As they rolled out their Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric truck, the spotlight is on a vision; a hydrogen society where clean energy thrives from production to pavement. During the expo in Las Vegas, which ran from May 20–23, Hyundai was offering a peek into its holistic approach to hydrogen technology.

Hyundai also demonstrated not just the truck but its prowess in integrating hydrogen into every stage of the value chain. 

Jim Park, a key figure in Hyundai’s North American operations, detailed how the XCIENT trucks are already making significant inroads in sustainability projects across the U.S., notably in California and Georgia.

These trucks are active participants in projects that aim to lower carbon footprints at busy ports and sprawling production facilities. One particularly exciting partnership is with GLOVIS America, enhancing Hyundai’s logistical capabilities to be as green as their trucks.

Hyundai also delved into the nuts and bolts of truck technology. They shared about advancements like a fully digital instrument cluster and a new touchscreen infotainment system, designed not just for efficiency but for ease. Safety is paramount, with enhancements in their driver-assistance systems meant to make long hauls safer and less strenuous.

Moreover, Hyundai’s collaboration with Plus on autonomous driving technology underscores a future where the roads are safer and freight efficiency is maximised. Especially when drivers are on the roads for long hours, having passive safety systems would greatly increase overall road security.

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The grand stage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris 2024. It’s a moment when the world unites in the spirit of competition, but this time, it’s not just about winning medals; it’s about championing sustainability, inclusivity, and mobility for all.

And who’s taking the driver’s seat in this transformative journey? None other than Toyota, the worldwide mobility partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

In a world where movement is freedom, Toyota’s “Ever Better Mobility for All” philosophy comes to life. It’s a philosophy that champions the belief that freedom of movement is a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of physical abilities. Toyota’s mission? To break down barriers, reduce obstacles to movement, and make this world more inclusive.

During Paris 2024, Toyota will unleash a fleet of personal battery electric vehicles, known as seated C+walkS and standing C+walkT. Athletes, organizers, and volunteers will have access to the seated version, while the standing version will aid staff and volunteers in navigating the Paris 2024 venues.

Wheelchair users are also on Toyota’s mobility radar. Enter the wheelchair e-pullers, with 50 of these game-changers stationed in the athletes’ village during Paris 2024. An additional 150 will be rolled out during the Paralympic Games’ opening ceremony, ensuring that athletes in wheelchairs have seamless access to this historic event.

To make these personal micro-mobility solutions even more accessible, Toyota is turning to the KINTO Share mobile app. Shared mobility is the name of the game, maximizing usage by Paralympians and staff while streamlining operations.

Toyota is also deploying around 250 zero tailpipe emission electric Accessible People Movers (APMs) during Paris 2024. These versatile vehicles have been redesigned and built in Europe with inclusivity as the guiding star.

These APMs are designed to cater to athletes, organizers, volunteers, and spectators with physical disabilities, including wheelchair users. They’ll play a pivotal role as the main shuttles in the Olympic and Paralympic Village, moving small goods across the Games, and even serving as emergency relief vehicles when the need arises.

Sustainability is at the core of Toyota’s commitment to creating a better world. Their Environmental Challenge 2050 is a testament to this commitment, aiming for global carbon neutrality by 2050, and in Europe by 2040. To this end, Toyota’s multipath strategy, featuring various electrified vehicles, takes centre stage.

Toyota’s Olympic and Paralympic fleet will include more than 2,650 electrified passenger vehicles for Paris 2024, with 150 being wheelchair-accessible. A remarkable 60% of this fleet will be zero-tailpipe emission, featuring battery electric vehicles (BEV) like the Toyota bZ4X, and Lexus RZ, along with fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) such as the Toyota Mirai.

In fact, during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Toyota will provide 500 hydrogen-fueled FCEVs Mirai, enabling zero tailpipe emission movement for athletes, organizers, and volunteers. Once the games conclude, these 500 vehicles will join Paris’s existing hydrogen taxi fleet, pushing the envelope of FCEV adoption even further.

