Mercedes-Benz’s reECONIC electric truck concept demonstrates the use of recycled materials

The reECONIC electric waste collection vehicle can collect waste to be sent for recycling—so it’s fitting that the truck itself is partly made of recycled materials.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks worked with 33 partners to create this concept EV. The companies demonstrated that, theoretically, around 80 percent of the materials used to build the truck could be replaced with recycled, natural and bio-based materials.

Sustainable materials are found in just about every part of the truck except the powertrain.

• The FAUN reNew VARIOPRESS body is partially made from recycled materials.
• The front axle and two side members are made of carbon dioxide-reduced steel. The flat steel used for the side members is produced using innovative electric arc furnace technology and contains an average of 88 percent recycled steel. The axle housing is made of forged steel with a recycled content of 97 percent.
• The cab frame and battery protection structure are largely made from recycled aluminum using the extrusion process. The installed aluminum components contain at least 75 percent post-consumer recycled material.
• The developers partially replaced the petroleum-based plastics and fiber-based reinforcing materials used in the production vehicle with a range of more sustainable alternatives, including recycled polymer, reused fillers, and interior trim elements made from natural and bio-based materials.
• The reECONIC uses retreaded tires, which enable the existing carcass to be reused multiple times. This process increases the proportion of recycled and renewable materials to 80 percent after just the first retreading.
• With an average recycled glass content of 64%, the glazing significantly reduces the use of virgin raw materials and CO₂ emissions during manufacturing. Only the glass for the side and front mirrors and the display covers was sourced from series production.
• Elements in the floor, on the wheel arch, and on the fender are made of wood. In the driver’s cab, the seat shell and cab roof are also made of wood. Beech wood is a renewable raw material that absorbs additional CO₂ from the atmosphere as it grows.
• The fenders consist of 92 percent recycled plastics, and the control panel carrier is made almost entirely from recycled material.

“Together with our European partners, we have done pioneering work in the field of material recycling and the use of natural materials and bio-based alternative products,” said reECONIC Project Manager Roland Dold. “It consists, among other things, of materials with a history—from fishing nets to automotive parts. Even after the end of their useful life, many of these components can be converted back into their raw materials and reused. We expect to be able to incorporate our findings and experience into series production so that more trucks with high recycled content will hit the roads in the future.”

The reECONIC is scheduled to undergo real-world testing in the second half of 2026, and Daimler says it will then transition into a “practical use phase.”

“Sustainability is an integral part of our strategy,” said Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “On the one hand, we are consistently decarbonizing our products. On the other hand, climate-friendly and resource-efficient production and supply processes make a significant contribution.”

However, it seems that Daimler’s commitment to sustainability is relative, not absolute. Along with competitors Volvo and Traton, Daimler continues lobbying to weaken emissions standards in the US and Europe. In their latest move to delay the EV transition, the companies filed a motion through the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association to defend the Trump EPA’s repeal of the 2009 endangerment finding and the repeal of all motor vehicle climate standards.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Trucks

from Charged EVs https://ift.tt/809MuJk

BorgWarner wins three electric motor contracts in China and South Korea for BEV, PHEV and hybrid programs

BorgWarner has secured three electric motor contracts with Asian OEMs—one in South Korea and two in China—spanning battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicle applications. Production across the three programs runs in phases from June 2026 through September 2027.

In South Korea, BorgWarner will supply a stator assembly for a new battery-electric B-segment SUV, with production starting in September 2027. The contract follows BorgWarner’s earlier hairpin eMotor supply to the same customer for a multi-purpose vehicle platform.

In China, BorgWarner secured a P2 motor contract using its patented S-winding technology for global plug-in hybrid platforms. The motor is designed for integration with 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines, targeting compact packaging and high power density in hybrid drivetrains. BorgWarner says S-winding enables high performance in a smaller footprint than conventional winding configurations. Production is expected in February 2027.

The third contract, also in China, covers a generator motor for a three-speed hybrid transmission system. This motor uses BorgWarner’s ultra-short hairpin winding, which the company says improves efficiency and packaging over standard hairpin approaches. Production launches in June 2026, supplying both domestic Chinese programs and hybrid vehicles for export markets.

“BorgWarner’s patented S-winding design enables peak performance and enhanced power efficiency within a compact space, and we’re excited to expand its application to hybrid vehicles,” said Dr. Stefan Demmerle, VP at BorgWarner and President and General Manager of PowerDrive Systems.

Source: BorgWarner

from Charged EVs https://ift.tt/K9nUJvA

Download trend paper: Supercharging data connectivity to meet next-generation automotive expectations

Automotive consumers demand more personalization, autonomy and connectivity from their driving experience. To make this a reality, connectivity plays a pivotal role in vehicle innovation design requirements.

The next generation of vehicles needs more cameras to support advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) functionalities.​ The cameras need to be smaller in size while also providing a higher resolution for more detailed views for the driver. For these newer compact yet powerful cameras, the connectors used will be required to support higher bit rates while also offering a new level of physical integration into the device itself.

Download this trend paper to learn about the future of vehicle technology and the connectivity solutions that enable this evolution of superior mobility.

Download now.

from Charged EVs https://ift.tt/5XFnYoq

Chanani launches new venture to develop EV charging hubs across Southern California

Family-owned real estate development and management company Chanani Group has launched CM EV Services, a new venture focused on developing EV charging infrastructure across Southern California.

US-based solar and energy infrastructure provider Motive Energy’s Sustainable Solutions division will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner for all the Torrance, California-based company’s initial projects. It will also provide ongoing system integration and operational support.

The initial projects include three EV charging hub installations underway in Torrance. Each site will include four high-speed charging ports, each delivering an output of approximately 240 kW.

