Equipment & Tech

PHOENIX, Ariz. —  For Q3 2024, Nikola Corporation wholesaled 88 Class 8 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, firmly within truck sales guidance of between 80 and 100 fuel cell units for the quarter. “This is a record sales quarter for Nikola, with 88 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks wholesaled to our dealers for end customers, as well as the addition of a first-ever U.S. dealer-based HYLA modular refueling station,” said Steve Girsky, Nikola CEO. “Despite overall market headwinds, Nikola remains focused on our mission to pioneer solutions for a zero-emission world, and we’re doing it one truck at a time.” For the first three quarters of 2024, Nikola wholesaled 200 hydrogen fuel cell trucks, and 235 total since the truck went on sale in Q4 of last year. All Nikola trucks are assembled in Coolidge, Ariz.

DUBLIN, Va. — Volvo Trucks North America has officially started series production of the all-new Volvo VNL — a completely reimagined Class 8 truck. “We are excited to be rolling out the all-new Volvo VNL to our valued dealer partners and can’t wait for our customers to receive them into their operations to experience the future of trucking today,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “This truck was designed to change everything and represents Volvo Trucks’ dedication to innovation by combining state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled fuel efficiency, driver comfort, and safety. The all-new Volvo VNL has already set a new standard in the trucking industry, and it will provide tremendous value to our customers’ operations.” According to a company press release, the new series is being assembled at the New River Valley Assembly Plant, the Volvo Group’s largest assembly facility in the world at over 2.3 million square-feet sits on 566 acres in Dublin, Va.. The commercial launch of the all-new Volvo VNL also serves as a christening of the state-of-the-art cab plant, part of a $400 million dollar investment by the Volvo Group in North America, underscoring Volvo’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and excellence in the transportation industry’s future. “Throughout the summer, more than 1,800 customers, dealers and sales staff participated in immersive events at the Volvo Trucks Customer Center, gaining hands-on experience with the all-new Volvo VNL,” the company said. “The truck brings industry-first packaging to simplify the spec’ing process for customers and dealers and ensures fleets are getting the maximum value available in the Volvo Trucks portfolio. Additionally, dealers’ service representatives have access to extensive competency development through e-learning and in-person, instructor-led courses from the Volvo Trucks Academy, ensuring they are fully equipped to support the all-new Volvo VNL when it arrives at dealerships. In conjunction with series production start, over 400 all-new Volvo VNLs will start arriving at dealership locations across North America, providing customers with opportunities to get behind the wheel for a test drive and experience a new level of driver comfort, equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity and safety.” The release noted that the Volvo VNL features four exterior and interior trim levels — Core, Edge, Edge Black, and Ultimate — with six cab configurations, each designed to fit customers’ preferences, brand identity, and operational needs. The initial 400 trucks will include both sleepers and day cab models, offering a variety of packages, trim levels and powertrain offerings to give customers a first-hand experience to determine the best fit for their operations. The trucks boast a wide array of innovative features, including advanced aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency and safety technologies like collision avoidance systems and best-in-class connectivity solutions. Designed with superior driver comfort in mind, the truck features ergonomic seating, advanced climate control, and noise reduction features. “Volvo Trucks North America remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries and setting new standards in trucking technology.,” the company said. “The all-new Volvo VNL models are a testament to the commitment to providing the best possible solutions for customers.”

COLUMBUS, BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — FTR and ACT have both reported that preliminary North American Class 8 net orders in September reached over 30,000 units. According to an FTR media release, the figure falls in line with seasonal expectations as the average September order level over the last seven years is 32,170 units. Given the current stagnation in the truck freight market from a volume and rate perspective, this is a very balanced order number and suggests an initial, healthy level of demand for new trucks in 2025 as September is typically the opening of order boards for the following year. “This month, OEMs saw positive market demand, though the magnitude of the m/m increases varied,” said Dan Moyer, FTR senior analyst, commercial vehicles. “The vocational market considerably outperformed the conventional sector, driving most of the m/m improvement. Despite stagnant freight markets, fleets continue to invest in new equipment, albeit at replacement demand levels in 2024 to date. We expect a modest increase in September backlogs once the final Class 8 market data is released later this month. With inventory remaining near record levels, we also expect further downward pressure on build rates through the end of 2024.” In an ACT press release, Kenny Vieth, ACT president and senior analyst added that Class 8 orders jumped well above trend and seasonally elevated expectations in September. “Historically, September is the first month of stronger orders, as the OEMs open their order books to next year’s orders,” Vieth said. “As such, for the first time since March, seasonality lowers the monthly order volume. On a seasonally adjusted basis, Class 8 orders jumped 92% from August, to 35,200 units, a 423k SAAR.”  Vieth added that medium-duty orders continued at range-bound levels on a very slowly declining trend.   “Preliminary NA Classes 5-7 orders were mixed, rising nominally m/m, but falling seasonally,” Vieth said. “In September, MD net orders fell 4,700 units, or 20% y/y, to 19,100 units.” 

