Equipment & Tech

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.

WALTHAM, Mass. and BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Energy company National Grid has kicked off a study to support the electrification of commercial fleets, mapping out large truck charging needs across nearly 3,000 miles of major highways in the Northeastern U.S. Funded by a $1.2 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the two-year effort to build a Northeast Freight Corridors Charging Plan will focus on the highways with a lot of heavy trucking traffic, which includes Interstate 95 and Interstate 90, along with areas with commercial transportation activity, such as the ports of New York and New Jersey, according to a news release. The study will develop 20-year demand forecasts for more than 100 sites across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and all New England states. “This analysis could guide the investment and policy decisions while also providing a clear path for states, utilities, businesses and local communities to plan and build a charging network that supports large-scale electrification of the largest emitting sector of the Northeast’s economy,” according to the news release. A similar study, also funded by the DOE, is being conducted by clean transportation technology group CALSTART. The Northeast Freight Corridors Charging Plan will expand upon National Grid’s 2022 first-in-the-nation Electric Highways Study. The study found that large highway fast-charging sites could possibly require more power than a small town by the year 2045. As more electric trucks enter roadways, grid and charging infrastructure must keep up with the pace of the growth. Larger electric vehicles require frequent recharging on long-haul routes, but charging options for electric trucks still remain limited as most charging stations are only equipped to serve smaller passenger vehicles. “Readying our grid infrastructure for electric trucks will require careful planning and close collaboration across state lines,” said Bart Franey, vice president of clean energy development for National Grid in New York. “This DOE grant award brings the right stakeholders into the same room to chart a clear course for electric truck charging across the Northeast. This roadmap will inform efforts by states, utilities, communities, and industry leaders to create a seamless truck charging network across the region.” National Grid is engaging with industry partners to drive transportation electrification in the Northeast and help communities keep pace with the policy and market-driven demand now and what’s coming in the future. The company is leading this groundbreaking study effort in partnership with RMI, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), Clean Communities of Central New York, and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). National Grid will also closely coordinate with CALSTART, the recipient of a similar DOE grant, to map out truck charging needs south of National Grid’s study area. The two studies are set to cover a combined 3,700 miles of highways and freight corridors, including 1,300 miles of I-95 from Georgia all the way to the Canadian border — plotting out what could be one of the longest truck charging corridors in the country. When integrated together, this broader analysis will span 15 states, supporting more than 300 million tons of freight moving through ports on the East Coast each year, as well as several of the largest cities in the U.S. John Boesel, president and CEO of CALSTART, said, “The I-95 Corridor project, once completed, will put into practice the integration of zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure, and addressing climate-change issues that has been carried out in other areas of the country. The successful implementation of this project will put to rest the unfounded concerns of zero-emission opponents by demonstrating that this technology is both economically feasible and a benefit to all.” David Sandbank, vice president of Distributed Energy Resources for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, said the study “will help deepen the understanding of electrification needs and help New York State and the region strategically put more medium and heavy-duty electric trucks on the road. Growing the number of charging locations throughout key travel corridors will lower emissions and pollution while ensuring goods and services are delivered in a cleaner, more sustainable way.” Paul Miller, executive director of NESCAUM, a regional association of air quality agencies in eight northeast states that will help engage state governments in the Northeast Freight Corridors Charging Plan, said zero-emission freight transportation is a vital need. The nation, added, must “slash greenhouse gas emissions and to improve air quality and public health in the communities along freight routes that have long borne inequitable impacts from diesel-powered trucking. This foundational study will help to expedite a charging network that can scale quickly and cost-effectively as more zero-emission trucks take to the road.”