In addition to public charging infrastructure, Chanani is collaborating with Motive on installing solar and EV charging systems at Bluestem Hotel, further integrating renewable energy into its hospitality and commercial portfolio.

Source: Chanani Group

from Charged EVs https://ift.tt/LAKBmOY

Canadian industrial infrastructure developer BMI invests in Rock Tech Lithium

Canada-based industrial infrastructure platform company BMI is investing C$200 million ($146.2 million) to help develop Rock Tech‘s lithium converter facility in Red Rock, Ontario.

Under the proposed investment partnership structure, Rock Tech will retain full control and responsibility for project development, engineering and operations, as well as all key technical, commercial and strategic decision-making.

The initial investment will form part of a broader equity structure to be finalized as the project advances. Rock Tech, together with additional partners, is expected to contribute additional equity capital over time.

To support near-term development activities, including a feasibility study, the parties intend to initiate a funding program of up to C$30 million, which is expected to include contributions of both partners and government funding programs. Each dollar contributed by Rock Tech will be matched by the BMI Group and government funding.

The funding is aimed at advancing engineering, environmental, permitting and early site development activities in preparation for a final investment decision by the end of 2026.

Dirk Harbecke (Chair Rock Tech) and Paul Veldman (CEO BMI Group) (CNW Group/Rock Tech Lithium Inc.)

The Red Rock Converter in Canada is based on Rock Tech’s project in Guben, Germany, which is fully engineered, fully permitted and designated as a strategic project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. Rock Tech has invested over C$65 million in that project to date. The company plans to use the same design to reduce development timelines and execution risk and transfer proven technical know-how to Canada.

Rock Tech recently signed a partnership agreement with Siemens to provide industrial automation technology and a full digital twin for the Red Rock Converter. The real-time virtual replica of the plant will enable continuous performance optimization and predictive maintenance and reduce commissioning risk, Rock Tech said.

“As long-horizon developers, BMI Group sees its partnership with Rock Tech as one that will position Northwestern Ontario as a key hub in sovereign defense and battery materials supply chains. Our Red Rock platform provides industrial-ready infrastructure that compresses timelines from site selection to production,” said Paul Veldman, CEO BMI Group.

Source: Rock Tech Lithium

from Charged EVs https://ift.tt/JzYQr6x

NEO commissions heavy rare earth separation production line in Europe

Canada-based NEO Performance Materials has commissioned a small-scale heavy rare earth element (HREE) production line at its Silmet facility in Estonia.

The solvent extraction line is operating at nameplate capacity and the company is now focusing on delivering stable product purity before transitioning to routine production capacity.

The facility has produced its first separated terbium and dysprosium process solutions, which are precursor products for metal making, from mixed rare earth carbonate feedstock. The processing was completed entirely in Europe. This validates the technical robustness and operational reliability of the Silmet solvent extraction line under continuous operating conditions, a step towards establishing advanced heavy rare earth separation capability in Europe, NEO noted.

Dysprosium and terbium are essential inputs for high-performance sintered rare earth permanent magnets used in robotics, EV traction motors, wind turbines and industrial automation applications.

Developing separation capability at Silmet is part of NEO’s strategy to develop a secure, Europe-based supply chain to support its growing magnet manufacturing operations and supply chain diversification.

NEO’s permanent magnet facility in Estonia is advancing through customer qualification and is expected to ramp up commercial production later this year.

“The successful launch of our heavy rare earth separation in Estonia represents a critical step in NEO’s strategy to build the most vertically integrated rare earth magnetics value chain in Europe,” said Rahim Suleman, President and CEO of NEO.

“Our rare earth value chain now spans both light and heavy rare earth processing, enabling the separation and finishing of select elements into value-added, engineered end-use applications. This achievement enables NEO to provide secure, traceable, and high-quality heavy rare earth materials to our European permanent magnet facility, supporting our customers’ most demanding applications,” Suleman added.

Source: NEO Performance Materials

from Charged EVs https://ift.tt/sPaEmzu

Nouveau Monde Graphite secures $297 million to advance Canadian graphite mine project

Canadian graphite mine developer Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) has received a commitment of $297 million in financing to support its Phase 2 Matawinie Mine project.

The company will receive an equity investment of $82 million from Canada Growth Fund, $61 million from the Government of Québec through Investissement Québec, and $70 million from Italian oil giant Eni. The company has also launched a public offering of subscription receipts for gross proceeds of approximately $84 million.

The total $297 million financing is expected to fully fund the graphite mine, enabling the company to advance toward its final investment decision and construction.

The participation of Investissement Québec and the Canada Growth Fund builds on their prior support for the project and the broader ore‑to‑battery‑material supply chain.

As a condition of Eni’s equity investment, it will negotiate a potential offtake agreement for 15,000 tons per annum of graphite concentrate from the mine or equivalent in active anode material.

In recent months, NMG has advanced its execution strategy for the project. The company said it has advanced construction preparation, engineering and procurement, and awarded contracts representing over 50% of the project’s capital expenditure budget. NMG’s construction manager, Pomerleau, has started work on-site to supervise the start of the contractors’ arrival and preliminary civil works scheduled to get underway in the coming weeks.

The company has also acquired a brownfield site adjacent to its greenfield property to build the Bécancour Battery Material Plant, to supply 13,000 tons of active anode material annually to Panasonic Energy. The company is updating its feasibility study and advancing procurement negotiations with key equipment suppliers with a view to proceeding with an investment and construction decision during the second half of 2026.

Shareholders Panasonic and Mitsui have indicated their intention to vote in favor of the Matawinie mine transaction and have reiterated their interest in making an equity investment in the Bécancour plant.

Source: Nouveau Monde Graphite

from Charged EVs https://ift.tt/Maxgy6s