Toyota believes that hydrogen is a pivotal component in crafting a low-carbon and more sustainable society. This belief is reflected in the heart of their mobility concept for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

As a part of their ‘Start Your Impossible’ campaign, Toyota is empowering its employees in Europe to take on non-business-related challenges, from sports to volunteering. This initiative aims to contribute to a more inclusive and ever-better society, a promise that Toyota continues to keep as we journey towards Paris 2024.

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More awareness from the general public, coupled with big pushes and mandates from worldwide governments and it is off to the races for automakers. It is now an all-arms race to see who can have the biggest slice of the electric vehicle (EV) pie. Volvo has also joined in the fracas, even going a step further to pledge that by 2030, its entire lineup would comprise only EVs.

The Swedish marque is famous for its stellar safety standards, thoughtful designs, and reliable twin-charged engines. Hence, you’d expect the Swedes to package an EV into something that is smart and sensible, much like their love for flat-packed furniture.

What the boffins came up with eventually is this – the all-new Volvo C40. And let me tell you, do not judge this book by its cover. Because this thing is an absolute riot.

Are you sure? It doesn’t look all that imposing

You’re right. Looking at it with its sterile design language, I wouldn’t blame you for thinking it’s something even your strict mother-in-law who is adamant about safety will approve and rate 5 stars. 

Volvo really comes into its own in the looks department. Where other manufacturers strive for curvaceous and future-focused designs, the designers at Volvo stuck to a design language that retains brand familiarity, but also making sure that at one glance you know this is a model aimed at the future.

There are hardly any blemishes on the car at all. Each and every surface looks and feels smooth, with your hand gliding past each panel effortlessly. This all cumulates at the rear, with a fastback-esque sloping roofline that abruptly stops when it fuses with the rear bumper.

Arguably the most bling piece of kit on board are the 20-inch rims, a stark contrast to the otherwise Macintosh-based sleekness of the car.

It is clinical, sterile even. But, the design just works. Subtle, yet striking.

Does this subtleness continue on the inside?

Like the other models in the current generation Volvo lineup, the C40’s interior exudes functionality. Buttons and dials are only placed where they’re needed, and the minimalist theme translates to an uncluttered space. 

However, the one thing I wish was present was physical HVAC controls. Look, I know we are moving to an era with new-fangled screens and high-tech gizmos, but digital HVAC controls are just way tackier to use, and counterintuitive to the whole “ease while driving” theme. 

To set your aforementioned HVAC settings and to assess other infotainment options, a 9-inch vertical touchscreen sits front and centre. This Android-operated system is a breeze to use, even for Apple users.

Connectivity is a simple ‘plug & play’ affair, and you can even sign in to certain apps like the Play Store and Spotify, enabling you to use these apps without having to even connect a smartphone.

Volvo really went all out with the eco-friendly theme, and essentially made the entire cabin out of sustainable materials. What appears to be leather at first glance is actually a new synthetic material which is used throughout the cabin’s upholstery.

It’s touted as being water resistant too, something which I really like, especially if you have the tendency to have young kids spilling beverages.

The rest of the surfaces in the cabin are either finished in gloss black, brushed metal, or hard plastics. While plastics are a sign that the vehicle may be obtaining supplies from the cheaper bargain bin, in the C40 the plastics actually feel nice to the touch.

Plus, with a lesser tendency to get scuffed in the long run, longevity is a big selling point for the cabin. Other trinkets included in the cabin include a typography map outline of a notable Swedish national park etched onto the trim pieces and tiny Swedish flags hidden amongst the upholstery.

Nice to live in, but is it easy to live with?

On the road, the Volvo C40 is relatively easy to drive… as long you keep your right foot disciplined. However, thanks to the sloping roofline, rear visibility is substantially compromised, so more care is needed in blindspot areas.