PHILADELPHIA — SimpleTire, an online tire retailer based in Philadelphia and part of the Dealer Tire Family of Companies, has launched SimpleScore, its proprietary tire rating system. Featured on SimpleTire’s website, SimpleScore presents a simplified tire-buying experience by transforming complex data into a user-friendly rating system, according to a news release. “Drawing upon tire manufacturer data and customer insights, SimpleTire combines this information with the expertise of its in-house tire experts to offer customers an easy-to-understand score for each tire,” the news release stated. “Customers can then click on a tire’s score to see a score breakdown that offers valuable guidance on performance across various categories, including longevity, handling, durability, and traction.” A survey by SimpleTire with Wakefield Research found that 52% of individuals rely on online research and customer reviews to gather information on the best tires for their vehicles. Nearly half of U.S. tire consumers (49%) consider replacing and buying new tires to be a hassle, with 21% of respondents identifying research as a primary challenge in this process. “Our mission has always revolved around simplifying the tire-buying process. SimpleScore is a game-changer, helping customers cut through the noise of the overwhelming data and information to enable swift and intuitive decision-making,” said Kenny Pratt, chief digital officer and co-founder of SimpleTire. Karthik Iyer, president and CEO of SimpleTire, said that SimpleScore “reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and consumer-centric service. By providing a tool that transcends basic ratings and delves into performance metrics, we empower customers to prioritize the tire features that matter most when making a purchase.”

NEW YORK — Clean transportation technology group CALSTART is launching a new project aimed at investing in commercial medium-and heavy-duty (MHD) zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure along I-95, one of the nation’s most heavily traveled freight routes. The East Coast Commercial ZEV Corridor project will incorporate input from fleet operators, the charging and fueling industry, utilities and communities to determine the most equitable and efficient path forward to support MHD ZEV deployment, according to a news release. Funded by a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Energy (DOE), the two-year initiative will define the locations, contributors and processes “that will result in an unprecedented, advanced technology and zero-emission freight corridor up and down the Eastern seaboard,” the news release stated. “The CALSTART-led ZEV Corridor project will transform the I-95 thoroughfare from New Jersey to Georgia into a model of MHD ZEV efficiency, which will significantly improve the health and well-being of both drivers and the communities in and around the routes traveled through, as well as power improvements and expansion across the industries that produce MHD ZEVs and their supporting infrastructure.” CALSTART officials say they have worked for many decades with the government, vehicle and infrastructure manufacturers and fleets to put into place clean-air regulations and to help create the clean transportation industry necessary to meet them. “The I-95 Corridor project, once completed, will put into practice the integration of zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure, and addressing climate-change issues that has been carried out in other areas of the country,” said John Boesel, president and CEO of CALSTART. “The successful implementation of this project will put to rest the unfounded concerns of zero-emission opponents by demonstrating that this technology is both economically feasible and a benefit to all.” Those opposed to electrification of the nation’s freightways have identified the cost and time required to build out the required infrastructure as prohibitive factors. “CALSTART has already thought of that issue and come up with a solution for that issue,” the news release stated. “Its recently released report, Phasing in U.S. Charging Infrastructure, CALSTART details an efficient, cost-effective and relatively rapid buildout of that essential infrastructure, describing a phased-in approach that will keep up pace with the MHD ZEV transition. The phased-in approach, the rapidly expanding commercial availability of versatile MHD ZEVs, and CALSTART’s East Coast Commercial ZEV Corridor project will all work together to realize advanced, clean and quiet commercial trucking operations along the Atlantic seaboard.” CALSTART officials say their study has support from Momentum, TETC/I-95 Corridor Coalition, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Georgetown Climate Center and Clean Cities Coalitions from each state along the corridor. A second study, led by National Grid with a similar DOE grant, focuses on the I-95 corridor from Maine to New Jersey. “Readying our grid infrastructure for electric trucks will require careful planning and close collaboration across state lines,” said Bart Franey, National Grid’s vice president of Clean Energy Development in New York. “This DOE grant award brings the right stakeholders into the same room to chart a clear course for electric truck charging across the Northeast. This roadmap will inform efforts by states, utilities, and the industry leaders to create a seamless truck charging network across the region.”

