What’s new with truck axle technology
With ongoing development, the latest technologies for axles on heavy-duty commercial vehicles are focused on maintenance and performance improvement. Recently, Fleet Equipment spoke to several heavy-duty axle manufacturers about design initiatives, new axle specifications and the advent of electronics. Taking part in the discussion were: • Steve Mastroianni, senior manager of product planning, Dana• John
ACT Expo day two: Photo gallery
ACT Expo is busy: Thousands of attendees, a host of exhibitors from tried-and-true truck OEMs to electrification newcomers. Hydrogen hype is growing. Most importantly, real conversations about how the industry is moving toward a zero-emissions future are happening on every corner of the show floor. This isn’t a “wouldn’t it be nice?” vibe. Decarbonization is
The coming of the e-axle age
As a highly efficient power source for propelling electric vehicles, truck e-axles must be designed to go beyond providing torque and power to also balance performance, durability and reliability with maximum time on the road per charge. That’s according to Steve Slesinski, director of global product planning for Dana. “E-axles have continued to advance in
‘What role are suppliers playing in electric truck development?’ Meritor answers that and more
The more questions about trucking electrification that are answered, the more crop up. Electric truck orders opened, first-adopting fleets started the electric truck spec’ing process, and you may have started to wonder: What’s the supplier’s role in all of this? Surely suppliers are delivering electric drivetrain components to OEMs and you want to be able
Meritor to begin commercial truck electric powertrain production
Meritor Inc. says production of its 14Xe all-electric, fully integrated, commercial electric powertrain for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles will begin mid-2021. “The 14Xe ePowertrain has been tested in various conditions around the world with several OEMs, vehicle types and applications, so we can offer the industry a proven electric powertrain technology,” said T.J. Reed,
Peterbilt Model 520EV available for order
Peterbilt‘s Model 520EV is now available for customer orders. The Model 520EV can be configured through the SmartSpec sales tool and ordered at one of Peterbilt’s dealer locations with production expected to start by Q2 2021. The Model 520EV chassis is available in two configurations to accommodate a variety of applications, the company says. Peterbilt
Kenworth electric T680E now available to order
Kenworth has announced a battery electric version of its Class 8 T680 truck, now available for order. The Kenworth T680E will enter into production in 2021, the company said. The zero-emission Kenworth T680E has an estimated operating range of 150 miles, depending on application, the company says. The T680E uses a CCS1 DC fast charger
An overview of the TPMS and ATIS offerings
There is a wide variety of tire inflation technology available, both in TPMS and ATIS form. Let’s take a quick look at some of the offerings.
How digital connections are impacting trucking’s hand-shake business
Riding along with two of Meritor’s DriveForce team–a crew of more than 110 Meritor sales and support representatives across the United States, Canada and Mexico–to visit fleet customers in Michigan meant spending long stretches in the car traversing the state. It was worth it–the face time with fleets helped the DriveForce team stay connected with
Pressure Systems International recognizes top trailer OEMs
Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.) has recently recognized six trailer manufacturers for the role each played in 2019 to increase the number of trailers outfitted with the Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS), which is manufactured by the company. P.S.I. designated two types of awards to be presented this year: The Momentum Award given to those trailer
Your go-to tractor, trailer suspension inspection and maintenance guide
Legally, you are required to inspect your tractor and trailer suspension systems annually, but running a safe and productive fleet demands more than a once-a-year suspension check.
Brake pad development heading into the copper-reduced era
Five years ago, an agreement between the EPA, states and automotive industry players was signed to reduce the use of copper in brake pads. Next year, brake pads will need to reduce copper to less than 5% by weight, and then less than 0.5% by 2025. There’s no magic button that will make this happen;
