NUFAM Framework Programme: Alternative drives - the infrastructure as a success factor
Premiere in Karlsruhe: For the first time, NUFAM is organising an informative and multifaceted forum on charging infrastructure and the associated prospects for alternative drives during the trade fair.
On Saturday, 23 September, nine short lectures will highlight various facets of the topic. The topics will be battery-electric drives, hydrogen and e-fuels. The forum will provide decision-making aids as to which type of alternative drive should be invested in. The competent speakers from the ranks of the NUFAM exhibitors will then be available to answer questions from the audience.
The eternal chicken-and-egg problem: In the technological shift from the internal combustion engine to climate-friendly alternatives, it is more topical than ever. Commercial vehicles in local and long-distance transport need a reliable infrastructure for refuelling or charging fuel or energy. For hydrogen, electricity and fuels based on renewable raw materials, this infrastructure is still being developed. Fleet operators are asking themselves which technology they should invest in today.
Part of the free supporting programme
Against this background, the commercial vehicle trade fair NUFAM is organising an extensive forum on this topic for the first time on 23 September. The event is part of the free supporting programme for all trade fair visitors. It will start at 10:30 and is expected to end at 12:45. The first contribution describes the progress in the development of the charging infrastructure for battery-powered trucks from the perspective of Volvo Group Trucks. Following Tesla's example, the manufacturers have finally taken action themselves and are investing in their own public filling stations.
Another presentation is dedicated to setting up one's own charging points at the depot. Mirko Wendler, member of the Research Association for Road Traffic Technology, draws attention to stumbling blocks and gives tips for investing in your own charging station.
Economic efficiency of e-mobility
Rebecca Heckmann from elexon GmbH will then speak about the economic efficiency of e-mobility in last mile logistics. elexon is a system integrator for charging solutions and climate-neutral mobility. The company offers planning, installation, commissioning and maintenance of charging infrastructure from a single source.
The fourth speaker is Thomas Weidinger from WEX Europe. He answers the question of how best to supply mixed fleets with energy in the future. WEX Europe is one of the largest suppliers of fuel cards in Europe. With its range of flexible fuel cards, WEX is active in several key markets across the continent. Dennis Moritz from the JITpay Group will then position himself as an alternative to WEX. His presentation will highlight the efficient use of external charging infrastructures with JITpay's hybrid fuel card.
Free hydrogen filling stations
Finally, the sixth item on the programme is about hydrogen. Dennis Wetzig from Air Products GmbH explains how vehicle fleets can be converted step by step. AirProducts is a provider of complete solutions for hydrogen as an energy carrier. This includes company filling stations, which are made available to customers free of charge.
Another highlight of the forum is the contribution of GP Joule Connect GmbH, which will be about charging infrastructure for e-mobility and hydrogen in heavy-duty transport. Further details are not yet known. GP Joule Connect helps implement projects in the field of new mobility. The range of services revolves around the core products of mobility consulting, charging infrastructure and charging networks.
E-fuels must not be missing
Ulrich Knöll from Inlocon AG will show in his presentation which companies can be considered as suppliers for the charging infrastructure. Inlocon operates various specialist portals that focus on different procurement markets. In a comprehensive consideration of alternative drives, however, the aspect of e-fuels must not be missing. Andreas Deul from Wirtz Energie und Mineralöl GmbH explains how e-fuels can bring about an intelligent change in transport. Among other things, his company is a supplier of fuels based on renewable raw materials.
Conclusion. The Forum Charging Infrastructure provides a good overview of the current possibilities for operating vehicles with alternative drives. NUFAM thus underlines its claim to present practical solutions with high utility value together with its exhibitors.