Green Fleet Roundup: BMW, Boeing, Hino, NHSTA, Newport Coachworks

Hino Motors and Denso have jointly developed the world’s first electric refrigerator system for heavy-duty trucks using a hybrid unit. Hybrid trucks conventionally use energy generated from hybrid systems to assist the vehicle’s driving. However, this truck uses energy from a hybrid unit only for the new electric refrigeration system, which saves fuel, the companies say.

Green Automotive subsidiary Newport Coachworks will launch its 100 percent electric shuttle bus at the International Limousine, Charter and Tour (LTC) Show in Las Vegas. The American-built e-Patriot can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge, has a top speed of 60 mph and can be equipped with a fast charging system.

Boeing has rolled out the first 787 Dreamliner built at the rate of 10 airplanes per month. The airplane, a 787-8 and the 155th Dreamliner built, will be delivered to International Lease Finance for operation by Aeromexico. The new 10-per-month rate is the highest ever for a twin-aisle airplane. The 787 program has now increased its production rate three times in just over a year, including to five airplanes per month in November 2012 and seven per month in May 2013.

Questar Fueling plans to build a compressed natural gas fueling facility in San Antonio, Texas. The station will serve up to 60 class-8 natural gas-powered trucks operated by Central Freight Lines and is expected to open this summer. The station will also be open to other fleets and the general public.

BYD has teamed up with Thriev to provide 20 BYD e6 electric sedans for London’s emission-free, taxi fleet. Last month, the mayor of London announced that from Jan. 1, 2018 and forward, all new taxis would need to be zero-emissions in order to receive an operating license.

BMW is unlikely to import enough of its new i3 electric vehicle to meet US demand, Bloomberg News reports. Ludwig Willisch, head of BMW North America, told the publication that he expects the US to be the world’s largest market for i series vehicles but that the company will “probably not” import enough vehicles to meet first-year demand.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into roughly 30,000 Toyota Camry hybrid vehicles after receiving numerous complaints from owners regarding braking problems, Reuters reports. The investigation focuses on 2007 and 2008 Camry hybrid Sedans.