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The creators of the solar-powered locomotive of the future were aiming to set a Guinness record for speed last weekend, and that is more than just your ordinary attention-getting stunt. Demonstrating the functionality of PV panels on rail cars could help set the stage for solar power to knock diesel fuel out of the railroad business. No word yet on the official results, but solar is beginning to wiggle its way into a field dominated by fossil fuel.

The Solar Train Of The Future Hits The Tracks, With Only Solar Power

When people say “solar train,” they usually mean a battery-powered train charged by solar panels parked in a solar farm, such as the UK’s Riding Sunbeams project. In other words, the solar power is there, but it is not actually along for the ride.

Placing solar panels on the roof of the train itself is a whole ‘nother kettle of fish. A cute retro solar train began ferrying passengers on a six-kilometer round trip route in Byron, Australia back in 2017, but that’s the main extent of the activity so far, at least in terms of powering entire trains with sunlight.

It’s possible that the Byron train could go faster and farther with more solar panels, but integrating rooftop panels into the train’s 1940s-era styling was a key consideration that limits its ability to soak up energy from the sun.

The team behind the record-aspiring Solar Train are under no such constraints. Aesthetics have been tossed aside in favor of function, and solar panels are just about all there is to the Solar Train in its current 42-foot long iteration. Aside from a small space for the driver and a couple of passengers, all of the rail car’s flat surface is taken up by solar panels.

The goal for 2022 is to engineer an 80-foot version that can reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour on raw solar power alone.

As for that whether or not the Solar Train made the record books last weekend, check back with the The Press-Democrat of Sonoma County, California. They covered a test run of the Solar Train last Friday and their story is loaded with interesting details about the self-funded labor-of-love project, so maybe they’ll do a followup after the official results roll in.

Who Hearts Solar Power For The Locomotive Of The Future?

The Solar Train began as a DIY project in 2016, and now some heavy hitters in the US railway business are eyeballing the action.

Solar Train’s website lists Northwestern Pacific and Sierra Railroad as supporters, along with American Systems Controls & Integration, Inc., Cal Poly, and something called robotcity.io.

Northwestern Pacific has undergone something of a transformation from its roots in the great age of the steam locomotion, back in 1869. The whole industry shifted into diesel by the 1930s, and in 2006 NWP embarked on a major renovation and expansion project in its California territory. The company began its modern era of service in 2011, right about the time when President Obama’s plans for climate action began to kick into gear.

The Obama Clean Power Plan got hung up in court, but meanwhile NWP kept expanding its network into Marin and Sonoma counties. While still relying on diesel, NWP touts the advantages of railways for freight transportation over diesel trucks.

“Railroads are a very efficient mode of transportation; steel wheels on steel rail give very little rolling resistance, therefor reducing overall fuel consumption, pollution, and greenhouse gasses. NWP takes this one step further by using low emission Tier 3 locomotives for goods movements along the hwy 101 corridor. Each railcar that NWP hauls can handle up to 220,000 pounds of payload, that’s more than 8 trucks off the busy highways and roads per railcar for each round trip!” NWP enthuses.

Interesting! They left out that bit about the labor advantage of railways over trucks. If and when the trucking industry shifts into battery electric and fuel cell technology, each truck is still going to need at least one driver, and the the truck driver shortage shows little sign of easing. Meanwhile, it’s a piece of cake for one engineer to manage a 100-car freight train, though rail safety regulators may have something to say about that.

Sierra Railroad & The Electric Train Of The Future

As of this writing NWP has not built much of a public profile in the clean power area, though positive press related to the Solar Train could convince the company to throw some clams into the innovation pot. NWP’s Sonoma County rail network has been hosting the train’s trial runs, and the activity will continue at least into 2022, when the Solar Train team will try for the 65 mph goal.

Sierra Railroad has staked out a somewhat more ambitious position. Last year the company nailed down a $4 million grant to build a “green” switcher locomotive powered by zero emission hydrogen fuel cells. That’s actually not very green at all, considering that the primary source of the global hydrogen supply is natural gas. This year, the California utility SoCalGas also hopped on board the project, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in a green makeover.

On the bright side, interest in the green hydrogen field is blowing up like a rocket to Mars. SoCalGas is among those dipping a toe in the power-to-gas field, which refers to systems that apply clean kilowatts from solar power, wind power, and other renewables to water, in order to release renewable hydrogen gas.

