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Gen Z visitors get a taste of Rizhao's green, smart transformation

RIZHAO, China, June 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China Daily: Before visiting Rizhao Port, Yoosadiang Thamonwan from Thailand had imagined a noisy, gritty industrial port. Instead, she saw a fully automated container terminal running in near silence. Yoosadiang was one of the young representatives from more than 10 countries who took part in the 2026 China-Overseas Gen Z Dialogue and Exchange Event in Rizhao from May 26 to 29. At the automated terminal, driverless trucks and remote-controlled cranes drew admiration from the group.Ye Kyaw Thu from Myanmar said the visit brought his textbooks to life. "The port is not just about moving cargo, but also a bridge connecting Myanmar with China and global trade." The group cycled along the 28-kilometer Rizhao sunshine coast greenway. Along the way, locals were seen collecting seafood and playing beach volleyball. It was hard to imagine that five years ago, this was a barren wasteland. "The constructors worked with great care," said Wang Yaping, a local youth. With minimal interference, they achieved maximum protection. At the Rizhao Olympic Water Sports Town, the group took on dragon boat rowing. "Although we come from different countries, rowing the dragon boat made us feel like family in an instant," Yoosadiang said. The city plans to host over 100 sporting events this year to create a vibrant scenario. At a tea garden, the group picked "one bud and one leaf". They watched the provincial intangible cultural heritage of hand-frying Rizhao green tea. "This is exactly the model of sustainable development we should be exploring," said Veldesen Yaputra from Indonesia. The group also visited the factory of Wuzheng Group, a manufacturing company. "I truly admire how 'Made in China' can satisfy so many people," said Sophie Steinecke from Germany. After two days of field research, the young

The Americans highly appreciated KAMAZ <b>trucks</b> in the SMO zone, &quot;blinding&quot; drones

The American edition of TWZ highly appreciated the unusual coloring of Russian trucks seen in the area of the special operation. We are talking about the white stripes that cover army KAMAZ trucks and Urals trucks. According to experts, such camouflage is capable of literally "blinding" drones with autonomous guidance based on artificial intelligence, preventing them from capturing the target. The author of the publication drew a curious historical parallel, comparing the modern Russian development with the camouflage that the British Navy used on its ships during the First World War. Geometric patterns visually divided the hull into several parts, which made it extremely difficult for the enemy to determine the true distance to the target. As the newspaper notes, a similar deforming effect today can reliably protect military equipment from attacks by the smartest drones. EADaily previously also informed that in the SMO area, zebras came to protect military trucks.

LiuGong hybrid loader and 127 t <b>autonomous truck</b>: fleet design notes for mine planners

LiuGong hybrid loader and 127 t autonomous truck: fleet design notes for mine planners Reviewed by Tom Sullivan First reported on International Mining – News 30 Second Briefing LiuGong has unveiled an ultraclass hybrid wheel loader and an autonomous 127 t wide body mining truck at its 6th Global Customer Day in Liuzhou, China, signalling a push into large-scale, high-payload surface mining fleets. The autonomous truck targets 127 t payload haulage with wide body geometry optimised for short- to medium-haul pits, while the hybrid loader combines diesel and electric drive to cut fuel burn and cycle times. For mine planners, the pairing points to integrated OEM haul–load systems with embedded autonomy rather than bolt‑on retrofits. Technical Brief - Event brought together senior leadership including Chairman Zheng Jin and President Luo Guobing. Our Take LiuGong’s move into an autonomous 127 t wide body truck builds on its recent battery-electric loader deployments with Holcim UK, signalling a push to offer full pit-to-plant fleets that combine low-emission loading with automated haulage for quarries and smaller mines. With the UK Trade Remedies Authority maintaining anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese excavators, LiuGong’s focus on higher-capability hybrid and autonomous machines in China may be a way to differentiate on technology rather than compete purely on price in restricted export markets. In our Mining coverage, LiuGong increasingly appears not just as an OEM for mid-size civil fleets but as a supplier of heavy quarry and mining equipment, suggesting that Liuzhou-based development of ultraclass loaders and trucks is aimed at closing the gap with established global haulage players. Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team. Related Articles Related Industries & Products Mining Geotechnical software solutions for mining operations including CMRR analysis, hydrogeological testing,

