Whether it’s a new technology or a different way of approaching operations, fleets can boost efficiency both within vehicles and on the shop floor. [highlight style=”default”]Fleets and industry providers share some methods[/highlight] for improving efficiency
[highlight style=”default”]Autonomous vehicle testing is affected by US road conditions[/highlight]. Poor markings and uneven signage on the 3 million miles of paved roads in the United States are forcing automakers to develop more sophisticated sensors and maps to compensate, industry executives say. The US doesn’t have the standardization of road signage and markings that many other countries have, which makes it easier for the vehicle to navigate the roads and highways overseas.
Chevrolet will [highlight style=”default”]recall 6,280 examples of the 2014-2016 Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle[/highlight] with production dates between May 15, 2013, and March 3, 2016. The concern is that corrosion on the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector can cause the sedans to lose electric power steering assist, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Renewable diesel is chemically similar to petroleum diesel, but is 100% renewable and sustainable. In other words, it’s the latest, greenest diesel on the market. But to really understand it, it’s helpful to back up and [highlight style=”default”]understand the difference between it and its predecessors, petroleum diesel and biodiesel[/highlight].
[highlight style=”default”]Over 276,000 Tesla Model 3s have been preordered[/highlight] but it remains to be seen if customers will see any government subsidies. Once a manufacturer sells 200,000 qualifying zero-emission or hybrid vehicles, California and federal subsidies will start to taper off. Subsidies could be depleted by the time the Model 3s are delivered.
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime uses essentially the same powertrain as the current Prius, but with an 8.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack under the rear seat. The electric-only range is 22 miles per Toyota and they also state the [highlight style=”default”]Prius Prime will achieve an efficiency rating of 120 MPGe[/highlight] or better, which would make it the most efficient plug-in hybrid currently available.
BYD, the electric bus manufacturer, [highlight style=”default”]plans to build another electric bus factory[/highlight]. The announced capacity of the factory is 5,000 electric buses annually and 5,000 “special-purpose vehicles for construction and other applications“.
[highlight style=”default”]NHTSA will hold a public meeting in Washington, D.C[/highlight]. on April 8 to gather information on a series of issues related to safe operation of automated vehicles as part of NHTSA’s efforts to provide manufacturers with operational guidance. [highlight style=”default”]Industry watchdogs want to ensure that public safety of roads and highways is the priority[/highlight], not promotion of autonomous vehicles.
A second public meeting will be held in California, with details of the date and location to be announced soon.