‘What’s an e-fluid?’ and other electric truck maintenance topics
We’re just beginning to understand the operational and maintenance nuances of electric trucks. They aren’t a one-to-one replacement for diesel-powered trucks. Even topics as innocuous as greases and fluids (yes, fluids are potentially still a part of electric trucks) require new considerations when running electric trucks. Case in point: Shell recently announced its line of
Peterbilt Model 520EV eligible for $150,000 CARB HVIP voucher
Peterbilt’s Model 520EV is now eligible for the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project program by the California Air Resources Board.
Capacity Trucks partners with Hyster-Yale Group
Capacity Trucks and Hyster-Yale Group announced that they are joining forces to address the demand for environmentally-sustainable terminal tractor solutions in port, terminal and distribution center markets. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to co-develop electric and hydrogen-powered terminal tractors with automation-ready capabilities. Initial prototypes are targeted to be available in 2021 for
NACFE: Hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks have long-haul promise, depend on infrastructure, demand
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has released a new Guidance Report on the prospects of hydrogen electric power in the trucking industry. Key findings from the report include: Hydrogen fuel cells trucks are just starting to see real-world use and their adoption is being driven by regional or national considerations that are much bigger
Podcast: Volvo Trucks on the growth of regional haul trucking
One of the major trends of the last few years in the trucking industry has been the growth of the regional haul segment. Bolstered by factors ranging from the driver shortage to the growth of e-commerce, regional routes are becoming a larger percentage of the industry’s routes driven each year, and in 2020, this trend
XL Fleet launches pilot program with Essential Utilities to electrify utility fleet
XL Fleet and Essential Utilities, Inc. are launching a pilot program to electrify two of Essential’s commercial GM vehicle platforms with the XLH hybrid electric drive system. The initial pilot will include installing an XL Fleet hybrid system onto a GMC Sierra 2500 HD pickup truck and GMC Savanna Express van. Essential, headquartered in Bryn
Continental tests prototype tires for electric buses
Continental and VDL Bus & Coach announced that they are jointly developing initial prototype tires for electric buses, which are currently being tested at Continental’s Contidrom proving grounds. VDL Bus & Coach launched its first electric Citea urban bus back in 2013. “As with all electric vehicles, these bus tires are exposed to higher torque
Volvo Trucks sounds the horn on the start of VNR electric truck’s availability
During a virtual press conference, Volvo Trucks announced that its VNR Electric is now commercially available in the U.S. and Canada. The Volvo VNR Electric truck is designed for applications and driving cycles with local and regional distribution ranges, including food and beverage and pick-up and delivery routes. The 264-kWh lithium-ion batteries, which charge up
DTNA, Portland General Electric announce public HD electric truck charging site
Portland General Electric and Daimler Trucks North America have announced the co-development of “Electric Island,” a large public charging site for medium- and heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles expected to be the first of its kind in the United States. Electric Island will help accelerate the development, testing and deployment of zero-emissions (tank-to-wheel) commercial vehicles, DTNA
XL Fleet launches XL Grid division with electric truck charging infrastructure solutions
XL Fleet has entered into a partnership with a commercial EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) supplier to begin the launch of its XL Grid division. XL Grid will provide charging infrastructure, energy storage and power solutions for electrified fleets. XL Fleet customers can now purchase XL Grid charging systems separately or as part of an
Podcast: Cummins on hydrogen’s potential in the trucking industry
All month on Fleet Future we’ve been talking engines. But this week, we’re going to talk about an engine company that is branching out to other energy sources. Cummins recently held an online event dubbed Hydrogen Day, at which they affirmed their commitment to hydrogen power development to meet low-carbon and zero emissions goals that
Electric truck charging infrastructure basics
The reality of electric truck charging infrastructure is not a “set it and forget it” process. Even after working hand in hand with your truck OEMs, charging infrastructure manufacturer and local utilities, charging your electric truck will require more hands-on management than you’re currently used to with diesel. On top of that, there are still
