Equipment & Tech

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt has delivered a new, zero-emissions Model 520 Electric Vehicle (EV) refuse truck to City of Roses (COR) Disposal and Recycling in Portland, Oregon. With the Model 520EV, the vehicle will provide Portland with recycling and waste collection services, which city officials say “advances the city’s environmental sustainability initiatives,” according to a news release. “Peterbilt leads the charge in commercial vehicle electrification and is proud to deliver this Model 520EV to COR Disposal and Recycling,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt’s assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “We are committed to supporting our customers as they integrate electric vehicles into their fleet operations.” Leaders from multiple companies in Portland all gathered to reveal the new model and celebrate this electrification milestone. “This is an exciting opportunity both for COR to receive the State of Oregon’s first EV of its kind, and for us to be able to focus on the underserved community of East Portland to improve air quality and provide workforce development opportunities,” said Alando Simpson CEO of COR Disposal and Recycling. The new vehicle is equipped with a McNeilus rear loader. It can also complete a full day of bin collections on a single charge, showcasing its efficiency and productivity. How the vehicle is equipped allows for an extended operating range to COR Disposal and Recycling in addition to regenerative braking to enhance safety and optimize the vehicle performance. 

BELLVUE, Wash.  — DOTsfty has announced a new automated driver training software aimed at helping safety managers of trucking fleets improve the safety and efficiency of truck drivers. According to a news release, the software integrates with existing driver and vehicle tracking platforms pulling together vital data to provide 360-degree driver behavior analysis. “In the aftermath of COVID-19, the transportation sector faces a market with relentless headwinds: diesel prices have soared 50% over the past year, and the industry has witnessed the folding of 3,140 trucking companies in just one quarter,” the news release stated. “Adding to the strain, freight charges are reducing significantly as the market adjusts post-pandemic, squeezing margins even further.” Fleet operators are also contending with a 12% year-on-year increase in vehicle maintenance costs and an 8% hike in insurance premiums, the news release noted. Leveraging various data points, DOTsfty’s mobile driver training platform standardizes high-performance driver behavior and cuts expenses related to fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance rates. Accessing data in one central location allows fleet safety managers to unlock the full potential of their telematics, fleet inspection and fuel management data to better onboard, assess and to train drivers. “Adopting DOTsfty’s automated training solution dramatically transformed our driver engagement and efficiency. Previously, our training methods of emailing PDF attachment weekly to drivers saw a mere 5% engagement rate. With DOTsfty, we’ve witnessed a remarkable increase to an 80% engagement rate, eliminating the need to chase drivers for training compliance.” said Robert Putt, CEO at DTS Dedicated Transportation Services. “We are also impressed with the ease of DOTsfty’s onboarding—simple, engineer-free, and with instant training activation upon integrating with our Samsara. We appreciated the immediate start with zero initiation costs.” Yuichi Uchida, DOTsfty co-founder and chief operating officer, said that safety managers can often struggle to provide timely and corrective feedback to drivers due to lack of real-time data. “Drivers are not getting immediate feedback on important driving behaviors such as telematics (acceleration, harsh braking, HOS), inspection (PTI and DVIR), fuel efficiency (idling time, speeding) and violation recorded via SMS portal,” Uchida said. “By integrating these data sources, we provide a unique and powerful tool for safety managers to monitor and deliver real-time training. For example, drivers receive push notifications and messages at Geotab Drive App, Fleetio app or any others from our service. One of our long-haul clients discovered that just 1% of their drivers were responsible for 10% of the firm’s total fuel expenditure because of unnecessary idling and harsh acceleration. By utilizing our platform, they managed to save $170,000 annually”