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Navistar Inc. announced the start of production on the new International S13 Integrated Powertrain at the company’s Huntsville, Alabama, production facility. The International S13 Integrated Powertrain — composed of the S13 Engine, T14 Transmission, and Dual Stage Aftertreatment system — marks the final combustion product platform that Navistar will develop as the company transitions towards zero-emissions vehicles. Navistar recently completed a 110,000-square-foot expansion of the Huntsville Powertrain Plant to support the production of the new S13 Integrated Powertrain components. With the addition, the now 410,000-square-foot facility has transitioned from a single assembly line to two — one for the T14 Transmission and one for the S13 Engine — along with the incorporation of three major machining lines. “Navistar is one of those great companies that makes Huntsville go,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We’re proud that the integrated powertrain is produced in Huntsville and that Navistar has been a strong partner and one of our long-term corporate citizens.” Overall, Navistar has invested more than $200 million in the Huntsville plant, which was established in 2008 and employs more than 230 skilled workers in the area. “We’re thrilled to unveil the expansion of our Huntsville Powertrain Plant, symbolizing our commitment to innovation and excellence. Through collaborative efforts with the Traton Group, we are confident to set a new efficiency benchmark in sustainable transportation,” said Brandon Tucker, director of operations at Huntsville Powertrain Plant. “The entire team is excited to embark on this journey and build the remarkable S13 Integrated Powertrain that will redefine the industry and power our path towards a more sustainable future.” In addition to the new assembly and machining lines, sustainability improvements were made to the plant. Those improvements include LED lighting, a wastewater evaporator to minimize wastewater discharge, and new augers to separate recyclables from rubbish to significantly reduce the waste in landfills. The expansion began in February 2020 and has added roughly 100 jobs to the plant. In addition, many key manufacturing process improvements have been installed, including robotic assembly cells, enterprise-connected manufacturing devices with advanced error-proofing, and automated guided vehicles that allow the plant flexibility. “When you add the manufacturing technology with our skilled employees, we’re producing the highest quality product possible in an extremely efficient process for all of our customers,” Tucker said. Announced in August 2022, the S13 Integrated Powertrain, developed in collaboration with the Traton Group, significantly increases operating efficiency, reduces operating costs, and provides greater profitability for customers. The highly efficient 13-liter engine achieves advanced fuel efficiency and performance through combustion efficiency and a reduction of friction and pumping losses. The dual-stage after-treatment system saves fleets time and enhances fuel economy. Eliminating the exhaust gas recirculation ensures a more complete fuel burn and allows cleaner air to enter the combustion chamber on the intake cycle to mitigate soot buildup.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) is taking its next steps toward a zero-emissions future by deploying two battery-electric semi-trucks and five regenerative electric refrigerated trailer systems, company officials announced on Tuesday, Oct. 17. UNFI is deploying the trucks and trailers in the Sacramento and Gilroy, California, markets, just in time for the peak holiday selling season, according to a news release. UNFI worked with Penske Truck Leasing to secure two, class-8 electric trucks, which include the Freightliner eCascadia and the Volvo VNR Electric models. Both vehicles are well equipped for safety and driver comfort and include air-ride seats, air suspension, easy charging, and ample battery range and torque to meet UNFI’s typical freight hauling and delivery needs. UNFI will combine these trucks with refrigerated trailers cooled by Carrier’s Vector eCool transport refrigeration unit (TRU). The all-electric Vector eCool uses power generated by ConMet eMobility’s nMotion TR 160-45, an in-wheel electric motor application that repurposes energy captured during coasting and braking. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the creativity and collaboration that go into bringing truly sustainable transport refrigeration solutions to market,” said Alice DeBiasio, vice president and general manager of Truck Trailer Americas and Digital Solutions Carrier. “We’re excited to see our Vector eCool units, using energy recovery and storage from the ConMet eMobility system, improve UNFI’s efficiency and environmental impact.” The combination of clean, regenerated energy and Carrier’s Vector unit will help UNFI keep customers’ deliveries cold while creating zero emissions, the news release stated. UNFI recently completed a study focused on heavy-duty fleet electrification planning, funded by the California Energy Commission. UNFI officials said the results are helping to define the steps required to implement charging infrastructure and electric vehicles at multiple locations, including the company facility in Gilroy. “The introduction of these efficient electric trucks and refrigerated trailers is a huge step forward, not only toward lowering our delivery costs-per-mile and achieving our own clean transportation goals, but also in helping UNFI achieve California’s ambitious goals on the adoption of zero-emission vehicles,” said Nick Selders, vice president of transportation at UNFI. “Implementing this zero-emission delivery solution will enable us become more cost efficient and prevent hundreds of metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere per year.” Patrick Watt, vice president of alternative vehicle and emerging technology at Penske Truck Leasing, said that his company is “pleased to collaborate with innovative customers like UNFI as they implement their fleet electrification initiatives and advance their sustainability commitments. We were able to accelerate this project with funding through California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The availability of HVIP funding is important as it helps fleets offset a portion of the incremental costs of implementing new, commercial electric vehicle technologies.” UNFI driver Brian Schrimsher, who has been behind the wheel for 20 years at the company, said he enjoys the new rigs. “Driving the new electric truck has been great. It’s smooth, quiet and super comfortable,” he said. “The sporty look makes for a fun drive, and it has a lot of power. I get a lot of looks and questions from other drivers. Hopefully I can drive this truck every day.”  

DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt is displaying several new models at the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition in Austin, Texas, which ends on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The trucks on display include: Model 579 UltraLoft with EPIQ MAX Aero Package. Model 579EV, a zero-emission, battery electric vehicle. Model 589 with Legendary Package. In addition to this product lineup, the Peterbilt booth also showcases a DAF-XF from PACCAR’s European subsidiary, DAF Trucks. The DAF-XF is equipped with a prototype hydrogen internal combustion PACCAR MX engine, which emits no carbon dioxide and can support extended-range applications. “Purposeful innovation is a core Peterbilt value,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “Peterbilt’s current product lineup delivers best-in-class performance, unmatched driver comfort, and low cost of ownership. Our near-zero and zero-emissions powertrain options add efficient performance for many applications and help our customers meet emissions requirements. The DAF XF prototype hydrogen internal combustion PACCAR MX engine allows us to highlight the innovation in an engine platform that could complement our portfolio of low carbon footprint vehicles.”

IRVINE, Calif. — Phillips Industries has introduced the PERMALITE Apex and PERMALITE Apex Motion lights to the transportation industry. According to a news release, the next generation of bright interior corner lights is designed for dry vans and refrigerated trailers. The lights are energy efficient, have motion sensors that are activated with body heat and are built to withstand harsh trucking conditions. With their low profile and durable design, the Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company selected them as their standard interior lights for their refrigerated trailers. “We are thoroughly impressed with the durability, efficiency, and functionality of these new corner lights. We are always looking for innovative solutions, and we look forward to adopting this new technology and watching it impact our bottom line,” said Steve Bennett, president and COO of Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company. Manufactured with BoardFree technology that eliminates the need for a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), the enhanced resilience protects the lights against damage caused by liquids or chemicals. In addition to the over-molded and BoardFree design, it is a guarantee that the interior lights maintain exceptional resistance to corrosion, water, shocks, and impacts. The lights meet the highest standards based on their IP67 and IP69K levels, providing them with unmatched performance and longevity in any environment. The PERMALITE Apex Motion’s sensor, which has a 5-minute shutoff, automatically controls the on/off function for single or multiple light modules wired together in a series utilizing a plug-and-play design. The motion sensor has a continuous maximum current of 11 amps and overcurrent and over-voltage protection. The placement of the sensors is customizable to meet a fleet’s unique needs. LED status lights indicate incoming power to the sensor as well as 12V output when motion is detected for easy setup. Motion detection angle is 120 degrees. The 14-inch light strip modules can easily be installed on new or existing equipment. There is no set requirement for certain ceiling pans or conduit installation, and wiring can be hidden or exposed depending on the preference of the customer. “The development of our new corner lights is significant in continuing to offer our partners meaningful solutions. It was important to us to get the IP69K rating. Many fleets need their equipment to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected without being damaged to meet these rigorous standards, and we are happy to provide a durable solution for them,” said Dan Forthoffer, vice president of corporate R&D.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America has announced a new comprehensive fleet management portal to access Volvo Trucks’ digital services, providing fleets with near real-time data on the health and performance of trucks in operation. The new portal, Volvo Connect, provides a digital suite of services, analytics and reports that deliver fleets a range of truck data, including fuel consumption, idle time, vehicle speed, seat belt information and location information, according to a news release. “We developed Volvo Connect because customers were asking for a central portal to easily access important information about their truck,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo Connect provides our customers with valuable data on the trucks in their fleets with a focus on operational efficiency and providing valuable information related to driver performance. Safety and sustainability are core values for Volvo Trucks and are critical in our journey toward zero emissions. We’re confident Volvo Connect will be a great service for our customers on their own safety and sustainability journeys.” Volvo Connect allows fleet managers to access the status of all Volvo trucks in their fleet that have a factory-installed 4G Telematics Gateway, the news release noted. The portal provides the ability to check and monitor that parameters such as maximum allowed road speed and idle shutdown are set correctly and optimized for a truck’s specific transport assignment. Volvo Connect also provides remote diagnostics and remote programming visibility,. “Remote diagnostics allows fleets to monitor select data from each of their trucks, helping to proactively expedite repairs or maintenance when needed,” according to the news release. “Customers can see fault codes, keep the history of any ASIST cases that have been created through Remote Diagnostics monitoring, and easily view the records from the Volvo Connect portal. Maintenance and repairs can be scheduled via the ASIST service management platform when it is convenient for the driver to maximize uptime, reducing unplanned stops and keeping the trucks on the road as much as possible.” Built-in location services offer access to each vehicle’s current location, as well as historical route data. The map provides detailed information including travel speed, fuel level, truck restrictions and traffic data for the route ahead, as well as indicating nearby Volvo dealership locations if maintenance or repairs are needed. “The Volvo Connect portal provides fleets with a deeper analysis of their truck data and not just a high-level scan,” said Magnus Gustafson, vice president of connected services at Volvo Trucks North America. “We will continuously add more features, reports, and truck insights to provide fleet managers with the information needed to make effective, data-based decisions about their fleet.”