FedEx Freight (FDXF) Stock Falls 7% on Debut — CEO Says the Best Is Ahead | MEXC News

FedEx Freight opened its first day as a standalone public company on Monday, with CEO John Smith ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The stock traded under the ticker FDXF, closing down 6.76% on its debut. FedEx Freight Holding Company, Inc., FDXF The spinoff separates North America’s largest less-than-truckload carrier from its parent, FedEx. FedEx Freight brought in $8.7 billion in annual revenue — roughly 10% of FedEx’s $90 billion total. Smith has said the unit often took a backseat inside the larger company. The company has set a clear financial goal: reach a 15% operating margin by 2029, up from around 12% today. Smith didn’t stop there, saying the target is “not the ceiling.” To get there, FedEx Freight plans to invest in customer-facing technology, build out its dedicated sales force, and tighten operations. All areas that Smith says were harder to prioritize inside a $90 billion company. Competitors in the LTL space include Old Dominion Freight Line, XPO, and ArcBest. XPO fell 2.02% and ArcBest added 0.70% on Monday. One of the more eye-catching parts of Smith’s Monday interviews was his take on self-driving trucks. FedEx has been running autonomous test loads from Dallas to Houston and Dallas to El Paso for the past two years. Safety drivers are present, but Smith says they’re barely needed. Smith is confident the technology works. The holdup, he says, is regulatory and political — not mechanical. On the EV side, Smith was more cautious. FedEx Freight runs mostly Class 8 tractors, and he said no electric solution currently exists that can handle a 600-mile trip. The company is focused on compressed natural gas for now, while using electric forklifts and hostlers where it can. Smith also noted that the autonomous testing program has had a secondary benefit:

Rush <b>Truck</b> Leasing Named 2025 PacLease North American Franchise of the Year

Rush Truck Leasing was named PacLease’s 2025 North American Franchise of the Year. PacLease said the award recognizes performance and operational excellence across its franchise network. Rush Truck Leasing, part of Rush Enterprises, Inc., is headquartered in New Braunfels, Texas, and operates 36 PacLease locations across 10 states. Fleet Growth and Operational Performance Ken Roemer, president of PACCAR Leasing, said Rush Truck Leasing delivered strong results in a challenging leasing environment while expanding its footprint across the country. According to Roemer, Rush Truck Leasing increased the number of Peterbilt trucks placed in service by more than 15% year over year while maintaining a modern fleet. He also cited the organization’s maintenance and operations teams for supporting uptime, customer service, and stable revenue performance. “Rush Truck Leasing truly distinguished itself this year,” Roemer said. “Despite difficult market conditions, they executed at a high level across every aspect of their business—from fleet growth and maintenance discipline to customer satisfaction. Rush is highly deserving of this year’s award.” PacLease Recognizes Additional Franchise Groups PacLease also recognized several franchise groups across other award categories. TLG Leasing and Kenworth Sales Company PacLease were named U.S. Franchise of the Year winners, representing Peterbilt and Kenworth, respectively. TLG Leasing, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, operates 15 locations in eight states and previously received North American Franchise of the Year honors in 2021. Kenworth Sales Company PacLease, headquartered in Salt Lake City, received the recognition for the second consecutive year. PacLease cited the franchise’s market presence, rental fleet management, and operational discipline. The company recently opened a facility in Ashland, Virginia, and now operates 19 locations in eight states. Canadian and Medium-Duty Franchise Awards Eureka Truck Leasing of Boucherville, Quebec, was named Canadian Franchise of the Year. PacLease said the company had a strong year in sales and operations,

NGM's Carlin Complex gigantic, ever evolving

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Highway bill offers big boost to <b>autonomous</b> trucking