Here in the US, signs of a green makeover for the hydrogen economy are already brewing, and the activity is especially strong in sunny California and the sunny southwest, which could mean good things for solar developers.

In a couple of especially interesting developments in the western US, Texas is eyeballing a green hydrogen hub that leverages its considerable solar and wind assets, and Utah is helping to propel the natural gas-to-green-hydrogen turbine trend along with the hydrogen-as-storage model.

Onward & Upward For The Solar Powered Railway Of The Future

Meanwhile, solar power is already beginning to establish workhorse status in the railroad industry. One interesting example comes from the firm Herzog, which is pitching a solar-powered system for remotely unloading ballast cars, which are freight cars that can be unloaded by opening a vent at the bottom.

“During ballast distribution, our remotely operated hydraulically-powered doors provide easy opening and closing. The doors eliminate the need for manual manipulation/operation, and only a single operator is required for ballast distribution, increasing efficiency and safety for your employees,” Herzog explains.

The company Trina Solar also takes note that India has been deploying solar panels on trains to power fans and other equipment. While not replacing diesel entirely, the addition of solar power can make a significant difference.

“In India, the addition of solar PV panels to just one train is estimated to save 5,547 gallons of diesel every year, a savings equivalent to nearly $20,000. These panels do not yet propel the locomotive but merely power its fans, lights and comfort systems, underscoring the enormous opportunity to further curb operating expenses by switching to renewables,” says Trina.

Electrified railways have already made diesel fuel obsolete for many commuter lines, but there are still plenty of other opportunities for solar power to wiggle its way into the railways of the world.

Follow me on Twitter: @TinaMCasey.

Photo (screenshot): Solar power for a self-propelled rail car, courtesy of Solar Train.

 

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Yamaha throws in the towel, pulls out of e-bike market in North America

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Yamaha throws in the towel, pulls out of e-bike market in North America

Yamaha has announced to its dealers that it will be pulling its e-bikes out of the North American market at the end of this year. In the meantime, the brand says that it will offer sales of up to 60% off for its remaining inventory and continue to support its e-bikes already sold in the US for at least five more years.

Yamaha’s electric bikes have been well-received in global markets and have also received rave reviews in the US. However, the company’s higher prices make it harder to compete in the North American market, which is dominated by value-oriented models with significantly lower price points.

Yamaha’s various electric bikes designed for commuting, fitness, and mountain biking all feature higher-end components, which has resulted in the company competing more directly with premium bicycle shops. The company’s elaborate frames and in-house motors have added value to their models, yet have also contributed to a more premium price range.

Meanwhile, Yamaha hasn’t been immune to the same sales slowdown and overstocking issues that have plagued the e-bike industry over the last few years, as the company explained to its dealers in the letter seen below.

“Dear Yamaha eBike Dealer,

We want to thank you for your partnership and for your business in purchasing and retailing Yamaha eBikes, and for proudly representing the Yamaha brand. However, as you know, the combination of a post-COVID oversupply within the entire bicycle industry, coupled with a significant softening of the market, has resulted in a particularly challenging business environment where it is extremely difficult to achieve a sustainable business model. Given these market conditions, we regret to inform you that Yamaha has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the U.S. eBike business and cease wholesaling units effective the end of this year.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) entered the U.S. eBike market in 2018, and we have enjoyed the opportunity to partner with you these past six years to sell exciting, high-quality, all-road, mountain, and fitness/lifestyle eBikes.

We will continue to support your dealership in the sell down of your inventory by extending the current “Fan Promotion” program where customers may receive up to 60% off their purchase of a new Yamaha eBike. This “Fan Promotion” program will be offered on all units retailed and warranty registered through June 30, 2025. YMUS will continue to provide parts, service, and customer support in the United States both now and in support of our limited 5-year warranty.

Finally, we wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to you and your staff for your dedication and support of the Yamaha eBike business.

Thank you for your understanding and support.”

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Toyota to buy clean power from a $1.1 billion solar farm in Texas

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Toyota to buy clean power from a .1 billion solar farm in Texas

Enbridge, a Canadian energy company, just announced it’s moving forward with an 815-megawatt (MW) solar project called Sequoia in Texas. When it’s done, it’ll be one of the largest solar farms in North America. The project’s price tag is a hefty $1.1 billion.

