In the EU research project TRANFORMERS (Configurable and Adaptable Trucks and Trailers for Optimal Transport), an international consortium has taken on the task of improving the fuel efficiency of trucks. The Fraunhofer LBF has developed a sensor system for measuring the loading volume and a battery housing for supplying an electric auxiliary drive in the trailer. The system is intended to reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 percent and thus emit less CO2. At the same time, it is intended to reduce the risk of congestion.

EMC and filter specialist Schaffner has appointed a new head of magnetics from ABB, replacing the current interim head.

Power systems maker Delta has started work on a US research project to develop a solid-state transformer (SST) with a capacity of 400kW. This extreme fast charger (XFC) would give electric vehicles a 180-mile range with less than 10 minutes of charging.