AUSTIN — Mack Trucks has launched Mack Connect, a fleet management portal enabling customers to digitally access information about the Mack-powered trucks in their fleet. Mack made the announcement during the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition (MC&E), Oct. 14 to 17, at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas. “Mack Connect improves customer visibility into the health and performance of their vehicles and simplifies the process to access the data,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “We listened to our customers and developed this portal to help fleets improve their operational efficiencies and profitability, while also allowing them the visibility to ensure their trucks are operating at peak performance.” Mack Connect gathers critical aspects about a customer’s trucks, services and their specific application, translating this into improved fuel efficiency, safety and productivity, according to a news release. The Mack Connect toolbox includes data about asset location, idle time, traffic information, fuel efficiency, safety performance and vehicle speed. Customers can access the status of their Mack vehicles through a 4G Telematics Gateway, factory-installed at Lehigh Valley Operations, Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Class 8 Mack vehicles for North America and export are assembled. “Mack Connect is a portal that offers customers access to critical data that goes beyond what they are used to seeing,” said Patrick Brown, Mack Trucks senior strategy and sustainability manager. “Mack remains committed to simplifying data so customers can easily use it to make decisions to increase their ROI and better manage their fleet.” Mack Connect offers visibility to the Mack GuardDog Connect integrated telematics solution so customers can easily manage fault events should they occur, while also providing visibility to over-the-air updates when available. Reporting and analytics are available so customers may analyze the data to determine whether adjustments need to be made to improve efficiencies. Mack piloted Mack Connect with several customers before the launch. Hilco Transport, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, was one of the customers that participated. About 50 percent of the 500-vehicle Hilco fleet are Mack trucks. Currently, more than 200 of Hilco’s Mack vehicles are using Mack Connect. “I’m a data-driven kind of person, so I like to be able to pull up the data that Mack Connect provides in real-time and present it when we have our executive meetings,” said Mike Laughead, director of maintenance for Hilco. “We are impressed with the system, and it helps managers keep tabs on operations.” Laughead said aside from the reporting of data, he’s most impressed by the map feature, which allows users to locate and click on a vehicle and access all the data associated with that truck. “It’s very user friendly and easy to navigate,” Laughead added. Mack Connect with integrated uptime is standard on all new Mack-powered Model Year 2025 vehicles for two years.

