Equipment & Tech

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America is introducing its latest next-generation technology and solutions at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. The conference begins on May 20 and runs through May 22 in Las Vegas. “Our all-new Volvo VNL … (has) striking aerodynamics and powertrain enhancements that improve fuel efficiency by up to 10% as well as the industry-leading safety features and cutting-edge technologies that reshape the North American trucking industry,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “These innovations also pave the way for the all-new Volvo VNL to be the platform for all future technologies and propulsion systems.” Volvo Trucks North America is planning a press conference at 5:35 p.m. Pacific on May 20 at the Expo. Then, company officials are scheduled to share a more in-depth presentation about the Volvo VNL, the upcoming deployments of the Volvo VNR Electric and key partnerships in order to develop appropriate charging solutions as the company continues to expand the electromobility ecosystem. The conference will take place at the Volvo booth No. 2929. More information can be found on Volvo Trucks North America’s website by visiting here.

ATLANTA — Big truck DC charging system provider Heliox has introduced its newest model, the Heliox 60. According to a news release, the compact 60kW EV (electric vehicle) charger is certified (UL2202, CSA C22.2, Energy Star) and made specifically for the North American market. “Building on the success of the 50 kW charger that helped Heliox gain significant market share in 2021, the … Heliox 60 represents an enhanced iteration of cost-effective, low-power DC charging,” the news release states. “The solution satisfies the majority of DC charging use cases today.” The Heliox 60 delivers 150 A output, capable of delivering a total of 60 kW for both traditional 400-volt and modern 800-volt vehicles. The product also features a single CCS-1 (SAE J1772) output, with plans to incorporate NACS (SAE J3400) and multi-output configurations. Additionally, the unit allows for a 30 kW version within the same cabinet design.  “Since first ramping up the US team, the Heliox 60 was destined to be a staple in our product portfolio,” said Heliox U.S. President David Aspinwall. “There are many exciting collaborations and pilots focused on high-power and megawatt charging systems (MCS), but application-appropriate power and high-value chargers are paramount in the present state of the EV industry.” Designed with scalability and convenience in mind, the Heliox 60’s form factor allows for low-profile installations and is complemented by a range of accessories, including a floor-mounted pedestal, cable management solutions and a mobile cart configuration similar to the 50 kW predecessor. The new chargers feature an LCD display and high-visibility LED energy status bars. As part of Siemens’ acquisition of Heliox, announced earlier this year, the Heliox 60 will also be available through select Siemens distributors, Sourcewell and partnerships with leading vehicle OEMs and developers. Ongoing interoperability testing guarantees seamless operation with the newest medium-and heavy-duty vehicles. Additionally, all Heliox chargers leverage Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for cloud-based monitoring and control. Now a Siemens business, Heliox complements Siemens’ existing eMobility charging portfolio, adding products and solutions ranging from 30kW to 1MW for depots and en-route charging, with a focus on DC fast charging for eBus and eTruck fleets. For more information about the Heliox 60, click here. 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — K&B Transportation plans to install dynamic speed technology on more than 700 of its trucks. According to a news release, the company has entered into an agreement with E-SMART, which will provided the necessary equipment and software. The E-SMART solution uses GPS technology to determine vehicle location to actively manage its maximum allowed speed, provide real-time safety alerts and identify known hazard areas, such as low clearance bridges. “K&B is excited to partner with E-SMART,” said Lance Evans, director of safety at K&B. “E-SMART technology is unlike anything else on the market because it assists K&B in managing its fleet in a way that no other technology can.  K&B is looking forward to implementing E-SMART across the fleet in order to better serve our drivers and customers.” Effectively decreasing speeding events by more than 90%, E-SMART uses advanced positioning technology to determine vehicle location to actively manage max speed to the posted speed limit E-SMART also leverages this technology for low bridge collision avoidance, active geofencing and remote vehicle immobilization, the news release notes. Some fleets currently using the E-SMART technology have reported decreases in speed-related accidents, infringements and significantly improved CSA scores. “K&B is clearly a leader in safety technology,” said Joe Thell, senior vice president of sales and business development at E-SMART. “From our initial conversations with K&B, it became clear that K&B is on the forefront of finding solutions to integrate its fleet into the ever developing world of technology in order to address issues transportation companies regularly face on today’s roadways and the transportation market. We are proud to partner with K&B in their efforts to make their fleet and the roadways safer.”

