We know it’s not easy to keep up with everything that happens in the world of trucking. So here are the biggest stories from October focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.
5. Focusing on telematics
Given the evolution of “Big Data” and the proliferation of open-source truck telematics platforms, practically any truck in your fleet is primed to pounce on the power of remote diagnostics. Click here to read the six articles from FE‘s October telematics supplement.
4. The current climate in the electric vehicle space is crackling
“Though EVs are a new technology to the medium-duty space, the way you approach buying them mirrors your current truck purchasing process: It’s going to come down to your ROI and comfort with the electric drive technology.”
Jason Morgan talks to Chanje, a newly formed company building an electric truck, on the demands of electric trucks and how to increase acceptance.
3. Automatic and automated manual transmissions are increasingly popular in vocational segments
“Crawling through cramped city streets in stop-and-go pick-up and delivery applications. Driving through the dugout tire tracks of a dirt-caked construction site. Rolling through residential refuse duties. Vocational applications tackled by Class 6 through 8 trucks can place unique demands on transmissions compared to their on-highway counterparts. Yet that hasn’t stopped the trend turning toward spec’ing automatic transmissions, and catching the attention of automated manual transmissions manufacturers.”
Editor Jason Morgan dives into the options for automatic and automated manual transmissions in vocational trucks.
2. Dealing with the coming changes to the fuel industry
Companies like Shell and Cummins have been at the forefront of fossil fuel usage; they could just as easily deny the way things are moving, ignore alternative fuels and double down on what’s already working for them. So why don’t they? Senior Editor Alex Crissey talks to both to find the answer.
1. Connected autonomous trucks and electrification continue to dominate trucking conversations
Surrounded by the latest trucks and equipment, the buzz of two talking points zipped through every booth–connected autonomous trucks and electrification. While forward-looking talk is fun, there’s one question that remains: How is this technology impacting your fleet today? In one of this month’s episodes of On the Road, we walked the trade show floor of the North American Commercial Vehicle Show to find the answer to that question; in the other, we took a closer look at Cummins’ recently announced Class 7 electric truck. Watch both below.