OXFORD, N.C. — On Nov. 7, Dill Air Control Products announced the debut of its new Bluetooth Aftermarket Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) at the 2023 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show.  According to a news release, the monitoring system “is ideal for enclosed trailers, boat trailers, flatbed trailers and many other vehicles.” The new Bluetooth Aftermarket TPMS is a retrofit TPMS system made using original equipment components. “The system uses sensors mounted inside the tire for the safest and most accurate way to measure tire pressure and internal tire temperature,” according to the news release. Users can purchase the valve or band-mounted kits with four- or six-wheel applications. Additional sensors can also be purchased for more extensive applications, and custom configurations in the app can accommodate up to 38 sensors.  Also, for the user’s convenience, the display screen can be viewed on a smartphone or tablet for better access to the sensor information. The only thing needed is for the user to download the no-cost app by searching “Dill TPMS” in the App Store or Google Play Store. It’s compatible with Apple, Android and Google devices and connects to the sensors via Bluetooth. Users can monitor the sensors, choose between Fahrenheit/Celsius and Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI), Kilopascals (kPa), or Bars, and customize pressure and alert settings on multiple applications, all from the app.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada — Truck accessory giant HERD has rolled out new versions of its legacy products, the Texas and Big Tex Truck Guards. “Designed specifically for operators who work in demanding conditions, the next generation of Texas guards are lighter and stronger than their predecessors, increasing protection without weighing you down,” a news release stated. “As the transportation industry continues to push the boundaries of innovation, HERD’s reimagined legacy product line demonstrates the company’s dedication to setting the industry standard for front-end protection.” Whereas the previous iterations of the Texas and Big Tex were made from channel extrusions, the all-new Texas guards are built using formed channels instead, the company said. “While maintaining a very similar look, the change allows HERD to have greater design flexibility and offer Truck Guards that weigh less and are more durable than those made with channel extrusions,” according to the news release. “The redesigned guards not only retain their familiar appearance but also deliver enhanced performance, making them ideal for drivers who want resilient front-end protection without additional weight.” HERD’s Truck Guards are not the only product getting an update, the manufacturer also announced an overhaul on its popular Slam Latch system. “The new Slam Latch continues to provide users with nearly instant access to the truck’s engine with an incredibly smooth and tactile latching feel but has now been reworked and rigorously tested to eliminate nearly all maintenance and adjustments,” according to the news release. “The new latching system is so robust that HERD has decided to make it standard for the next generation of its legacy products, setting a new benchmark for accessibility and ease of use.” The next generation of Truck Guards also features HERD’s most radar-compatible bracket ever. Designed to meet not only the needs of current equipment but also the evolving demands of future radar systems. “Our Texas and Big Texas Truck Guards have long been a staple in our legacy product line,” said Marc Daudet, CEO of HERD. “As we enter into HERD’s next generation of manufacturing, we’re proud to offer Truck Guards that are both lighter, stronger, and feature cutting-edge features like the Slam Latch that continue to set a higher bar for quality and performance.”

ATLANTA — On Nov. 7, FleetDrive 360 announced its partnership with Sentinel Information Systems to incorporate Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) data in driver onboarding and management processes at a lower cost. With the integration of FleetDrive 360 and Sentinel, the partnership will provide MVR management and other cloud-based solutions to enable: Data that is returned directly to the system, eliminating the need for downloading/re-uploading. Automatic notifications about Medical Card and Annual MVRs to ensure there are no missed compliance dates. Additional functionality that is planned for later in the year includes the integration of the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) and Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) programs. “Our partnership with Sentinel streamlines the hiring and management of driving records by automating processes,” said Nic Salis, COO at FleetDrive 360. “Sentinel brings decades of experience in the driving record and data management field to our compliance solution at a lower cost. Together, we will be able to provide drivers, fleet managers and Human Resources teams with accurate driving record information.” All FleetDrive 360 information can be accessed on all computer and mobile devices for a low cost per drive. The consolidated system for all compliance needs enables API connections for integration with existing TMS and HR platforms. “MVRs are a crucial part of the hiring process for new drivers and for ensuring that driving status is up to date and compliant with federal, state and local regulations,” said Frank Logreira, CEO at Sentinel. “Our combined services can quickly react and address those requirements to lower risk and keep your fleet running safely. We are excited to work with FleetDrive 360 and become a part of their suite of innovative products.”

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Mack Trucks now offers a usage-based leasing option exclusive to new Mack MD Electric models. According to a news release, this feature comes through Mack’s Financial Services ElectriFi subscription service. In offering this feature, Mack officials say their goal is “to help its customers more easily adopt battery-electric vehicle (BEV) technology into their fleets.” “The Mack Financial Services ElectriFi Subscriptions allow its customers to pay as they go for miles driven with charges from chassis and body, charging, applicable incentives, physical damage insurance and maintenance costs all bundled into one single monthly payment, simplifying the process,” the news release stated. “The subscription reduces the upfront investment of the customer while also lowering their long-term risk with the option to walk away at the end of the term.” Starting at three years, terms become flexible with an option of extending it up to a total term of six years. “Mack Trucks is a leader in electrification, and we remain committed to ensuring customers have reliable, durable electric vehicles and the support necessary to operate them,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Together with Mack Financial Services, we developed this unique program to assist in the deployment of BEVs through a solution that gives customers peace of mind. Customers can run electric trucks knowing that Mack and Mack Financial Services are standing behind them and the product.” The subscription also includes “access to Mack’s suite of Uptime services, which includes telematics and Mack OneCall, Mack’s 24/7 roadside service and support offering experienced personnel at the Mack Uptime Center who will assist customers with the scheduling of their repair,” according to the news release. “Whether it’s to investigate the benefits of a single BEV or to completely change a fleet over to electrification, ElectriFi offers a solution for all Mack BEV customers. Along with the ElectriFi Subscription option, Mack Financial Services also offers ElectriFi Infrastructure and ElectriFi Lease. Mack Trucks and Mack Financial Services can also advise on incentives for infrastructure.”

