Equipment & Tech

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has announced that FR8relay will receive $206,468 as part of 259 Department of Energy grants totaling $53 million to 210 small businesses in 38 states. The awards include projects relating to particle accelerators and fusion technology, applied nanoscience, quantum information applications and dark matter research, along with a wide range of other efforts. “Supporting small businesses will ensure we are tapping into all of America’s talent to develop clean energy technologies that will help us tackle the climate crisis,” Steve Binkley, acting director of the DOE’s Office of Science, said. The nation relies on trucking to move 72.5% of its freight, but the current model of long-haul trucking leads to wasted emissions, wasted fuel, wasted capacity and an untenable job for truck drivers creating a human capacity gap. “FR8relay’s novel relay mobility solution could reduce emissions, increase mobility energy productivity, and increase truck utilization, while vastly improving truck driving jobs and creating economic development opportunities for economically distressed communities,” according to a news release. FR8relay’s Phase I DOE SBIR project focuses on engaging relay trucking stakeholders in economically disadvantaged communities to collect critical end-user and community design inputs. “Stakeholder buy-in is critical, not only to achieving just and equitable energy transition, but to successful transfer of technology to customers,” FR8relay co-founder Deme Yuan said. “We’re honored to be among the 210 awardees of this SBIR program and are eager to get started on the project. Stay tuned for more information about our community and industry partners on this project.”

LOS ANGELES — Mo Chen, co-Founder of San Diego-based autonomous driving company TuSimple, has started a new company, Hydron, which aims to develop, manufacture and sell hydrogen-powered trucks equipped with autonomous driving technology. Chen, a Canadian entrepreneur, co-founded self-driving technology company TuSimple with business partner Xiaodi Hou in 2015. UPS invested in TuSimple before it went public through a traditional IPO raising $1.3 billion in total funding, according to a news release. In December of 2021, TuSimple operated long-haul heavy-duty trucks autonomously on open public roads without a human in the vehicle and without remote intervention. “The path to commercializing autonomous vehicles requires the complex integration of both hardware and software,” Chen said. “The biggest challenge in bringing autonomous driving to the market at scale is not software development, but access to reliable mass production hardware, and now with Hydron, we will be able to provide automotive-grade hardware specifically for autonomous networks.” Hydron plans to collaborate with partners to build a manufacturing facility in North America “to better meet the U.S. supply chain challenges,” according to the news release. The first generation of Hydron trucks is expected to enter mass production in Q3 of 2024, with a complete set of sensors, computing units and redundant actuators to meet L4 autonomous driving requirements. Hydron is a privately held independent company and is not affiliated with TuSimple.  

OLATHE, Kansas — Garmin International Inc has introduced the BC 50 and BC 50 with Night Vision wireless backup cameras. The BC 50 with night vision offers Garmin’s proprietary NightGlo technology that can illuminate up to 20-feet behind a vehicle for optimal visibility at night or in dark settings, according to a news release. Compatible with a variety of Garmin GPS navigation devices, the BC 50 Series is purpose-built for a broad range of needs — from parallel parking on a busy city street to backing an RV into a campsite, off-roading in the great outdoors or reversing a semi-truck into a docking bay. “Garmin is in the business of building confidence behind the wheel and this is especially critical when customers need to shift into reverse,” Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales, said. “The night vision is an overall game changer for drivers whose vehicles or trailers lack reverse lights or the ability to clearly see behind the vehicle.” The BC 50 backup cameras offer sharp HD resolution, a wide 160-degree field of view, a long wireless range and a compact, IP67 weather-resistant housing designed to withstand snow, rain and road conditions, the news release stated. Customers can purchase an optional 50-foot extension cable that expands the wireless transmission range up to 100-feet, ideal for extended rigs and vehicle-trailer configurations needing a reliable backup camera solution. A variety of Garmin navigators are compatible with the BC 50 Series. Notable product lines include: Garmin DriveSmart 66/76/86 series for every-day commuters; Tread® all-terrain series for recreational off-roading or overlanding enthusiasts; and New dēzl™ OTR610/710/810/1010 series for professional truck drivers. Both models include a license plate mount and mounting hardware, and the night vision model adds a bracket mount for more mounting options.  