HAMBURG, Germany — Mercedes-Benz Trucks has unveiled the series version of the first battery-electric long-haul truck with the three-pointed star. The manufacturer presented the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 on Tuesday, Oct. 10, as a world premiere to an international audience at an event south of Hamburg. With this heavy-duty electric truck, the manufacturer plans to define the new standard in road freight transport — in terms of technology, sustainability, design and profitability for e-fleet operators, a news release stated. The high battery capacity of more than 600 kilowatt hours — hence the model designation 600 — and a new electric drive axle developed in-house enable the e-truck to achieve a range of 310 miles without intermediate charging. The batteries can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with an output of around one megawatt. The vehicle is technically designed for a gross combination weight of up to 44 tons. With a standard semi-trailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of around 22 tons in the European market. In some cases, national law may permit a higher payload. “Visually, the e-truck is characterized by a fundamentally new, puristic design with clear lines and an aerodynamic shape,” the news release stated. “When it comes to profitability for fleet operators, the electric truck is intended to set new standards, over the long term replacing the majority of diesel trucks in the important long-haul transport segment. The core of Mercedes-Benz Trucks‘ concept for battery-electric long-distance transport is to offer customers a holistic solution consisting of vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure and services.” Sales of the electric truck start this year, with the start of series production planned for the end of 2024. In addition to the tractor unit, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also produce rigid variants of the eActros 600 right from market launch, offering customers further possible applications for all-electric transport. A fleet of around fifty prototype vehicles is currently being built, some of which are also to be put into practical testing with first customers in a next step. Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “The eActros 600 stands for the transformation of road freight transport towards CO2-neutrality like no other truck with a three-pointed star. It is characterized by highly innovative drive technology that can offer our customers particularly high energy efficiency and thus profitability. This makes entry into e-mobility even more attractive for fleet operators.”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai’s XCIENT Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Truck has won the GREEN AWARD in the Mobility category at GTF Connect Los Angeles, hosted in Hollywood, California. “XCIENT Fuel Cell’s innovative technology positions it as an industry leader, providing zero-emission transport solutions,” a news release stated. “Its advanced fuel cell technology sets a benchmark for the future of sustainable, efficient transportation.” First launched in 2020, XCIENT Fuel Cell has been deployed in five countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Israel, Korea and New Zealand. “I am honored to accept the prestigious Mobility category award at the GTF Connect GREEN AWARDS on behalf of our entire XCIENT Fuel Cell truck team,” said Jim Park, senior vice president commercial vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell business at Hyundai Motor North America. “The recognition of our XCIENT Fuel Cell reinforces our unwavering commitment to sustainable transportation solutions for both consumer and commercial vehicles. This achievement further underscores Hyundai’s relentless pursuit of innovation and our steadfast dedication to forging a cleaner, more efficient future that benefits us all.” In May 2023, Hyundai launched the commercialization model of XCIENT Fuel Cell tractor in the U.S. equipped with two 90-kW hydrogen fuel cell systems (total 180 kW power) and a 350-kW e-motor. The tractor’s gross combination weight is a maximum 82,000 pounds, pairing short refueling times with a driving range of over 450 miles per charge — even when fully loaded, according to Hyundai.

PHOENIX — The newest update to a mobile app relied on by North American truckers has been made public. Trucker Path announced that it continues to expand its Trucker Path Marketplace, where North American truckers can have access to MiKargo247’s spot cargo insurance for up to $1 million per load.  According to DAT, it is estimated that up to 90% of cargo loads on the road are underinsured or not insured at all, with $15-plus billion in damages that cannot be recovered if something were to happen. The partnership between the two companies, Trucker Path and MiKargo247, allows drivers and owner-operators to participate entirely in the freight market by meeting the insurance requirements and having reliable and trusted protection.  “With spot cargo insurance powered by MiKargo247, the Trucker Path community has instant access to policies that can protect their loads beyond standard coverage,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “With these single trip policies and per load pricing, drivers and owner-operators can control their costs by choosing which loads to insure and coverage amounts. This addition to the Trucker Path Marketplace supports truckers with an essential product that is easy to access, helps them operate more cost-effectively, and provides peace of mind knowing their cargo is properly insured.” Following the Trucker Path Marketplace model, making business easier for the professional driving community, obtaining car coverage is a simple click-on on-the-spot cargo insurance icon and entering cargo information. Per-trip spot cargo insurance offered by MiKargo247 covers all risks and provides broader coverage for commodities typically excluded by other cargo policies. “MiKargo247 insurtech provides end-to-end spot cargo insurance as a readily-accessible solution for Trucker Path users is a natural fit and solution,” said Michele McGinnis, co-founder and CEO at MiKargo247. “Having the ability to include cargo protection as part of the trip planning process offers an added convenience for drivers so they can focus on their journey.” Benefits of spot cargo insurance powered by MiKargo247 to the Trucker Path community, which includes:  Access to higher-paying loads that need higher cargo coverage.  Access to commodities typically excluded by standard cargo policies.  Quotes are generated in seconds, and binding coverage can be issued in less than two minutes. No waiting for agent or underwriter approval of commodity and limit. No sign-up or subscription is required. Simple online claim service. Carriers interested in learning more about Trucker Path’s spot cargo insurance offering powered by MiKargo247 can visit www.mikargo247.com/truckerpath/.