The trucking industry came away with big policy wins in the highway bill that advanced out of the House Transportation Committee in May, including a provision that would create a first-of-its-kind federal safety standard for autonomous trucking. While big players in the trucking industry hailed the autonomous vehicle language as “significant,” an advocate for smaller operators worried that the change would allow manufacturers to self-certify. Similar to self-driving vehicles for passengers, the autonomous trucking industry operates under a patchwork of state laws. “We don’t really trust the AV manufacturers, and I don’t think the American people should either,” said Collin Long, senior director of government affairs for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, a group that advocates for independent truckers and smaller companies. In addition to the autonomous truck provision, the surface bill establishes a contentious pilot program allowing states to significantly increase truck weights, provides $750 million to expand trucker parking and requires pick-up and drop-off locations to give truckers access to a restroom.

FedEx Freight Embraces <b>Self-Driving</b> Linehaul Technology | Let's Data Science

FedEx Freight Embraces Self-Driving Linehaul Technology Seeking Alpha reports that FedEx has spun off FedEx Freight, with the new unit trading independently and management highlighting technology as a focus. Seeking Alpha quotes FedEx Freight CEO John Smith saying line-haul autonomous trucks have been tested and that in many trials "99.9% of the time, [the safety driver] never touches one thing." FedEx and Aurora Innovation previously described an expanded commercial pilot in Texas, and a FedEx press release states the partnership has logged 60,000 miles with zero safety incidents. Public statements and corporate releases emphasize safety-assist features and regulatory barriers as the main open issues. What happened Seeking Alpha reports that FedEx has spun off FedEx Freight, with shares of the newly independent unit trading separately, and that FedEx Freight CEO John Smith discussed the business after ringing the NYSE opening bell (Seeking Alpha). Seeking Alpha quotes Smith saying the line-haul autonomous technology has been tested and that "99.9% of the time, [the safety driver] never touches one thing" during certain runs (Seeking Alpha). Earlier corporate communications show a multi-year pilot with Aurora Innovation: a FedEx newsroom release states the Aurora pilot has completed 60,000 miles with zero safety incidents and expanded to additional Texas lanes (FedEx newsroom, May 18, 2022). Aurora's press materials describe a commercial pilot between Dallas and Houston and partnerships with PACCAR to integrate autonomy into Class 8 trucks (Aurora newsroom, Sep 22, 2021). Technical details Editorial analysis - technical context: Public filings and press releases on these pilots emphasize line-haul rather than pickup-and-delivery autonomy. The cited pilots focus on long-distance interstate segments where environment is more structured, which is consistent with industry pilots that pair human safety drivers with sensors, perception stacks, and vehicle-control systems to handle sustained highway driving. The FedEx newsroom notes operational metrics-on-time

Kodiak AI Named to Inc.'s 2026 Best Workplaces List | Markets Insider

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kodiak AI, Inc. (“Kodiak”) (Nasdaq: KDK), a leading provider of Physical AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology, is proud to announce it has been named to Inc.’s 2026 Best Workplaces list and recognized in the Logistics & Transportation category. The list, which can be found at Inc.com, honors American companies that have built exceptional workplaces and vibrant cultures that support their teams and businesses, whether in-person, remote, or hybrid. The award is the result of comprehensive measurement and evaluation of hundreds of applicants. The process involved a detailed employee survey conducted by Quantum Workplace, covering critical elements such as management effectiveness, professional development, perks, and overall company culture. Each company’s benefits were also audited to determine the overall score. Kodiak is honored to be included among the companies. “Our team shares a common goal: developing and deploying the world’s leading Physical AI technology to improve road safety and supply-chain resilience,” said Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak. “That kind of shared purpose is rare and it drives everything we do. At Kodiak, you're working alongside some of the best engineering minds in the industry. That passion is infectious and creates a culture where people genuinely thrive.” Kodiak was founded in 2018 and is a leading provider of physical AI, with a focus on AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology. Kodiak’s autonomous driving technology is designed to help tackle some of the toughest driving jobs across long-haul trucking, industrial trucking, and defense. “This year’s Best Workplaces list goes beyond great company culture–it highlights companies making meaningful and sustained investment in their employees,” says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. “Even in a labor market that favors employers, these companies understand that an intentional and authentic commitment to their teams drives stronger employee retention, engagement, and