LONG BEACH, Calif. — TeraWatt Infrastructure, a company powering electrified truck fleets, has broken ground on a heavy duty electric vehicle (EV) charging site based in Rancho Dominguez, California. Located less than 15 miles north of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, “the site is strategically positioned to support sustainable trucking fleet operations in and out of the largest container ports in the United States,” a news release stated. Slated to be operational by mid-2024, TeraWatt’s Rancho Dominquez site will house a total of 20 pull-through and bobtail DC fast charging stalls and boast an impressive capacity of 7MW — enabling charging for up to 125 trucks per day and resulting in an annual decrease of 12,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The site will also feature a driver amenities building, complete with a lounge, food and beverage services and Wi-Fi connectivity. At the groundbreaking event, a Volvo truck was provided to preview TeraWatt’s proprietary charging software and made available for test rides. “Deploying the industry leading Class 8 VNR Electric takes an entire electromobility ecosystem,” said Derik Wilson, commercial electromobility charging and infrastructure manager, Volvo Trucks North America. “Since the Volvo LIGHTS Project, Volvo Trucks North America has continued to work with industry stakeholders, such as TeraWatt for the increased scaling of charging solutions and our valued dealer partners like TEC Equipment who remain focused on uptime of the VNR Electric for our customers. TEC Equipment’s commitment to continued deployment of the VNR Electric is on display by supplying one of their trucks for this interoperability validation.” PepsiCo recently announced that it will be using the Rancho Dominquez site for last-mile delivery charging in the Los Angeles area, as the company ramps up fleet electrification efforts. This initiative underscores a growing commitment from the enterprise sector to adopt sustainable technologies across their logistics and transportation operations. “Our partners in the private sector are playing a key role in building the infrastructure that is needed to power California’s zero-emission future,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “TeraWatt’s upcoming facility in Rancho Dominguez is one example of how the industry is stepping up to build sustainability into the operations of one of the nation’s busiest ports while delivering the clean air that Californians need and deserve.” TeraWatt officials say they are committed to “decarbonizing fleet transportation by acquiring and building charging sites in areas that experience some of the most severe air pollution, in turn ushering in an era of green mobility and cleaner air quality.” Recent reports have revealed that South Los Angeles ranks second in the nation for worst places to live for air pollution. “The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach stand as pivotal hubs for our nation’s strategic shipping operations, distinguished as some of the busiest and most critical ports in the country,” said Neha Palmer, TeraWatt’s CEO and co-founder. “We know that with the proper infrastructure in place, EV adoption will quickly accelerate in this region. We look forward to being at the forefront of this transition by providing the full-stack solutions that enable fleets to seamlessly electrify their operations for both the near and long-term.”