PHOENIX — Electric truck maker Nikola recently debuted a new hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 truck — known as HYLA — at the company’s manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Arizona. The truck features a range of up to 500 miles and an estimated fueling time as low as 20 minutes, according to a news release. Nikola President and CEO Steve Girsky said the truck is a testament to the company’s “can-do” attitude, adding that it “is a step closer to realizing our vision of sustainable and efficient transportation. As we head into the fourth quarter, we are focused on delivering our trucks at scale and securing our position as pioneers in the hydrogen refueling ecosystem to support our customers.” Nikola reports that its dealers have received 223 non-binding orders for its hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks from 23 customers, including J.B. Hunt, AJR Trucking, Biagi Bros. and TTSI. The completion of Phase 2 assembly expansion at the Coolidge manufacturing facility will mean Nikola can produce both hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric trucks. Nikola officials said the facility stands ready to achieve an annual production capacity of approximately 2,400 trucks across three shifts, according to the news release. “We are proud to celebrate the launch of Nikola’s innovative hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle production facility in Coolidge,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Nikola’s investment in Arizona’s electric vehicle supply chain and their partnership with leading suppliers are driving further economic growth. We look forward to supporting Nikola’s success as the company continues to shape the future of transportation from Coolidge.” Nikola trucks are eligible for the California Air Resources Board Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, opening up access to incentives starting at $120,000 and ranging up to $288,000 per truck. Additionally, the recently reopened Innovative Small e-Fleet program in California offers incentives to small fleets starting at $240,000 and ranging up to $408,000 per vehicle. The truck also qualifies for the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program, as well as incentives in Canada. Nikola customers will also be eligible for a $40,000 clean commercial vehicle tax credit per vehicle from the federal government due to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. “The company has been awarded potential grant funds to help facilitate the ongoing development of hydrogen refueling stations along key California freight corridors and with the previously announced joint effort with Voltera to establish up to 50 HYLA stations across North America over the next five years,” the news release stated. Joe Cappello, Nikola’s president of energy, said the grants are allowing Nikola to forge ahead with a mission to build a comprehensive zero-emission transportation solution. “The support from state agencies, such as California, incentives in Canada and others, underscores our combined commitment to help fleets meet climate goals and improve air quality in the most critical areas,” he said. “It’s a testament to the strength of HYLA’s vision for an integrated hydrogen ecosystem that supports not only our hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks but also lays the foundation for a scalable energy business.”

AUSTIN, Texas — Electric big rig solutions provider Hyliion and Cummins have obtained a Dual Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the Hypertruck ERX powertrain paired with the Cummins ISX12N engine, according to a recent announcement. “This certification is pivotal to commercializing our Hypertruck ERX powertrain and enables us to provide our customers with a solution that supports their sustainability goals. More than just an environmental certification, this achievement represents the commitment to innovation, sustainability and industry leadership we share with Cummins,” said Thomas Healy, Founder and CEO of Hyliion.  According to a news release, the companies “have worked together to meet emissions standards and secure key environmental certifications to sell the powertrain into California.” The Hypertruck ERX is an electric range extender powertrain that uses the Cummins’ natural gas engine as an onboard generator to recharge the batteries.  Offering up to 75 miles of electric range, the Hypertruck ERX powertrain meets California emissions standards to qualify as a near-zero emissions vehicle under CARB’s ACT and ACF rulings. When utilizing the generator, the Hypertruck ERX system can achieve up to 1,000 miles of total range, leveraging the existing infrastructure of nearly 700 natural gas fueling stations nationwide, the news release stated “Working with Hyliion to achieve this certification is a milestone in providing another solution towards lowering emissions,” said J. Michael Taylor, general manager of propulsion systems strategy at Cummins Inc. “We are excited to combine technologies and offer the value that comes from the natural gas ISX12N in the Hypertruck ERX electric powertrain for customers needing solutions to achieve sustainability goals.”  Initial deliveries of the Hypertruck ERX powertrain with the ISX12N Cummins natural gas engine will occur before the year’s end, and Hyliion is currently accepting orders for the system.