Some of the world’s leading vehicle markets have already committed to, and in some cases legislated, a timeline for the phaseout of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Additionally, in many markets, the transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) over hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is being incentivised to accelerate the shift towards zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
While these measures effectively guarantee a future for BEVs, their adoption has recently encountered the proverbial bump in the road. Despite global sales reaching 10 million units in 2023 for a share of just over 11%, this growth was lower in terms of both forecast and unit sales growth than in 2022. This has been attributed to a lack of affordable BEVs in most markets except China, the removal of incentives in several key markets, and shortcomings in public charging infrastructure. At the same time, PHEVs reversed a declining trend to increase their share of the global plug-in market (BEV + PHEV) from 27,2% to nearly 30%, likely a confirmation of ongoing customer concerns regarding public charging and range. This has resulted in the postponement or cancellation of some BEV projects and delayed the switching of some factories from ICE to BEV production.
Against this background, the question needs to be asked: what has happened to the use of hydrogen as an alternative to BEVs? After initially being touted as one of the viable alternatives to achieving zero vehicle emissions, and offering similar refuelling times and range to ICE vehicles, less than a handful of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles are currently on sale. Before exploring the reasons for this, it’s helpful to understand the different types of hydrogen-powered vehicles – hydrogen internal combustion engines (HICE) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
HICE VS FCEV DRIVETRAINS
Denne historien er fra June 21, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra June 21, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
