SPECTRUM 82

In This issue: Vehicle-to-grid ecosystems, heavy-duty REEV, digital battery twins, fuel cell metro trains, ammonia…

The transition toward climate-neutral propulsion is accelerating – yet the technological pathways remain diverse. Different applications, infrastructures, and regional conditions require different solutions. As a result, the future of propulsion will not be defined by a single drivetrain concept, but by a portfolio of technologies that must work reliably in real-world applications.

One particularly interesting example is the role of range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) in heavy-duty transport. While battery-electric trucks represent the long-term target for zero-emission logistics, infrastructure rollout and operational constraints still pose challenges in long-haul applications. REEV concepts can bridge this transition phase by enabling near zero-emissions operation with significant range.

At the same time, advances in battery intelligence and testing are strengthening the technological foundation of electrified propulsion. In this issue, we explore how AI-enabled digital battery twins support earlier fault detection and predictive diagnostics, and how certified testing facilities such as FEV’s eDLP help ensure the safety and reliability of modern battery systems.

Beyond road transport, the transition toward climate-neutral propulsion is also gaining traction in other sectors. Hydrogen-based fuel cell systems are opening new opportunities for rail applications, while ammonia-fueled engines are emerging as a promising pathway for reducing emissions in maritime propulsion.

Together, these contributions illustrate how engineering expertise, system integration and cross-industry experience are shaping the next generation of propulsion systems. Ultimately, progress toward sustainable mobility will depend not on a single technology, but on the ability to combine and integrate multiple propulsion concepts into robust and scalable solutions.