by structural issues limiting various attempts to increase battery capacity. COVER STORY PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJANUARY 2023 30It is clear that many OEMs are building prototypes and utilising hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which is getting its deserved traction; however, it should be seen as a complementary technology with electric power to truly achieve zero-emission end- products. Furthermore, while hydrogen makes more sense for larger equipment with extensive energy demands and more utilisation, electric makes more sense for compact, light-duty vehicles due to battery charge times and infrastructure limitations. BREAKING THE ROADBLOCKS However, industry experts note some significant challenges in electric machines, including the downsides associated with run-time-per-charge and recharging time. At the same time, while electric charging infrastructure is becoming more widely available in urban areas for customer use, construction job sites that aren’t even on the grid experience more access difficulties - one of the reasons many OEMs are selling chargers with their machines. Solar charging is another potential point of examination. In an exclusive conversation with us, Frank Bernthaler, the COO of Admiral Mobility, which recently launched the largest single electric commercial truck order in the GCC, said it is only a question of time before the trends in commercial electric vehicles will be refl ected in other heavy vehicle industries. While the developments in on-road and off - road vehicles are far apart, the challenges are similar. He noted that hydrogen-based solutions will become a part of long-haul transport in the future, and highlighted the need to provide an extensive charging network to manage routes for electric- powered vehicles. LONG-TERM VISION Meanwhile, experts record no technical barrier to the mass production of hydrogen- powered machinery, barring prices, supply infrastructure, and government policies. They also noted the importance of private investment and government funding – for instance, Germany will spend approximately $9 billion on hydrogen, while China and South Korea are developing fuel cell and hydrogen production targets. While the World Economic Forum acknowledges that hydrogen isn’t a direct substitute for coal, oil and natural gas, it sees how hydrogen could account for up to 12% of global energy use by 2050. Additionally, Europe is leading in facilitating a hydrogen- based economy, especially with manufacturers levelling the playing fi eld. An example of this is the Volvo Group and Daimler Truck’s 50:50 joint venture called cellcentric, which has been developing, producing, and commercialising fuel cells in heavy-duty trucks and other areas. Electric-powered vehicles also reportedly see decreased operating costs, as well as reduced fuel costs, repair frequency, and downtime, according to Caterpillar, which recently unveiled four electric machine prototypes at Bauma 2022. Furthermore, as legislations worldwide become more stringent, heavy industries are expected to become one of the world’s fastest adopters of electric-powered drivetrains, resulting in optimal products and energy recyclability. Looking ahead, the EV transition appears to be getting closer, so does hydrogen’s future, but a lack of infrastructure is one of the reasons it is being held back in terms of generation and storage. McKinsey’s report stated that over the coming years, there will be a signifi cant increase in the number of hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road, and while passenger cars will contribute to hydrogen consumption and have previously been the focus segment, in the future, around 95% of demand by volume will come from commercial vehicles. It anticipates that by 2030, as many as 850,000 hydrogen-fuelled medium and heavy-duty trucks will be on the road in Europe. Meanwhile, industry experts note that over the next fi ve to 10 years, hydrogen fuel cell technology, which can be abundantly used in heavy machinery, will become not only environmentally viable but also operationally and economically suitable. Volvo CE’s 22 tonne EC230 electric excavator. COVER STORY 31 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJANUARY 2023T echnology is quickly changing the UAE’s commercial vehicles market. Industry analysts predict the next five years of growth will be driven by demand for high performance trucks for the logistics, construction, waste management, and specialised long haul transportation sectors. The upswing is reported in a new whitepaper produced for Automechanika Dubai by Glasgow Research and Consulting, which claims that growth will be in line with the nation’s quick commercialisation and net zero emissions goals. The demand for greater sustainability impact, strong supply chains, and new regulatory requirements are some of the factors driving the upswing. THE CHANGING SHAPE OF THE UAE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES MARKET Technology and sustainability are driving the sector’s fi ve-year upward trajectory TELEMATICS TRENDING One technology – telematics was fi rst introduced by Volvo Trucks and has been singled out as a key growth stimulant following initial market pushback. “Initially, telematics services were not well- received by the market,” says Vishal Pandey a partner in Glasgow Research & Consulting’s Dubai offi ce who authored the whitepaper. “Most consumers were unfamiliar with the technology, which along with the expense of installing telematics was an obstacle.” Telematics allows fl eet owners have access to data such as the drivers’ locations, vehicle performance, and fl eet status. The technology’s original ‘spy in the cab’ mantle fuelled driver reticence, but that, says the whitepaper, is a thing of the past. “Consumer education and rationalisation of the cost of subscription and installation of the service have encouraged consumers to use and discover the benefi ts of telematics,” says Pandey. The technology’s benefi ts have far outweighed initial suspicions. “Telematics enables fl eet managers to monitor the movements of trucks, as well as specifi c details like speed, load, and all tachograph