Dealing with the coming changes to the fuel industry
Inertia is a powerful motivator. When extreme changes are on the horizon, the easiest thing to do by is to ignore them and keep doing what you’ve been doing. “That’s the way it’s always been” is a phrase that has inhibited progress in many areas. But not everyone is content with waiting for inertia, easy
Lightning striking: Electrification is coming, but where will it be put to work?
Consider the July magazine Fleet Equipment‘s unofficial electrification issue. Four out of six editors agree—there’s something electric crackling in the air. Alex Crissey reviews electrification in refuse applications; Seth Skydel hooks you up with electric power takeoff technology; John Martin name-drops UPS experimenting with fuel cell technology; and for my part, I caught up with
Cummins outlines future products, touts electrified powertrain
During a recent teleconference, executives from Cummins Inc. gave updates on the state of the company and explained plans for future technologies, including its core business, electrification, alternative fuels and power solutions, as well as in digital capabilities, data and analytics. Company updates given by Cummins included: Cummins says it will begin electrified powertrain delivery in
Ford introduces Advanced Fuel Qualified Vehicle Modifier program
Ford is expanding its Advanced Fuel Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) program to include companies that develop and install electrified and hydraulic hybrid powertrains for Ford trucks and vans. The new eQVM program, Ford says, helps fleet and commercial customers meet their unique and specific needs for durable, reliable electrified and hydraulic hybrid work trucks that
Using regulatory advantages to build better natural gas vehicles
If you’re looking for ways that alternative fuel vehicles can help enhance your company’s sustainability initiatives when the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Phase 2 standards go into effect, manufacturers may have a new way to help expand your choices. The Phase 2 standards jointly adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway
Expanded choices: Fleets are set to take advantage of alternative powertrains
More and more suppliers of medium-duty vehicles are adding options for alternative powertrains. For example, Dana recently introduced Spicer Electrified motor, control and e-drive technologies for electric vehicle propulsion systems. Currently in production, the Spicer EV Drive for electric vans manages speed and torque from the e-motor to the wheels. Planned for launch in 2018, Dana’s new e-axles for
USPS chooses six companies to compete in truck design prototype challenge
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has narrowed the field of finalists for designing the next-generation prototype of its mail delivery truck. The six companies will now design, build and deliver a total of 50 vehicles within one year, after which the USPS will put them through their paces for six months before selecting one winner.
California, GHG Phase 2 and trucking
California’s government, its governor and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) continually amaze me by their apparent lack of logic. California recently passed legislation requiring electricity retailers to purchase at least 125 MW of biomass power within five years. They claim the biomass will be provided by dead or dying trees from high-hazard fire zones. Yet,
How simple truck maintenance can improve fuel economy
Fuel economy is always a top consideration to improve a trucking operation’s bottom line. Proper maintenance and new aerodynamic vehicles are among the ways that the trucking industry is transforming its fuel economy standards. A new era of highly advanced heavy-duty vehicles that get unprecedented fuel savings is ahead. Simple maintenance can have a big
Update: OEM alternative fuel offerings
Over the years, we have been witness to the ebb and flow of alternative fuels for on-highway vehicles, which has been driven the price and/or availability of oil. Typically, fleet applications drive the choice for specific alternative fuels. We asked truck original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) about the current alternative fuel trends and demands, and where fleets
