TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS POWERTRAIN Hexagon Agility and Brudeli aim to electrify CNG powertrains Brudeli's PowerHybrid unit electrifies existing CNG/ RNG trucks by allowing them to utilize up to 80% pure electric energy. The PowerHybrid plug-in battery system is capable of Level 2 charging. Hexagon Agility announced a collaboration with Norwegian EV transmission supplier Brudeli Green Mobility at the 2024 ACT Expo in Las Vegas. The partnership's goal is the integration of Hexagon Agility's CNG/RNG (compressed/renewable natural gas) systems with Brudeli's plug-in PowerHybrid system. This technology will reportedly offer fleets the capability to maintain diesel ICE duty cycles while providing fuel cost savings and help OEMs achieve global decarbonization goals. " The Brudeli PowerHybrid enables fleet owners to retain the power, performance and fuel cost savings offered by natural gas engines, while simultaneously harnessing the efficiencies of electric, " said Eric Bippus, EVP sales & systems development, Hexagon Agility. " We believe hybrids could play a role in commercial trucking in the future, and we are excited to take an active role bringing that to the market. " Brudeli's PowerHybrid unit electrifies existing CNG/RNG trucks by allowing them to utilize up to 80-percent pure electric energy. The system is based around a dual electric motor system that enables the powertrain to alternate between serial and parallel hybrid modes. The system will reportedly allow trucks to operate at peak efficiency depending on factors such as vehicle speed, load, driving patterns and battery state of charge. According to Brudeli, its PowerHybrid unit enables transfer of power to the drive wheels during a gear shift. Brudeli claims that as much as 25% of acceleration power is lost during gear shifts. The unit also can perform regen duty when the truck is traveling down a grade or when reducing speed. The system also realizes efficiency gains by assisting the combustion engine at low efficiency areas of the motor curve and turns the engine off when the vehicle is stationary or when power take off is needed. Brudeli states that this system provides flexibility for fleets to operate with clean energy options that are readily available. " There is growing The PowerHybrid system reportedly offers 75 miles (120 km) of electric-only range. 4 August 2024 TRUCK & OFF-HIGHWAY ENGINEERING ALL IMAGES: BRUDELI