data. Telematics improves making it simple to monitor fuel usage. For the eff ective operation of the vehicles, fl eet managers can access precise statistics on driving distance, emission levels, and fuel consumption in addition to receiving updates on vehicle status. Easy-to- INSIGHT 32 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJANUARY 2023access alerts include the date, time, location, odometer information, engine hours, and more.,” the whitepaper states. Telematics is now a key selling point for truck manufacturers with their transport operator clients integrating the technology to streamline fl eet management systems. Adoption of the technology has soared since Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) introduced a regulation requiring all heavy vehicles to install telematics to curb accident risk, encourage safe driving habits, strengthen the country’s infrastructure, and minimize the fi nancial, human, and environmental impact of heavy trucks. Additionally, municipality waste management trucks have begun utilising the technology for smooth waste collection and management. “With the help of advanced IoT- based devices, waste bins are attached with sensors. A highly integrated system allows monitoring, managing, and transportation of trash bins, drivers, and vehicles,” says Pandey. ELECTRIC EVOLUTION The whitepaper points out that similar to passenger cars, commercial vehicles are going through an electric evolution to reduce pollution and comply with stringent government requirements and environmental standards. Spurring the shift, the commercial truck market benefi ts from the support of the government and private organisations and new government policies and incentives in developing the UAE’s electric vehicle infrastructure. “Due to rising environmental concerns, the commercial vehicles market, like passenger vehicles, is going through electrifi cation to comply with government norms and environmental standards. Light and medium commercial electric vehicles are already introduced into the market,” says Pandey. Highlighting the evolution, the all-electric INSIGHT 33 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJANUARY 2023E-Canter, by Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, was unveiled to the public at Dubai’s Expo 2020 while Sharjah’s Bee’ah made one of the most signifi cant orders for Tesla semi-heavy-duty trucks, purchasing 50 as soon as the model was released. Pandey believes it will be some time before the UAE fully adopts electric heavy trucks. “It is a challenge to see how the electric power demand of the big load of long-haulers is met,” he says pointing out that other carbon emission reduction techniques have been tested. “Dubai Municipality replaced diesel with bio-diesel in its vehicles a while ago,” he explained. PRE-OWNED PUSH It’s not just tech-heavy and sustainability- savvy trucks that are in demand; according to the white paper, there’s also a revival occurring in the UAE’s used truck market. “The Covid-19 pandemic pushed manufacturers and dealers to promote second-hand vehicles as well as the service of leasing trucks,” Pandey says. Leasing trucks are particularly favoured as fl eet operators look to limit risk in the light truck market with only construction trucks being limited in the sector due to their performance degenerating after fi ve to six years and so losing their second-hand appeal. “Ideally, a fl eet operator can take vehicles on lease for four to fi ve years instead of purchasing them. After this period, these trucks go on sale for second-hand buyers,” he added. THE ROAD AHEAD The whitepaper predicts a buoyant short-term outlook for the UAE’s commercial vehicle markets as the nation’s government moves to diversify its economy and grow investments in construction, food and beverage, manufacturing, retail, and transportation. “High-performance trucks will further prove their market potential owing to their capacity to carry large loads,” says Pandey. “Additionally, electric vehicles in the high- performance truck market will see some advancements in the coming years. The emergence of new models with their updates and technological advancements is anticipated to boost the market’s growth. Tesla’s Cyber- truck, General Motors’ all-electric Hummer and Volvo’s continued progress will have a lot to off er in the coming years. However, compared to conventional trucks, the high manufacturing cost of these electric vehicles in the commercial segment could act as a barrier to the UAE’s commercial vehicle market.” Technology will be the main growth driver with a knock-on impact on the aftermarket. “In a sector which was slow to adopt technology, players are now investing in gaining and analysing data for vehicle effi ciency and to study consumer behaviour to attract and retain customers,” said Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Show Director Automechanika Dubai. INSIGHT 34 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJANUARY 2023Case studies Understand the planning and execution processes behind complex earthmoving, lifting and transport projects worldwide. Lists Shortlist your suppliers from the annual PMV Power Lists of the top OEMs, dealers and rental companies in the Middle East. KEEP UP WITH THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INDUSTRIES Subscribe now for unlimited access to PMV Middle East plantmachineryvehicles.com AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION Discover more, new machines, new markets Special reports Explore potential markets and product applications through our country-focus and sector-focus reports. Insights Track technology trends to stay ahead of the curve. Expert advice Manage your operating costs with fleet management advice from experts.We keep companies on the move with the best tyre solutions. No matter where in the world, our customers can count on our superior service and knowledge. Magna Tyres is the fastest growing brand in the earthmoving segment in Africa. The best reasons to choose Magna Tyres: • Local personal presence • Key sizes always available in local warehouse • Most favorable cost of ownership • Chosen by OEM manufacturers g magnatyres.com Visit our websiteNext >