HOUSTON — Aurora Innovation has opened the industry’s first lane for driverless trucks supported by commercial-ready terminals in Dallas and Houston. Nearly half of all truck freight in Texas moves along the I-45 between Dallas and Houston, making this corridor an ideal route for Aurora’s commercial launch. Similar to its first terminal in South Dallas, Aurora’s new terminal in Houston is designed to support and service driverless trucks at a commercial scale, according to a news release. “Opening a driverless trucking lane flanked by commercially-ready terminals is an industry-first that unlocks our ability to launch our driverless trucking product,” said Sterling Anderson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Aurora. “With this corridor’s launch, we’ve defined, refined, and validated the framework for the expansion of our network with the largest partner ecosystem in the autonomous trucking industry.” Aurora uses terminals to house, maintain, prepare, inspect and deploy autonomous trucks between destinations. The company has developed an innovative terminal blueprint to implement a layout and list of features that make its terminals commercial-ready for the launch of driverless operations. Aurora’s terminal blueprint is designed to maximize the time autonomous trucks are on the road hauling freight. For example, on-site weigh stations support enhanced pre-trip inspections, which ensure Aurora’s trucks are compliant with regulatory standards while allowing them to bypass inspection sites on the road. This promotes safe operations and results in a more efficient trip with fewer stops. Aurora picks its terminal locations with its customers in mind. Aurora’s Houston terminal is located in a logistics hub near its pilot customers, including FedEx and others. This proximity to customers makes it easy to seamlessly integrate autonomous trucks into their middle-mile operations. Aurora is also preparing its Command Center to support around-the-clock commercial operations. Aurora’s Command Center includes a team of remote specialists who monitor and provide guidance to the active fleet of Aurora-powered trucks, and dispatchers who allocate trucks, trailers, and vehicle operators to missions. Aurora’s Command Center already supports commercial pilot hauls and is prepared to support driverless missions. “Bringing our commercial-ready terminals and services online a year ahead of our planned commercial driverless launch between Dallas and Houston enables us to focus next year on integrating our Driver-ready trucks into our customers’ operations,” added Anderson.

FORT MILL, S.C. and PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has announced the launch of its Extended OPTIMUM, a new extended coverage solution. According to a news release, this customizable coverage is especially suited for Freightliner and Western Star trucks with Detroit engines that are out of warranty or do not have extended coverage. An additional benefit of Extended OPTIMUM is the availability for customers who already own a used truck and for those who are in the process of buying one. Extended coverages are primarily tailored for the buyers of new vehicles, which leaves future owners with limited options to protect their investments. “Until now, fleets and owner-operators with expired coverages have resorted to non-OEM warranty providers,” shared Kelly Gedert, general manager of aftermarket strategic value chain and technology. “Many simply go without coverage. With Extended OPTIMUM, customers now get protection for their investment and the peace of mind that comes with DTNA’s extended coverage, comparable to the original base warranty.” Repair work on covered components is pre-approved by the manufacturer to avoid any possible delays in diagnosis and repair, the news release noted. “Extended OPTIMUM covers what our customers need,” said Kirk Lewis, executive vice president of I-State Truck Centers. ”Coverage from the manufacturer also means no delays chasing down repair and expense approvals. That’s good for customer uptime, and great for our service department throughput.”

AUSTIN, Texas — Clarience Technologies, a provider of advanced safety and performance solutions for the transportation industry, has announced that it is making its Fus1on data platform commercially available to customers external to the company. According to a news release, the company will continue expanding its capabilities, with work on Fus1on 2.0 already beginning “in order to expand its digital fleet data platform beyond advanced trailer telematics and toward smart fleet solutions.” “Fus1on is a game-changing solution for the transportation industry. It is not just a software platform, but a digital ecosystem that connects all the data points in the transportation value chain. Fus1on empowers our customers to make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety,” said Nada Jiddou, chief digital officer of Clarience Technologies. When it was first introduced in October 2022, Clarience Technologies positioned Fus1on as the digital data and analytics platform that would power the company’s Road Ready advanced telematics solutions, according to the news release. Since then, Road Ready has been steadily migrating customers onto the Fus1on platform, and today the Fus1on platform is powering a majority of the Road Ready customer subscriptions. Clarience Technologies expects all Road Ready customers to have migrated to the Fus1on platform by the end of the year, the news release noted. “Fus1on was designed to do much more than just power the company’s telematics brand,” according to the news release. “Software engineers designed the digital platform to address an emerging problem in today’s transportation industry – the inability to interpret data and create meaningful insights from disparate fleet data. Today, fleet operators are getting overwhelmed with data coming from everywhere — truck and trailer telematics, repair management platforms, TMS providers, electronic driver logs, Automated inspections, asset lease management systems and more. Until now there has not been a solution on the market that took this fleet challenge head-on.”