Boundless confidence | Daimler <b>Truck</b>

Download Boundless confidence Swiss company “Gössi Carreisen AG” takes delivery of an S 517 HDH Norway’s “Team Tour” travels through Germany with six Setra coaches Belgian company “De Zigeuner” purchases its first Setra touring coach Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Neu-Ulm/Horw/Drammen/Diepenbeek – Bus companies from across Europe rely on Setra touring coaches. Among them are Switzerland-based Gössi Carreisen, Norway’s Team Tour, and Belgium’s De… - Swiss company “Gössi Carreisen AG” takes delivery of an S 517 HDH - Norway’s “Team Tour” travels through Germany with six Setra coaches - Belgian company “De Zigeuner” purchases its first Setra touring coach Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Neu-Ulm/Horw/Drammen/Diepenbeek – Bus companies from across Europe rely on Setra touring coaches. Among them are Switzerland-based Gössi Carreisen, Norway’s Team Tour, and Belgium’s De Zigeuner. Gössi Carreisen takes delivery of a new Setra touring coach Gössi Carreisen AG has taken delivery of a new S 517 HDH. The Setra TopClass touring coach features the distinctive exterior design of its predecessor, subtly refined in detail, which served the Swiss company across Europe for twelve years. The vehicle, equipped with 54 seats featuring new Gössi logos, offers passengers an attractive panoramic view of the passing landscapes thanks to a glass roof. The Setra TopClass touring coach also comes with a wide range of the latest driver assistance and safety systems from Daimler Buses, including MirrorCam, which replaces conventional mirrors with cameras. Gössi Carreisen AG was founded in 1975 by Xaver and Verena Gössi in Horw in the canton of Lucerne. In the early 1980s, the company opted for its first bus from the Ulm-based brand. The partnership, characterized by mutual trust, continues in the second generation under Marco and Karin Gössi. For Marco Gössi, there is no question about continuing the cooperation: “We choose Setra because quality, comfort, and reliability have always been our top priorities—for both our

Sandvik, Rio Tinto partner to advance <b>autonomous</b> open-pit drilling

The collaboration combines Rio Tinto’s experience in autonomous drilling and remote operations with Sandvik’s AutoMine® automation technology to improve safety, productivity, and system compatibility, starting initially on support drilling activities in opencast mining operations. Under the agreement, Sandvik and Rio Tinto will co-develop the interoperability and autonomous capabilities required for remote, multi-rig and multi-site autonomous operation via Rio Tinto’s Perth Operations Centre. The programme will include field trials to validate performance against production targets. The project will begin with development and on-rig testing at the Sandvik Test Pit in Finland, followed by site-based testing at Rio Tinto operations in Western Australia. “This joint development reflects Sandvik’s commitment to improving safety and productivity through open, interoperable automation,” said Petri Virrankoski, President of Surface Drilling at Sandvik. “Building on AutoMine® and our i-series platform, we are proud to extend our long-standing relationship with Rio Tinto and support the continued development of autonomous drilling for demanding Pilbara conditions.” The joint programme builds on Rio Tinto’s long track record in autonomous systems, including the remote monitoring and control of drills, trucks, and trains from Perth. This approach is in active use at Rio Tinto Iron Ore sites such as Gudai-Darri, which combines an autonomous mobile fleet with a digital operations model.

