Ioxus enables wireless ultracapacitor, battery management with uSTART
Ioxus, designers and manufacturers of smart power solutions based on its ultracapacitor technology, announced a new Bluetooth interface for its uSTART intelligent power management system at the 2019 TMC Annual Meeting. “The connection saves time and improves safety during roadside events by providing the ability to remotely check battery voltage and uSTART status or use
Why the wrong truck alternator could lead to unwanted downtime
The modern commercial diesel engine relies on precise, reliable flows of fuel, air and coolant to do its job. What you don’t want flowing through your engine, however, is stray electrical current that can quickly destroy internal components and wreak havoc on sophisticated electronics. These stray amps are coming from computer-controlled direct injection to driver-assist
Watch: Dealing with parasitic loads in your trucks
Fleet managers are certainly seeing the effects of parasitic loads on their trucks. In addition to all the new devices draining the electrical, fleets are still battling the usual battery-drain culprits. So what can you do to combat this problem? Watch the video above to learn more, and click here to watch past episodes of
Motiv Power Systems to offer BMW batteries on electric chassis for commercial vehicles
Motiv Power Systems, a provider of all-electric fleet chassis for trucks and buses, has announced a supply agreement with BMW to integrate BMW’s lithium-ion battery packs into its all-electric Epic chassis. “When Motiv specs a battery for a chassis, we are looking for factors that matter most to our end users. These include initial cost,
Next generation lamp outage & trailer, truck monitoring
For fleet managers of Class 7 or 8 trucks, keeping all the various lights on a trailer functioning properly is critical not only for safety, but also to avoid CSA fines/citations and having law enforcement pull the vehicle over for further inspection. Fortunately, the industry has moved far beyond depending solely on inspecting every light
Optronics introduces corner-mount interior LED lamp
Optronics International has introduced the new ILL38CMB Corner-Mount Interior LED Lamp. According to the company, the modular, low-profile lamp can be installed in virtually any trailer as original equipment or as an aftermarket upgrade. One of the challenges of interior vehicle lighting is to evenly illuminate the largest area possible, and to achieve this, a central
Mission Critical Electronics acquires Xantrex
Mission Critical Electronics (MCE) has announced the acquisition of Xantrex, which is involved in the development, manufacturing and marketing of power electronic products and systems for the mobile power markets, from Schneider Electric. “We are delighted to have Xantrex join MCE,” Kevin Moschetti, chief executive officer of Mission Critical Electronics, said. “Xantrex’s products are high-quality, technologically advanced, and
Optronics distributes first trailer harness plug protectors
Optronics International, manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty LED vehicle lighting, has been named as master distributor for Connect-to-Protect brand Trailer Harness Plug Protectors, which are manufactured by Hanington Innovations Ltd. Connect-to-Protect Brand Trailer Harness Plug Protectors enable users to shield the male end of a trailer’s harness plug when it’s not in use, the company
Kenworth introduces new vehicle electronics for T680, T880 and W990
Kenworth has introduced new vehicle electronics for its T680 over-the-road and T880 vocational models, and the recently introduced Kenworth W990, equipped with the PACCAR MX-13 or PACCAR MX-11 engines. The new electronic system updates, now in production, enable Kenworth to easily integrate new options into its trucks, while also simplifying wiring, providing control system feedback
Eaton announces supercapacitor module for electric trucks and buses
Eaton has announced its development of supercapacitor (or ultracapacitor) modules which, when paired with batteries, can extend battery life in electrified (xEV) commercial vehicles and buses. According to Eaton, the ultra-high capacitance energy storage device can be used on a variety of xEV commercial vehicle applications, ranging from small pickup and delivery vehicles to Class
Watch: Heavy-duty truck spec’ing tips to handle parasitic electrical loads
It’s no secret that recruiting and retaining drivers is one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Experienced, high-quality drivers is a challenge, especially on the long-haul, on-highway side of things. To make up for the fact that the job demands long hours on the road, away from family, many of today’s trucks are decked
Peterbilt introduces Vehicle Electrical Control Unit
Peterbilt Motors Co. announced the Vehicle Electrical Control Unit (VECU), which the company says will increase customer functionality and simplify body upfitting. “Peterbilt’s heritage is built on customers being able to order a truck that is designed and manufactured specifically to get the job done in the most efficient and reliable manner,” said Robert Woodall,