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The nonprofit Food Forward Inc. has deployed a Volvo VNR electric truck to pick up commercial, private and agricultural food in the Southern California region and distribute surplus produce. “Volvo Trucks is dedicated to providing a better, more sustainable future and decarbonizing transportation is a central pillar of that journey,” said Jared Ruiz, regional vice president-West for Volvo Trucks North America. “We are tremendously proud of the work that our battery-electric trucks are doing to decarbonize the industry, but even more compelling is the great work that Food Forward’s fleet is doing to help fight hunger and prevent food waste.” Despite fresh produce coming through the Los Angeles region, one in five Californians lacks adequate access to food, according to a news release. With this incentive, food is distributed to 13 counties in California and seven additional states and tribal lands. “The Volvo VNR Electric plays a crucial role in the nonprofit’s efforts to enable the recovery and distribution of 80,000 to 120,000 pounds of surplus produce daily,” according to the news release. “With the shift to battery-electric trucks, Food Forward is pushing forward with its progress toward achieving its goal of offsetting more greenhouse gasses than it produces.” Based on the Natural Resources Defense Council, almost 40% of food produced goes unsold or uneaten in the United States. “Food insecurity and climate change are both global issues that are in many ways connected. Because of that, we must find sustainable solutions to address both issues,” said Kristen Johnson, chief operating officer at Food Forward. “We have robust sustainability targets in our mission and transitioning to zero emission vehicles is the next logical step to reduce our carbon footprint.”

CAMPBELL, Calif. — ChargePoint officials say they are supporting the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), making it the latest addition to ChargePoint’s DC fast charging lineup. The MCS is a charging connector under development for large battery electric vehicles, such as semis. The system is estimated to be capable of dispensing enough energy to power approximately 1,000 homes, so the immense rate of charge will help enable the electrification of commercial trucking, according to a news release. “Megawatt technology is the first step toward electrifying the commercial trucking industry,” said Hossein Kazemi, CTO for hardware at ChargePoint. “Megawatt charging solves one half of the electrification equation for trucking. The companies developing electric trucks can now leverage this infrastructure to test and enable their vehicles until they meet — or even exceed — the distances covered by internal combustion trucks.” The MCS cable and connector will be available on ChargePoint’s Power Link 2,000 stations, part of the modular Express Plus DC fast charging platform. Initially, MCS will deliver up to 1.2 megawatts. The Megawatt Charging System supports bi-directional charging and will enable output of up to three megawatts in the future before vehicles capable of accepting such charge come. The system is also designed for charging in marine and aviation applications. ChargePoint’s Megawatt Charging System will be on display at the ACT Expo taking place May 20-23 in Las Vegas. For more information, visit the ChargePoint booth No. 3733 at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall.

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt has enhanced its Red Oval Certified Program. It now offers “an optional one-year factory chassis warranty for all certified pre-owned trucks,” according to a news release. The coverage can be purchased standalone or combined with Peterbilt’s exclusive one-year, 125,000-mile or two-year, 250,000-mile factory engine and after-treatment warranty for PACCAR MX-powered units. “The new chassis coverage option provides customers with comprehensive pre-owned truck protection,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt’s assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “Known for enduring craftsmanship, Peterbilt trucks are reliable and highly sought after in the secondary market. This enhanced coverage instills even greater confidence amongst customers seeking to purchase a Red Oval certified truck.” Red Oval-certified trucks, which are six model years old or newer with less than 650,000 miles, undergo a rigorous and comprehensive 150-point inspection. “This meticulous process ensures the trucks’ quality and reliability, providing potential customers with a sense of reassurance about their potential purchase,” the news release states. Certified trucks powered by the MX-13 engine are eligible for the PACCAR Engines Pre-Owned Warranty, which offers coverage for critical components. Furthermore, purchasers of PACCAR Engines Pre-Owned Warranty benefit from the 90-day Buyer’s Assurance vehicle coverage, which is included with the engine and after-treatment warranty. Learn more at your local Peterbilt dealership or visit https://www.peterbiltredoval.com/default.htm.

