Capital Equipment News July 2019

ELECTRIFICATION

C hanging societal attitudes about environmental sustainability are at the forefront of some of the drivers of electrification of vehicles. People demand – and deserve – fewer emissions and less noise in the areas where they live, work and play. All these factors help explain the move toward electrification – most visible in Europe and within the automotive sector. At bauma 2019, Caterpillar reiterated its commitment to electrification, with CEO Jim Umpleby declaring “we are ready”. “In fact, we have been investing in electrification for decades. Our engineers hold numerous patents in this space, and Cat electrified products are at work on customer sites around the globe. Innovation comes standard on every product we make, and we are convinced that electrification is a technology that brings key benefits to our customers,” he says.

A strategic approach to electrification Thanks to decades of innovation in improving engine technology, today’s cars, trucks and other vehicles are cleaner and quieter than ever. More stringent regulations worldwide are driving manufacturers to redesign products to meet more ambitious standards while addressing customer needs for better efficiency and lower fuel costs. Both factors help explain the move towards electrification in earthmoving equipment. In line with the trend, Caterpillar has prioritised electrification as one of five key pillars of its technology strategy, writes Munesu Shoko .

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