FARGO, N.D. — Pedigree Technologies has introduced a new technology that company officials say will help with trailer tracking solutions. “The smart trailer applications offer straightforward installations and cost-effective price points, all while delivering the full spectrum of technological advantages for managing trailers and fleets,” according to the news release. “Pedigree’s smart trailer solutions are providing fleet managers with ways to enhance efficiency, safety and compliance within their transportation operations.” Officials did not say exactly when the new technology would be released. “Smart truck and trailer applications offered by Pedigree Technologies provide fleet managers with ways to enhance efficiency, safety and compliance within their transportation operations,” the news release stated. “Pedigree Technologies offers groundbreaking solutions that leverage Bluetooth sensors and solar-powered GPS gateways to substantially reduce costs and simplify the installation process for smart trailer applications.” Trailers equipped with these smart solutions transmit data to the cloud, which is then relayed to the OneView platform. The company says the new technology will allow fleet managers to track the location of their trailers, and sensors placed within and around the trailer provide a continuous stream of fleet information. “I am excited for Pedigree to deliver these innovative smart trailer solutions,” said John Elsner, CEO of Pedigree Technologies. “We are bringing a great value to our customers and the transportation industry by reducing costs and complexity, allowing more fleets to take advantage of the benefits of these technologies.”  

Riverside, Mo. — In collaboration with CATrak Technologies, Velociti Inc. has announced a patent-pending device that fleet owners can use to combat the increasingly prevalent threat of catalytic converter theft. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the thefts of catalytic converters increased drastically from 2020 (16,600 claims) to 2022 (64,701 claims), while a study conducted by Carfax estimates that as many as 153,000 vehicles had the part stolen in 2022. “At Velociti, we believe that the right technology, when applied strategically, can bring about transformative solutions,” said Deryk Powell, president of Velociti. “Teaming up with CATrak aligns with our commitment to deliver tailored, effective solutions for our clients. By addressing the growing problem of catalytic converter theft, we are joining forces to help fleets ensure maximum uptime and utilization and safeguard their bottom line.” Currently available for purchase and installation, the CATrak device immediately alerts its owners, managers, security personnel or law enforcement to catalytic converter theft attempts. Mark Richardi, CEO of CATrak, also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “CATrak’s mission has always been to provide solutions that actively deter and counter theft,” he said. “Partnering with Velociti allows us to deploy our technology more efficiently and effectively and amplify its impact so we can make a substantial difference in tackling catalytic converter theft.”

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized the Volvo Group North America (VGNA) for achieving energy savings for the second time. As a partner in the Better Plants Challenge, VGNA saved close to 26% of energy due to its greater efficiency efforts across its manufacturing footprint.  VGNA’s commitment to energy savings has allowed it to contribute to the $18.5 billion in energy, which, in turn, resulted in nearly 190 million metric tons of avoided carbon emissions for the Better Buildings, Better Plants Solution Center. “Volvo Group is very pleased to be recognized by the DOE for achieving the goal that we have set under the Better Plants Challenge as it reinforces Volvo Group’s fundamental commitment to care for the environment,” said Rick Robinson, VGNA’s director of health, safety, and environment. “By embarking on the journey with the Better Plants Program, we pledged to cut our energy intensity by 25 percent in a decade. Through dedication, cooperation and the DOE’s guidance, we not only met but exceeded our energy intensity goals, which now stands reduced by 52.5 percent since our initial commitment in 2009 as a result of our sustainable business practices.” VGNA’s journey toward energy efficiency has been marked by many significant achievements, such as: Surpassing First Goal in 2014: VGNA accomplished its initial goal five years ahead of schedule by achieving a 26.8 percent reduction in energy intensity. Meeting Second Goal in 2022: VGNA reached another pivotal milestone by reducing its energy intensity by an additional 25.7%. Overarching Achievement: Since 2009, VGNA has successfully reduced its energy intensity by 52.5 percent. VGNA’s achievements in energy efficiency demonstrate its efforts at six Prevost Bus service centers and the following seven manufacturing facilities across the United States: Volvo Trucks, Dublin, Virginia Volvo Group Trucks Hagerstown Mack Trucks, Macungie, Pennsylvania Volvo Construction Equipment, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania Volvo Penta, Lexington, Tennessee Volvo Group Remanufacturing, Charlotte, North Carolina Volvo Group Remanufacturing, Middletown, Pennsylvania In addition to its achievements with the program, VGNA actively participates in the DOE’s Better Plants Supply Chain Program as well. Through this program, VGNA has successfully recruited eight of its current suppliers to join the Better Plants Program, which extended the reach of its commitment to energy saving through its supply chain. The Better Buildings Challenge is part of the overall Better Buildings Initiative, which the DOE uses to partner with over 900 public and private organizations and companies to make commercial, public, industrial and residential buildings more efficient.