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) is installing tire anomaly and classification (TAC) systems at ports of entry across the state to help improve commercial vehicle safety. “The installation of TAC systems represents a proactive step towards enhancing safety,” said Craig Roberts, ITD commercial vehicle services manager. “This initiative significantly enhances the safety of the driving public by promptly identifying and addressing tire issues in commercial vehicles, thereby preventing potential blowouts, flats or missing tires.” The TAC systems are installed inside the roads and screen the tires of semi-trucks for anomalies and damage. Port employees then use the TAC data to notify truck drivers with problematic tires. The first TAC system was installed at the Declo port of entry in February 2023. Since then, more than 1,100 tire anomalies have been detected. TAC systems are scheduled to be installed at the following ports of entry: East Boise, both directions — week of May 28. Lewiston, both directions — week of July 15. Sage, both directions — tentatively set for late July/early August. Huetter, both directions — tentatively set for August. Inkom — Southbound set for June; Northbound scheduled for completion in 2025 during work on the Inkom interchange. The cost for all the new TAC systems combined is $1.2 million. In 2022, the economic cost of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Idaho was more than $627 million.

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Cyclum Renewables, which builds renewable fuel truck stops with traditional and transitional fuels, is working to reshape the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging for the trucking industry and light duty vehicles. Their approach eliminates dependence on local electric grid or solar fields, utilizing on-site green electricity generation methods that are lower cost to the consumers while being carbon negative versus just carbon neutral, according to a news release. Cyclum leverages a range of government grants and tax credits, including Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) and Production Tax Credits (PTCs). Cyclum officials say these incentives significantly support the development of the on-site electric vehicle charging infrastructure and clean electricity generation, as well as the ability to generate hydrogen onsite for less costs. Cyclum’s team will be at the Novogradac 2024 Renewable Energy Tax Credit Conference May 16-17 in Rancho Bernardo, California. “Cyclum’s on-site power generation with RNG-fueled microturbines is a revolution in EV charging for the trucking industry,” said Shaun Lee, director of field operations at Cyclum Renewables. “This innovative approach offers fleets a cost-effective, sustainable and reliable solution to meet their charging needs, ultimately contributing to a cleaner transportation future.” Cyclum’s presence in the industry expands beyond its truck stops. The “Drive the Cyclum Dream” program offers OEMs, fleets, drivers, trucking and supply chain professionals to experience the future of renewable trucking firsthand. This invitation-based marketing event allows participants to test drive the latest Class 8 and other EV, hydrogen and compressed natural gas trucks, then participate in sports and race events with VIP experience with the events below: Friday, June 28 — Drive, Nashville Superspeedway, Tennessee Saturday, June 29 — VIP Event, Nashville Superspeedway, Tennessee Friday, July 19 — Drive, Indianapolis Superspeedway, Indiana Saturday, July 20 —VIP Event, Indianapolis Superspeedway, Indiana Friday Aug. 30 — Drive, Darlington Speedway, South Carolina Saturday Aug. 31– VIP Event, Darlington Speedway, South Carolina Click here for more information on registration and event venues.  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Plus, a provider of highly automated and autonomous driving software, has launch PlusProtect, a new technology designed to enhance next-generation safety systems for all vehicle types. According to Plus, this AI-based technology “elevates the capabilities of next-generation safety systems” and offers industry-leading features like high-performance automatic collision mitigation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 60,000 rear-end crashes a year involve a heavy vehicle striking another vehicle. Safety systems help contribute to enhanced road safety, Plus said in a May 13 press release. PlusProtect is a scalable technology that allows global Tier 1 automotive suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to offer enhanced safety features in their next-generation safety systems. Plus says that these features would address, if not exceed, the performance requirements mandated for automatic emergency braking (AEB) on all passenger vehicles and light trucks by September 2029. AEB is also expected to be mandated in heavy vehicles (gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds). Key features offered by PlusProtect include high performance AEB, expanded-coverage lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, predictive fuel optimization, self-calibrated sensors and over-the-air updates. Additional options include GSR-compliant features and an event data recorder that can provide a recording of a vehicle’s operational data immediately preceding and following a safety critical event. PlusProtect uses cameras and radars to see objects more than about 650 feet ahead, providing full situational awareness to help the software understand where the vehicle is and what objects are in the same lane, as well as surrounding lanes, Plus says. This technology can help to significantly reduce false positives, and it can handle AEB on