HOUSTON, Texas — Bot Auto has completed its Pre-A funding round which was oversubscribed, raising $20 million. According to a media release, the round was led by prominent domestic and international investors: Brightway Future Capital, Cherubic Ventures, EnvisionX Capital, First Star Ventures, Linear Capital, M31 Capital, Taihill Venture, Uphonest Capital, and Welight Capital. “The Bot Auto team is composed of experienced AV executives and top engineering talent,” the company said in the release. “This opportunity allows them to start an AV trucking company with a clean slate with the ability to leverage the cutting-edge AI technology of today. The combination of experience, industry maturation, and the AI revolution creates a game-changer in autonomous trucking.” The significant investment will fuel Bot Auto’s tech development for the next generation of autonomous trucking that focuses on safety and operation efficiency. “As true believers in autonomous trucking, we’re thankful for our investors’ shared vision,” said Dr. Xiaodi Hou, founder and CEO of Bot Auto. “Our strong commitment, combined with recent AI advancements and a sharpened focus on operational efficiency, has created a clear path to commercialization. Our prospects for success have never been more promising. We march forward, committed to bringing this transformative technology to humanity for a brighter future.” The funds raised will be focused on developing the technology while avoiding: Scaling the operational footprint prior to product readiness. Unnecessary hiring ahead of operational maturity. Over expansion and partnership debt that distracts from our mission. “Bot Auto’s vision aligns with the pioneering spirit of Houston’s legacy in space exploration, striving to achieve remarkable feats in technology and transportation,” the release said. “The company is dedicated to leveraging this investment to make significant strides in the US autonomous trucking industry, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and efficient future.”

Electric vehicles can catch fire if they are inundated by saltwater, so owners who live in the path of a major storm like Hurricane Helene should take precautions and prepare for the possibility that they’ll be unable to charge their cars during a power outage. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged EV owners last week to get their vehicles to higher ground before Hurricane Helene arrived. Although the problem is rare, there have been a number of instances in recent years of electric vehicles igniting after hurricanes. Keeping electric vehicles out of standing water is the best way to avoid the possibility of a fire. Tesla offers similar advice about avoiding letting its vehicles become submerged if at all possible, but if that does happen the carmaker suggests towing the vehicle at least 50 feet away from structures or anything combustible until it can be inspected by a mechanic. The best way to get through a power outage is to follow the same kind of advice your dad may have given you about keeping your gas tank full to make sure you wouldn’t be stranded: Keeping your electric vehicle charged offers the most flexibility. Of course, electric vehicle owners won’t be able to charge their EVs during a power outage, so they may need to watch how much they drive. But EVs aren’t any worse off than conventional vehicles because gas stations can’t pump fuel in a power outage either. How common are EV fires after flooding? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been researching this problem since it was first seen after Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast in 2012. But no one seems to have detailed statistics on just how often this happens. Two years ago, Hurricane Ian compromised the batteries of as many as 5,000 electric vehicles, and 36 of them caught fire. Several more electric vehicles caught fire in Florida last year after Hurricane Idalia, although that storm was weaker than Ian. Researchers at NHTSA speculated that it may have also helped that more people were aware of the problem and moved their vehicles to higher ground before that storm. But it happens often enough that Florida officials were worried about the possibility before Hurricane Helene arrived because they were expecting a potentially devastating storm surge up to 20 feet deep in the northwestern part of Florida. These fires do seem to be linked specifically to saltwater because salt can conduct electricity. Similar problems haven’t been reported after freshwater flooding in California that was driven by heavy rains early this year. What causes EVs to catch fire? Electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if the batteries short circuit and start to heat up. Tom Barth with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that if the heat starts to spread between different cells in the battery back it can cause a chain reaction called thermal runaway. “If the saltwater is able to bridge the gap between the positive and negative terminals of battery, then it can cause a short circuit,” said Barth, who is chief of the special investigations branch of the NTSB’s office of highway safety. EV manufacturers do design their batteries to try to prevent this problem. There are often separations or insulation barriers between different cells in the battery pack, and manufacturers take steps to keep moisture out. But they do have to include ways for the batteries to vent heat. “Where it begins to be a problem is if you have the batteries submerged in standing water. That’s where it starts to overcome the moisture seals in the battery,” Barth said. Sometimes electric vehicles can catch fire long after the floodwaters have receded because even after the water evaporates salt that can conduct electricity may be left behind — so it’s important to have them checked out if they are submerged. “It’s not like every vehicle that gets flooded is therefore going to ignite and catch fire,” Barth said. The NHTSA said it is working to improve battery safety as officials learn more about the problems. The agency has proposed updating some of the safety requirements for electric vehicle batteries to reduce the risks.