ATTLEBORO, Mass. — The PreView Sentry79 take-off and reverse blind-spot monitoring radar, released by Sensata Technologies, “sets a new standard for blind spot detection and collision avoidance in the on-road and off-road heavy vehicle industry,” according to a company statement. The newest addition to the PreView Sentry product line, this advanced 79 GHz front- and rear-detection radar sensor is designed to enhance driver awareness and minimize the risk of blind spot-related accidents, the statement notes. The sensor has a fully configurable detection zone, with the ability to detect objects at ranges up to 131 feet. The width of the detection zone is adjustable to fit almost any vehicle type. Using high-precision radar technology, the PreView Sentry79 provides drivers with real-time, reliable information about objects in their blind spots, significantly reducing the potential for collisions during take-off and backing maneuvers. The expansion of Sensata’s PreView Radar product line is the result of over two decades of experience working with drivers, fleets, bodybuilders and OEMs to understand and deliver on requirements and preferences for radar-based collision mitigation solutions. Key features of the PreView Sentry79 radar sensor include: Advanced radar technology: The PreView Sentry79 utilizes cutting-edge radar technology to detect objects in blind spots, even in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow. This ensures reliable performance and accurate detection capabilities. Seamless integration:Designed to be easily integrated into a wide range of vehicles, the PreView Sentry79 can be installed without extensive modifications or disruptions to existing systems. Customizable detection area:PreView Sentry79 offers customizable asymmetrical detection width for off-center mounting location options, a detection pattern segmented into five zones, and two customizable areas of detection to create an area where detections will not be reported (ignore zones), for example, ignoring protruding tires on a wheel loader while continuing to monitor the intended detection zone. “Sensata Technologies is dedicated to advancing safety through innovation, and the PreView Sentry®79 is a testament to our commitment,” said David Hofacker, senior marketing manager for ADAS and HVOR at Sensata Technologies. “Blind-spot collisions remain a significant concern. We believe that the PreView Sentry79 will save lives and protect property by providing drivers and operators with the critical information they need when they need it to prevent avoidable collisions and mitigate others.” The PreView Sentry79 is suitable for commercial trucks, buses, first- and last-mile delivery vehicles, heavy-duty mining and construction equipment, and more.

LOVELAND, Colo. — Lightning eMotors, a leading provider of medium-duty and specialty commercial electric vehicles and charging solutions for fleets, has passed the 10 terabyte (TB) database milestone for its state-of-the-art Lightning Insights telematics system, according to a news release. The system utilizes Tessell DBaaS (database-as-a-service) running on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Lightning Insights, purpose-built for monitoring and managing commercial electric vehicle fleets in real-time, tracks up to 156 data points every second, the news release noted. Over eight years, 600-plus deployed vehicles and more than 5 million miles, Lightning Insights has amassed more than 10TB of data, providing operators unprecedented access to real-time information about vehicle location, driver habits, state of charge, energy usage, efficiency and much more. “Having this quantity of data on how commercial electric vehicles operate in the real world provides us with a great opportunity to not only help customers make better decisions for their fleets, but educate the market as well,” said Lightning eMotors’ vice president of marketing and sales operations Nick Bettis. “Providing honest information that counters some of the unrealistic claims in the market today is something we are passionate about.” In addition to providing access to critical operational data, Lightning’s customer support team also uses Insights data for real-time alerts on vehicle health exceptions, allowing operators and service technicians to plan for and complete any necessary repairs before they become critical. Lightning transferred its internal MySQL database at the heart of its Lightning Insights system to Tessell’s DBaaS running on AWS in September 2022. In less than one year, thanks to accelerating vehicle deployments, the database has reached more than 10TB and is growing at the rate of about one-half TB per month. “When we evaluated the Tessell solution, we were extremely impressed with the resiliency and scalability it offered,” said Tim Reeser, co-founder, and CEO of Lightning eMotors. “Along with Tessell’s vision, which aligns with our own commitment to relentless innovation, the robust solution has allowed us to scale and support our telematics capabilities quickly and affordably to meet the information needs of our growing customer base.” Commercial and government fleet operators considering electrification are encouraged to utilize Lightning’s Fleet Planner, powered by Lightning Insights, to see how a Lightning EV compares to an equivalent ICE vehicle in efficiency and total cost of ownership. Additionally, using data collected over more than 5 million real-world miles, Lightning’s Fleet Planner can also provide insight into how much CO2 could be mitigated from the atmosphere with an electrified fleet for their specific use cases.