FedEx Freight CEO: <b>Autonomous trucks</b> are ready for full deployment | Bitget News

FedEx Freight CEO: Autonomous trucks are ready for full deployment Glonghui June 2|Are autonomous driving tractor trailers operating on highways in the United States? According to the CEO of FedEx Freight, this technology is ready. When these trucks hit the road depends on regulatory authorities. “These tractor trailers can leave the yard, navigate onto interstate highways, drive on the interstate, and proceed to the next facility. For 99.9% of the time, the driver doesn’t need to do anything at all,” said FedEx Freight CEO John Smith. “The biggest obstacle will be regulation.” After being spun off from FedEx, FedEx Freight began trading as an independent company on Monday. The company specializes in the transportation business of consolidating multiple smaller shipments into a single trailer, known as the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry. Headquartered in Memphis, FedEx Freight generates an annual revenue of $8.7 billion and is the largest less-than-truckload carrier in North America. Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions. Understand the market, then trade. Bitget offers one-stop trading for cryptocurrencies, stocks, and gold. Trade now!

<b>Driverless</b> semi <b>trucks</b> set to roll on Oklahoma highways, OHP addresses safety concerns

Oklahomans will soon see semis on the road without a driver inside. That has people asking questions about safety. The Oklahoma legislature passed a law in 2019, which was modified in 2022, allowing for fully autonomous commercial trucks on Oklahoma highways as long as they meet federal safety standards and follow state traffic laws. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is tasked with governing the operation of these trucks on Oklahoma roads. Troopers have been meeting with the truck makers and have trained to learn as much as possible about these trucks before they start operating. News On 6 asked troopers questions like: How will troopers pull them over? How do the trucks avoid crashes? How do the trucks handle unexpected situations? Nearby states like Texas already have these trucks on the roads, which OHP says is helpful. “We did have a lot of the same questions the public has. We have a lot of the same concerns about safety,” said Lieutenant Mark Southall with OHP. “We haven’t heard any bad stories from these other states. This company claims they’ve traveled two million miles without an at-fault collision. Meaning they have not been the causation of any collision.” High-tech cameras in the trucks OHP says they learned the trucks have cameras that can see a small animal 600 meters away, day or night. This camera system helps the trucks avoid crashes or anything in the roadway. “We learned the camera systems in these vehicles are very sophisticated, that they can capture an image as small as a small animal up to 600 meters away. Looking at that the human eye can’t see 600 meters away or see something that small, but these cameras can pick that up and begin to make maneuvers to make sure they stay safe,” said Southall. “The cameras

Neolix Founder Yu Enyuan: Nighttime Delivery is the True Blue Ocean Sector for ...

On May 30, Neolix founder Yu Enyuan told the 2026 Future Mobility Pioneers Conference that the company is shifting its autonomous delivery focus from daytime to nighttime operations. Yu views nighttime delivery as the true blue ocean for the sector. Given the scarcity of human labor for loading and unloading at night, he insists on an end-to-end automated system featuring automated loading and handling. This necessity, he argues, compels a shift toward embodied intelligence. Image Credit: Future Mobility Pioneers Conference Yu revealed that Neolix aims to establish Shenzhen as the premier city for nighttime autonomous delivery, serving as a global model for the industry. On the topic of safety, Yu stressed that it is far more than just an algorithm—it is a highly complex system. He proposed that achieving safety requires meeting rigorous requirements across multiple dimensions: first, compliance must be standardized and regulated, with companies acting as disciplined "students" to master these norms; second, core technologies must be developed in-house through proprietary software and hardware; and finally, a robust fallback system—specifically, an operational monitoring network—is essential.

Sandvik and Rio Tinto <b>Autonomous</b> Drilling Partnership: i-Series Rigs Integration