IRMO, S.C. —  Diesel Laptops has released a revolutionary new solution to allow users of its products to go from a fault code to the exact part they need to purchase to solve the problem within three minutes. “This is something that has never been done before, not even by OEMs,” said Tyler Robertson, CEO of Diesel Laptops. “This is a game-changer and will make technicians’ lives easier.” According to a media release users can match parts to all engine fault codes for Cummins, Detroit, PACCAR, Volvo, Mack, and International. The technology will soon also work for cab, chassis, ABS and transmission fault codes as well. It also shows aftermarket alternatives along with allowing customers to purchase those parts immediately. While traditional diagnostic methods can often take hours, users can now access detailed fault code information, pinpoint the required part and find aftermarket alternatives almost instantly, all inside the diagnostic tool itself. The program was designed to simplify the technician’s workflow, save time, and position Diesel Laptops as a market leader in providing practical solutions that go beyond diagnostics to actual problem-solving, according to the release. Key Highlights of the Fault Code to Part Number Feature: Seamless Integration: Users can now transition from fault code identification to part number retrieval and purchase in under three minutes, dramatically reducing repair time and enhancing efficiency. Comprehensive Database: Built on years of development, this feature combines Diesel Laptops’  VIN decoder, an exhaustive fault code library, and a meticulously curated database of millions of part numbers and the largest verified cross-references in the industry. Cost-Effective Solutions: Diesel Repair integrates natively into both the free Diesel Explorer software and the low-cost Diesel Decoder hardware, making this innovative leap forward accessible to all. The solution will also be implemented into all other Diesel Laptops diagnostic tools shortly as well. “This technological advance showcases the strength of our combined expertise and the relentless pursuit of innovation that defines Diesel Laptops,” Robertson said. “We’re excited for what’s to come as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in diesel diagnostics.” The Fault Code to Part Number functionality is available inside Diesel Explorer, the comprehensive medium and heavy-duty diagnostic software for diagnosing fault codes and viewing live data. Users can download this software for free at https://www.diesellaptops.com/products/diesel-explorer.

LAFAYETTE, Ind.— Wabash and Kodiak Robotics, Inc., are collaborating to learn how trailers of the future can best support autonomous trucking. According to a media release, Kodiak will use Wabash’s Trailers as a Service (TaaS) offering. Wabash’s TaaS will provide Kodiak a flexible solution with access to a growing fleet of safe, reliable trailers nationwide. “We are thrilled to partner with Kodiak, a leader in autonomous trucking, as they integrate Wabash’s Trailers as a Service into their operations,” said Mike Pettit, Wabash’s chief growth officer. “Our TaaS offering provides the flexibility and comprehensive support that aligns perfectly with Kodiak’s goals, ensuring they can focus on innovation and efficiency. We’re excited to collaborate with Kodiak and co-learn as we develop trailer solutions that support autonomous long-haul trucks and pave the way for a safer, more efficient future.” According to the release, Wabash’s TaaS offering provides Kodiak with a holistic solution that supports the full life cycle of the trailer, from acquisition to maintenance and uptime management. Unlike traditional leasing, TaaS delivers fully maintained capacity with new or certified trailers, ensuring minimal downtime through Wabash’s managed care services. With a subscription that includes maintenance, repair and managed care support, Kodiak can focus on developing the Kodiak Driver, the company’s industry-leading autonomous technology. Wabash’s hyperfocus on offering the best-maintained trailers aligns with Kodiak’s high maintenance standards, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Utilizing Wabash’s nationwide dealer network, Wabash will provide the critical managed care needed to ensure continuous trailer uptime, according to the release. Wabash’s managed care team, leveraging the company’s self-diagnosing trailers, will proactively monitor and maintain the fleet, guaranteeing uptime and helping Kodiak provide its customers with excellent customer service. The release noted that the partnership will not only improve operational reliability, but also promises to enhance road safety through highly-maintained trailers. “We value our partnership with Wabash as we continue to expand our autonomous fleet,” said Michael Wiesinger, vice president commercialization & GM trnsportation sector, Kodiak. “Wabash’s TaaS solution offers us a reliable and flexible approach to trailer management, allowing us to focus on our core mission of advancing autonomous trucking while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.” Wabash will be showcasing its TaaS trailer at its Ignite ecosystem event for customers, dealers, suppliers and technology partners taking place in Louisville, Ky., from September 30 to October 2. Customers interested in seeing how TaaS operates in the broader Wabash Marketplace to deliver an optimized shipping network and continuous uptime support are invited to attend. Register at wabashignite.com to attend or for more information on TaaS visit https://marketplace.onewabash.com/trailers-as-a-service.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – August net trailer orders, at 7,700 units, were nearly 40% lower year-for-year, but 500 units above July’s intake bringing year-to-date August net order activity to 89.4k units, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report. “Trailer cancellations moved higher again in August,” said Jennifer McNealy, director–CV Market Research and Publications at ACT Research. “The cancellation rate increased to 3.6% of the backlog, from July’s 3.0% rate. Build significantly outpaced orders again in August, by 11k units. As a result, backlogs shrank nearly 14% sequentially.” U.S. trailer manufacturers and suppliers continue to navigate the choppy waters of weak demand, according to ACT. “They say no news is good news, but in the case of the current US trailer environment, that’s hardly the case,” McNealy said. “While no news means conditions aren’t deteriorating, it also means no real improvement presently, despite hopes for the contrary amid otherwise generally positive economic news.” ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current US trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders, and factory shipments. It is accompanied by a database that gives historical information from 1996 to the present, as well as a ready-to-use graph packet, to allow organizations in the trailer production supply chain, and those following the investment value of trailers, trailer OEMs, and suppliers to better understand the market.