On this manufactured holiday, we’re into talking about manufactured equipment we’re infatuated with; we’re more into heavy haul moments than Hallmark moments. There’s a lot to love about the trucking industry right now. Fleets and manufacturers alike are getting serious about sustainability. You want to talk about commitment? Take a look at the decarbonization efforts happening across the country. It’s not just California’s love affair with cleaner air. While electric truck applications are ramping up, the bulk of the industry is taking its relationship with increased efficiency and cutting-edge technology to the next level. We’re talking about upgrading to 4G LTE telematics devices, advanced diesel engine technology that squeezes out more fuel efficiency (decarbonization!) and automated driving technology that drives ever closer to fully autonomous operation.
So take heart, fleet managers! This Valentine’s Day, let’s show a little love to the biggest trucking stories that we’ve touched on this year and get ready to meet the rest of this year’s exciting equipment news with open arms.
Kick start my EV heart
We’re only 45 days into 2022 and electric vehicles continue to dominate headlines. I know for some, this can be head scratching. EVs in the commercial world only make up, maybe, 1% of our industry, but the fact is that there is a lot of money being invested in EV development. And not just in the EVs themselves. The conversation turns more and more toward developing the infrastructure to support them. Just take a look at a number of the big EV headlines that have hit since January 1.
David details hydrogen developments
David Sickels, Senior Editor: Every time I hear about hydrogen fuel cells, it seems like this futuristic fuel source that is just one step too crazy for trucking industry viability, but one step away from brilliance–as if some engineer somewhere will discover the next breakthrough after combining a chicken, a bowling ball, a balloon and a fish bowl in his copy of The Incredible Machine.
This is exactly why I have to sit up a little straighter and lean in a little closer when one of the big OEMs decides to invest in making hydrogen fuel cells more of a household name, like GM’s late-January announcement that the company is expanding its commercial applications of its Hydrotec fuel cell technology, primarily into power generators. GM says these Hydrotec-based power generators feature zero-emissions electric power generation output ranging from 60 kilowatts to 600 kilowatts, along with low noise and heat signatures.
GM’s generators are an important step in the company’s move to make hydrogen more viable for heavy-duty trucks. How so? Read on:
Talk of today’s and tomorrow’s truck technology
There’s a special place in my heart for truck data. Once you’re able to wrap your arms around its applications and understand that it’s a tool you can use to tackle your biggest problems and potentially answer your biggest questions, the possibilities seem endless. But that’s also kind of the problem. The technology can do amazing things, but more and more, using it successfully means working with people. Catch up on the conversations below for thoughts on how you can put technology to work for your trucking fleet.
Truck talk with Tess
Tess Lovrak, associate editor: With all the talk of EV progression, we are left to wonder how this will impact shop operations going forward. The technology being used is uncharted territory and requires different maintenance protocol. In this On The Road, David explains the steps shops can take to ensure that their bays are the perfect match for the EVs soon to be rolling in. New relationships can be scary, we are here to help you prepare!