It isn’t as spacious as the XC40 Recharge due to the tapered rear end, but adults wouldn’t find much of an issue getting into the back seats, and the rear is suitably comfortable for most long journeys.

A big selling point about the C40 is its ‘idiot-proof’ usability. There is no start/stop button, or special switch to make it go. You simply get into the driver’s seat, which has weight sensors to detect any users, push the gear selector into Drive, and trundle away. Finish your journey, select Park, and hop out. The parking brake is applied automatically, and the car shuts off as soon as you open the door.

Seriously, it’s that easy. Makes you wonder why we bother with start/stop buttons in the first place.

The Volvo C40 has a respectable 78kWh battery, and I never really felt range anxiety at all during my test drive. Even if I was hooning the car around and getting intoxicated with the acceleration (in a safe manner), the car always had enough range to get me where I needed to go. I never needed to plug it in too. 

Volvo did not exaggerate its efficiency ratings too. Officially, the car is touted to be able to do about 21 kWh/100 km. In practice, I managed to achieve an average of 18.7 kWh/100 km around town.

This alone may be a small trait, but it really gives you the confidence to own this EV as a daily driver. Below a certain battery percentage, some other EVs restrict power or the estimated range suddenly plummets, leaving you panicking for the nearest available charger. In the C40, I was sailing on through.

Let me tell you. This. thing. is. fast.

Designed as an EV from the ground up, the Volvo C40 shares the same architecture as the Polestar 2, albeit with a more practical body. 

The biggest surprise that catches people off guard is just how damn fast the Volvo C40 really is. With two beefy motors kicking into action, the C40 pounces with ferocity. Power is injected in mind-blowing droves, and your senses need a second or two to re-synchronise each time you floor the pedal.

Combined, the dual motors produce 300kw (402bhp) of power and a spine-tingling 660Nm of instant torque. You only need 4.7 seconds to rocket off to 100km/h, to the bewilderment of onlookers stopped at the same set of lights as you.

She handles corners with confidence too. Chuck it into a bend, and the C40 remains poised while your passengers scream and hang on for dear life. They should have known better when they glanced at the Pirelli P Zero shoes the car was wearing.

This is all good and fun. But, while the car has springs that are good for the ol’ cornering, they are slightly lacklustre in ironing out undulations on the roads. They just aren’t set up to be comfortable, and this hinders potential plans for a smooth and relaxing journey home.

A fusion combo I adore

The more we drive high-performance EVs, the more we become convinced that the greatest engineering hurdle is not battery technology or how fast the car can be, but rather figuring out how to inject soul into the car.

Of course, an EV will never give you the same sensation as an internal combustion (ICE) vehicle. But, driving an EV shouldn’t become a chore at the same time.

The Volvo C40 is different. Yes, it isn’t flamboyant, nor is it flashy. But, it does two things pretty well; it gets you to places safely, and insanely quickly at the same time. Plus, it does it all in a user-friendly package. If you were looking to switch to an EV, but are intimidated by the sheer amount of technology some cars pack, the C40 will be something right up your alley. Easy and intuitive, and as the old saying goes “even my grandmother knows how to use it”.

This is the sort of car you can buy knowing that you can convince your significant other that the car is safe for the kids and is sensible for everyday use. But, as soon as you drop the kids off and are on your own, you get to savour all that performance to yourself, all wrapped up in a discreet package. Have your sensible cake, and eat it too.

And no one has to know our little secret. 

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The automated car wash gantry is poised to alleviate existing labour shortages, and its state-of-the-art system offers consistent and thorough cleaning with efficient use of manpower. This new system is also big on sustainability, as it recycles up to 85% of all the water used for each vehicle.

Partnering with ExxonMobil, Kärcher plans to launch more automated gantries in the coming months. ExxonMobil has a network of service stations across Singapore under the Esso brand.

“We are proud to have this opportunity to bring the automated car wash back together with Esso Singapore. Kärcher’s Klean!Star car wash gantry will help to tackle manpower shortage and reduce costs by recycling up to 85% of water used during each car wash.” said Vincent Sim, Managing Director of Kärcher Singapore. 