Enbridge’s Sequoia, around 150 miles west of Dallas, has already landed long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with AT&T and Toyota, ensuring most of its output is sold for years to come. This deal was highlighted in Enbridge’s third-quarter report on Friday.

Sequoia will be built in two phases, with power expected to start flowing in 2025 and 2026. Enbridge says it’s taken steps to reduce risks by securing equipment and procurement contracts in advance. Permits and purchase orders are also locked down.

Toyota’s PPA with Enbridge’s Texas solar project is part of Toyota’s broader push toward sustainability, as the automaker aims to achieve net zero by 2035 and match 45% of its purchased power with renewable electricity by 2026 as it still clings to its “diverse powertrain strategy.”


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NIO’s EV sales top 20,000 for the sixth straight month as new low-cost SUV shows promise

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NIO's EV sales top 20,000 for the sixth straight month as new low-cost SUV shows promise

With its new electric SUV rolling out, NIO’s (NIO) sales topped the 20,000 mark again in Oct, its sixth straight month hitting the milestone.

NIO sold 20,976 vehicles last month, up 30.5% from October 2023. The NIO brand sold 16,657 vehicles, while its new “family-oriented smart vehicle brand,” Onvo, contributed 4,319 in its first full sales month.

After launching its new mid-size Onvo L60 electric SUV in September, NIO said production and deliveries are steadily ramping up.

At the end of October, NIO’s Onvo had 166 Centers and Spaces throughout 60 cities. Onvo plans to continue expanding its network to drive future growth.

NIO’s new electric SUV starts at around $21,200 (149,900) and is a direct rival to Tesla’s Model Y. The base $21K model is if you rent the battery. Even with the battery included, Onvo L60 prices still start at under $30,000 (206,900 yuan), with a CLTC range of up to 341 miles (555 km). That’s still less than the Model Y.

Tesla’s Model Y RWD starts at around $35,000 (249,900 yuan) with 344 mi (554 km) CLTC range in China.

NIO's-Oct-sales
Onvo L60 electric SUV models (Source: NIO Onvo)

NIO’s new Onvo brand drives higher Oct sales

NIO has often compared its new electric SUV to the Model Y, claiming it’s superior in many ways. The L60 has better consumption at 12.1 kWh/100km compared to the Model Y at 12.5 kWh/100km).

With a longer wheelbase (2,950 mm vs 2,890 mm), NIO’s electric SUV also provides slightly more interior space.

NIO's-Oct-sales
NIO Onvo L60 electric SUV (Source: Onvo)

Despite the L60’s success so far, NIO believes its second Onvo model will be an even bigger hit. It could be a potential game-changer.

“If you think the L60 is good, then this new model is a much more competitive product,” NIO’s CEO William Li told CnEVPost after launching the L60. Onvo will launch a new EV every year. Following the L60, Onvo will launch a new mid-to-large-size electric SUV next year.

NIO’s leader claims the new model will be revolutionary. According to Li, it will offer even more surprises than the L60. Deliveries are planned to begin in Q3 2025.

NIO Onvo L60 vs Tesla Model Y trims Range
(CLTC)
Starting Price
NIO Onvo L60 (Battery rental) 555 km (341 mi)
730 km (454 mi)
149,900 yuan ($21,200)
NIO Onvo L60 (60 kWh) 555 km (341 mi) 206,900 yuan ($29,300)
NIO Onvo L60 (85 kWh) 730 km (454 mi) 235,900 yuan ($33,400)
NIO Onvo L60 (150 kWh) +1,000 km (+621 mi) TBD
Tesla Model Y RWD 554 km (344 mi) 249,900 yuan ($34,600)
Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range 688 km (427 mi) 290,900 yuan ($40,300)
Tesla Model Y AWD Performance 615 km (382 mi) 354,900 yuan ($49,100)
NIO Onvo L60 compared to Tesla Model Y prices and range in China

Local reports suggest a six-or seven-seat electric SUV could hit the market even sooner. With rumors of a launch around Q1 2025, deliveries could happen as soon as May 2025.

According to sources close to the matter, the L60 is just a “stepping stone” with even more exciting EVs on the way. The source claimed the new six-seat option will start at around $42,100 (300,000 yuan).

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