Sandvik and Rio Tinto Partner on Autonomous Drilling Systems for Open-Pit Mining Sandvik and Rio Tinto have entered into a partnership to integrate the former's i-series surface drill rigs with the latter's Autonomous Drilling System. The initiative is designed to enhance safety, boost productivity, and improve system compatibility in open-pit mining by leveraging Rio Tinto's expertise in autonomous drilling and remote operations alongside Sandvik's AutoMine automation technology. The collaboration targets the creation of interoperability and autonomous functions for remote operations spanning multiple sites and multiple rigs. Testing will be managed from Rio Tinto's Operations Centre in Perth, Australia. Early stages will include development and testing at Sandvik's Test Pit in Finland, after which field trials will take place at Rio Tinto's sites in Western Australia. These trials will evaluate performance relative to production goals. Rio Tinto's iron ore operations, including Gudai-Darri, already employ comparable autonomous systems for remote monitoring and control of trucks, drills, and trains. Separately, Rio Tinto has started commissioning a $1.5bn expansion at its Complexe Arvida site in Quebec, Canada, which will utilize its low-carbon AP60 aluminium smelting technology. The commissioning process began in March and is expected to finish by the end of 2026. Once complete, all 96 pots will be operational, increasing the plant's capacity by roughly 160,000 tonnes of primary aluminium annually, bringing total AP60 production at the site to 220,000 tonnes. A new aluminium recycling facility is also planned for Arvida. In April 2026, Sandvik secured an order from Glencore for three DR413i rotary blasthole drill rigs to support the reopening of the Bajo de la Alumbrera copper mine in Argentina. 1. INTRODUCTION Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business - REPORT DESCRIPTION - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM - DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS - GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS 2. EXECUTIVE

American Rheinmetall and Harbinger Partner for Robotic Ground Vehicles

American Rheinmetall and Harbinger Partner for Robotic Ground Vehicles American Rheinmetall and Harbinger have announced a joint effort to equip U.S. forces with next‑generation robotic ground vehicles and unmanned logistics platforms. The partnership, unveiled on May 27, pairs American Rheinmetall’s ground‑vehicle integration expertise with Harbinger’s advanced electric and hybrid chassis to develop affordable, scalable UGVs to support Army modernization priorities. Together the companies will pursue Army programs for autonomous tactical trucks, contested resupply and manned–unmanned teaming, with initial demonstrations planned in summer 2026 and prototyping through rapid‑acquisition pathways. American Rheinmetall, the U.S. subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, is a seasoned defense OEM specializing in tracked and wheeled combat and support vehicles. Based in Michigan, it has facilities in MI, OH and ME supporting combat vehicle programs and will handle mission integration, modular architecture and manufacturing in this effort. Harbinger is a California‑based industrial EV manufacturer known for medium‑duty all‑electric and plug‑in hybrid truck chassis. Its drive‑by‑wire hybrid platform is built from the ground up for autonomy and affordability. Harbinger designs and assembles its own battery and powertrain systems (including an 800‑V high‑power architecture) and recently acquired Phantom AI to add advanced driver‑assist and autonomy features. The core vehicle platform is a medium‑duty wheeled chassis. Harbinger offers 19–26-ton (GVWR) hybrid chassis with wheelbases that carry tens of thousands of pounds and offer up to 500 miles of range. Its 208″ PHEV platform can hit 500 miles with a 175 kWh battery and gas engine, supporting over 13,600 lbs payload. The fully electronic drive‑by‑wire design means steering, acceleration and braking are controlled by software, simplifying the addition of autonomy. Intended roles include autonomous logistics resupply, reconnaissance, force protection and combat support. Army officials want vehicles that can haul supplies in contested areas, scout ahead of formations, serve as mobile sensors or communications nodes,

ChinaTransinfo Partners with Foton Cavin to Jointly Develop <b>Autonomous</b> Electric Heavy <b>Trucks</b>