Lim Xu En, Retail Sales Manager of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, added: “At Esso, we believe in continuously improving our offers for customers. By partnering with industry leaders like Kärcher on projects like this automated car wash, we hope to give our customers good value while doing our part for the environment.” 

The biggest game-changer Kärcher’s new Klean!Star car wash brings to the table is its ability to save water by recycling up to 85% of all the water used during each wash. Wastewater is funnelled through a filtration system and stored in tanks underneath the car wash.

This water can later be deployed again, being used during the initial round of washing before freshwater is used to complete the wash. To further increase its sustainability efforts, the car wash can also obtain power from solar panels installed at the station.

The entire wash is timed to be just under five minutes, with simple drive-in instructions to help drivers navigate their car into the correct washing position. This means less manpower is required to continuously run the system, helping operators save on manpower costs.

An array of sensors is used together with specially foamed polyethylene brushes that contour to the shape of different vehicles, providing a thorough clean without scuffing the vehicle’s exterior. As long as height limits are met, this car wash can take in a wide variety of vehicles, including large SUVs and vans.

Kärcher’s Klean!Star car wash gantry was awarded the Green Good Design Award back in 2019. It is also the world’s oldest design award that acknowledges products, services, programmes, ideas, and concepts, which contribute to a healthy and sustainable world.

The automated car wash is now available at Esso Lorong Chuan with two additional locations, one in Esso Toa Payoh Lorong 2 and the other in Esso Bedok North, debuting by the end of 2022.

If you’re looking to service your car, try AutoApp today! Our mobile application connects you to a multitude of reputable workshops and specialists, providing you with the best car for your car.

The first van in the new electrified Mercedes-EQ lineup, the EQV touts emission-free utility transport, high practicality and the same premium aesthetic befitting of vehicles from the three-pointed German star.

With a 100kW battery, the EQV boasts an estimated max range of 426 kilometres (NEDC), which could be an enticing proposition for businesses who wish to use this new EV for corporate use. Energy can also be recuperated via regenerative braking.

For drivers who want to maximise their range, the ECO Assistant included with the EQV will be automatically activated as you drive along, providing drivers with insights to achieve the best possible efficiency.

DC fast charging is also available, enabling the EQV to juice up from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 40 minutes at a maximum rate of 110 kW. 50 kW will do the same job in 75 minutes. As standard, the EQV will also come with a water-cooled onboard charger (OBC) with an 11kW rated capacity, giving customers the versatility of AC charging.

The EQV will come with a single motor drivetrain powering the front wheels, with a maximum output of 150 kW. Mercedes has also positioned the battery pack underneath the floor of the van, which it claims has not compromised overall space.

Having the battery low and central also gives the EQV better handling characteristics. Goods vehicle speed restrictions aside, Mercedes touts a top speed of up to 160 km/h. 

As EVs tend to not have many outstanding exterior design traits in order to make their bodies more aerodynamic, the EQV is pretty tame looking on the outside, save for a black radiator grille with chrome fins and lightweight 18-inch wheels.

The real appeal is on the inside, where flexible installation of seats allows the EQV to be converted into either a seven or an eight-seater.  

In line with the other EQ models, the EQV features a 10-inch touchscreen central media display. For hands-free convenience, the entertainment system includes intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension, which is activated by the keyword “Hey Mercedes”.

The voice control supports many infotainment functions, even items such as climate control and interior lighting. Wonder what would happen if you asked the system to direct you to the nearest Bavarian showroom…

To aid prospective customers with their transition to EVs, Mercedes will offer additional services to aid in wall box charger installations. This service may include a preliminary check of the location, detailed consultation and assistance in installation.

Mercedes will launch the EQV will a starting price of $390,888, accurate at the time of writing. If you like to find out more, head on over to their website.

This article was originally posted on futr.sg. Need more news? Get more of the latest in car news here!