curved roads. Combined with Plus’s proprietary AI-based autonomous driving software and perception technology, the vehicle has a “remarkably accurate” view of the world around it and can predict the movement of surrounding vehicles and obstacles, according to the press release. The software can assist the driver by reacting quickly and automatically to help mitigate potential forward collisions. “While improved road safety underlies all of our solutions, we created PlusProtect specifically to enable Tier 1s and OEMs to build market-leading next-generation safety systems,” said Shawn Kerrigan, COO and co-founder of Plus. “Features such as high-performance collision mitigation not only necessitate a new technology approach, adopting PlusProtect as part of the integrated safety solutions also helps them pave the way for higher levels of automation in their product portfolio.” Kerrigan emphasized that advanced safety technologies like PlusProtect do not replace skilled, alert drivers who exercise safe driving techniques. Proactive, comprehensive driver training is also essential. In addition, he noted, responsibility for safe vehicle operation always rests with the driver, and limitations exist. Drivers should become familiar with these limitations before operating any equipped vehicle.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Truck buyers can now shop at 10 additional dealerships within Volvo Trucks North America’s certified electric vehicle (EV) network. The latest additions to the network are located in three states — Rhode Island, Utah and Washington — and in Canada’s Manitoba province. The addition of these dealers brings the total number of in-network locations to 59 across North America. Each member of Volvo’s certified EV dealer program has completed a rigorous, extensive program designed to provide a comprehensive ecosystem of customer support for heavy-duty battery electric vehicle adoption. “Before we announced the commercialization of the VNR Electric, we understood that electric trucks would need to have the same level of uptime and the same quality service for our customers as our diesel trucks,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America “That’s why we created the certified EV dealer program in parallel to the commercialization plans for the VNR Electric,” he continued. “The expansion of our certified EV dealer locations shows that battery-electric heavy-duty trucks are here to stay and will continue to scale as a viable option for freight transportation. Our vision is to continue that expansion.” Dealership support is essential to the successful adoption of battery-electric trucks, and selling a truck is only part of the equation, according to a Volvo press release. “It takes an entire support ecosystem to successfully transition to battery-electric trucks,” the release noted. In addition to serving as point-of-sale resources, members of Volvo’s certified EV dealership network provide local resources for driver training and routine maintenance and repairs for the vehicles. Network members have certified technicians and parts on site to service Volvo VNR Electric trucks as quickly and efficiently as possible. “By partnering with dealerships that are committed to supporting the transition to sustainable transportation solutions, fleets and owner-operators can make the transition to heavy-duty electric trucks smoothly with peace-of-mind, knowing they are surrounded by an ecosystem of support,” the release said. In collaboration with its dealer partners, Volvo Trucks has delivered 470 Volvo VNR Electric trucks from its New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia. These trucks have logged 4.5 million customer miles in a variety of business sectors, including grocery, last-mile delivery, drayage, warehouse distribution, U.S. mail, medical supply, utility, fleet leasing, retail and more. Today, Volvo Trucks has certified 59 dealer locations across 27 states — Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin — and in four Canadian provinces — British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Volvo Trucks’ certified EV dealer program was developed as part of the Volvo LIGHTS project in Southern California.

PHOENIX — Zero-emission truck maker Nikola has opened its latest high-pressure HYLA modular hydrogen refueling station in Southern California. HYLA, a blend of the words “HYdrogen” and “NikoLA,” is a Nikola-owned subsidiary focusing on building a “robust hydrogen supply chain,” according to a news release. Situated near the Port of Long Beach at 2267 W. Gaylord St., the station began operation May 4. “This launch is yet another pivotal milestone in Nikola’s strategic plan, aiming to establish a network of up to nine refueling solutions by mid-2024, with a total of 14 operational sites slated for completion by year-end, which include a combination of modular fuelers and partner stations such as FirstElement Fuels’ in the Port of Oakland,” the news release states. Through an alignment with industry partners, Nikola officials say they are actively securing a hydrogen supply chain and expanding their refueling infrastructure to support increased demand. “We are thrilled to inaugurate our second HYLA hydrogen refueling station in Southern California, marking a significant stride toward sustainable transportation,” said Nikola’s President of Energy, Ole Hoefelmann. “Our heartfelt appreciation extends to the City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Fire Department for their instrumental role in realizing this vision. With multiple stations in the pipeline this year, we are steadfast in our mission to pioneer zero-emission trucking solutions and drive positive environmental impact.”