Gasgoo Munich- ChinaTransinfo’s autonomous driving subsidiary, Qianshu Technology, has officially signed a memorandum of understanding with Foton Cavin Auto. The partnership aims to deepen collaboration in high-level autonomous driving, new energy heavy truck development, and smart logistics ecosystems. Together, they plan to build L3/L4-class autonomous heavy trucks compatible with both electric and hydrogen power. The division of labor is clear as they push forward vehicle development together. Qianshu Technology will take charge of developing the L3/L4 autonomous driving systems and related products, establishing a framework for continuous iteration. Meanwhile, Foton Cavin Auto is responsible for vehicle definition and development, providing the platform for technical verification and mass production to ensure a smooth transition from the lab to the assembly line. Image Source: ChinaTransinfo Beyond the vehicle hardware and driving systems, the partners will leverage the smart cockpit as an interactive interface. They plan to develop AI agents tailored for logistics scenarios, creating a closed-loop intelligent freight process covering order acceptance, route planning, driving, and energy replenishment. The collaborative model features a flexible configuration compatible with both pure electric and hydrogen power—adaptable to various operational scenarios while paving the way for diversified carbon reduction in the industry. Both teams have already entered the product definition and technical alignment phase, with preliminary work proceeding in an orderly fashion. According to the roadmap, the joint model is expected to begin the regulatory filing process by the end of this year, with subsequent rollout and application to follow.

Robot <b>Trucks</b> Can Help Cut Fuel Consumption

Current Climate brings you the latest news about the business of sustainability every Monday. Sign up to get it in your inbox. Welcome back to Current Climate. Self-driving truck developers have positioned the technology as a solution for the growing shortage of human big-rig drivers that’s a problem for the U.S. logistics industry, raising costs to move goods, especially on long-haul routes. But with the spike in diesel fuel prices created by the Iran war, autonomous technology has another big benefit: reduced fuel consumption. “It's not anecdotal. We are actually seeing this in our fleet today. It’s something like a 14%, 15% reduction in fuel consumption comparing when our trucks are operating autonomously versus when our very skilled operators are driving them,” said Chris Urmson, CEO and cofounder of Aurora, the largest public robot truck company. “At diesel prices today, that's [saving] somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 cents a mile. So for companies that are as focused as our customers are on cost of ownership and delivering value for customers, it's a big deal.” The improvement comes from the fact that when operating autonomously, semis typically don’t accelerate as quickly or brake as hard as when driven by humans. Long-range vision systems using laser lidar sensors also allow the system to gauge traffic conditions and speed, such as by detecting upcoming slowdowns. “The other is that when our trucks are operating, they operate at 65 miles per hour,” Urmson said. “They can go faster if they move into a passing lane to move past something that is slow on the road, but the fact that they drive at 65 miles per hour pretty consistently is a huge fuel economy win relative to driving at 75 miles per hour.” Under U.S. law human drivers can only be behind the wheel

Geotab EV Battery Study Finds Lower-Than-Expected Degradation Rates

Battery degradation remains one of the biggest questions for fleets considering electric vehicles. To better understand how EV batteries are holding up in real-world fleet operations, Geotab analyzed data from more than 22,000 electric vehicles operating across multiple industries and applications. In a recent interview, Charlotte Argue, senior manager of sustainable mobility at Geotab, said the study looked at 21 vehicle models, primarily light-duty vehicles, SUVs, vans, and a small number of heavy-duty trucks. The study found average battery degradation rates of about 2.3% per year. “So after eight years you’re still getting about 82% of your total capacity, which is pretty good,” Argue explained. Charging Habits Produced One of the Biggest Surprises One of the more surprising findings involved charging behavior. Conventional wisdom around EVs has long suggested fleets should avoid charging batteries to 100% whenever possible. But Geotab’s data showed little difference between vehicles regularly charged to full and those capped at 80%, provided the vehicles were being used consistently. “For vehicles that charged to 100%, but the vehicles were used every day or most days, there really wasn’t an observable difference between that and those who stopped it at 80%,” Argue said. The issue appeared when vehicles remained parked for long periods at high states of charge. “So our recommendation to fleet operators is use your vehicle, charge it to 100%, maybe don’t let that vehicle sit for a week on end at 100% state of charge,” she said. Fast Charging Showed a Clear Impact While daily charging habits produced fewer concerns than expected, Geotab did identify one factor that noticeably accelerated degradation: frequent use of high-power DC fast charging. Argue said vehicles using high-frequency, high-power fast charging showed average degradation rates of about 3.0% annually, compared to roughly 1.5% for vehicles relying primarily on slower charging