PORTLAND, Ore. – Western Star announced Friday new options available on its 49X model that will widen coverage for heavy haul and construction applications. First, Western Star introduced the optional Power Hood for the 49X, designed to allow for higher horsepower and more cooling for set-forward front axle configurations. Made from the same molded resin material as the sloped 49X hood, the Power Hood is designed for applications, such as heavy haul, oil field service and construction, which require higher horsepower ratings. The Power Hood is available with the Detroit DD16 – up to 600 horsepower/2050 pound-per-foot torque – or the Cummins X15 – up to 605 horsepower/2050 pound-per-foot torque – engines and the 49X’s 1600-square-inch radiator. “The 49X already is the most advanced vocational truck on the market. These new features make it more powerful and versatile so it can deliver even better performance and results for customers,” Mary Aufdemberg, general manager of product strategy and market development at Daimler Truck North America, said. “Western Star loyalists will appreciate how the more traditional design of the Power Hood evokes the brand’s storied heritage.” The second option to expand the 49X’s heavy vocational application coverage is the Meritor P600 planetary drive axle. Available in tandem or tridem rear axle configurations and paired with the Neway AD260 or AD390 rear suspensions, the P600 is designed for heavy haul applications with GCWs of 200,000+ pounds. The Power Hood and P600 drive axle will begin production on the 49X starting September 2022. Also available for order now on the Western Star 49X and 47X trucks are factory-installed twin steer front axle options available in set-back axle configurations. These twin steer configurations are designed for heavy construction applications, such as a concrete pumper, oil field service trucks, cranes, mixers and more. The 49X offers Detroit tandem front axle ratings of 40,000 and 36,000 pounds, paired with equalized flat leaf front slippered suspensions. The 47X features a Detroit tandem front axle rating of 40,000 pounds, paired with equalized taper leaf front suspensions. These twin steer options offer increased load capabilities on the front axles along with improved steering traction, weight distribution, and easier cab access compared to previous Western Star models. “These new options for the X-Series are simply the latest results of Western Star’s commitment to building the finest trucks for heavy haul, construction and other severe service applications,” Aufdemberg said. In addition to these factory-installed, set-back axle twin steer options, the 47X offers a twin steer prep kit for set-forward configurations. Factory twin steer production begins in late 2022 for the 49X and early 2023 for the 47X.  

ROMULUS, Mich. — Motorcity Systems announced Tuesday that FirstFleet has adopted its RELAY system to revamp dispatch-to-driver communications and workflow. Motorcity’s RELAY is a real-time messaging system that fleets use to give dispatchers one source of messages with drivers versus using multiple disparate systems leading to lost message threads. RELAY integrates with multiple third-party ELD telematics, mobile communications platforms and devices, as well as new or legacy transportation management software systems providing increased visibility to information like hours of service. With RELAY, fleets can organize drivers into groups to track conversations and complete digital forms on a timeline. Visual and audio cues alert dispatchers and drivers when new messages are received. RELAY also has real-time chat, group messaging, a powerful search engine, and other easy-to-use features. Motorcity delivers RELAY as a cloud-based solution that is integrated with FirstFleet’s mobile platform powered by Platform Science. Through the platform, FirstFleet can customize its workflows down to an app-by-app and driver-by-driver level and create in-cab technology experiences that best suit specific business objectives. “We built RELAY to address the communication and messaging problems that motor carriers and drivers experience with traditional TMS and back-office systems and are extremely proud to count FirstFleet as an early adopter of this new messaging solution,” Bob Stemple, co-founder and president of Motorcity Systems, said. Officials at FirstFleet, based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, said their goal is to continue making strategic investments in technology that returns productivity and efficiency to its operations, and enables the company to be agile in its offerings to customers and drivers. “RELAY has allowed us to merge the communication streams of in-cab and SMS solutions for our drivers and dispatch teams which in turn provides increased visibility and accessibility in an area that has historically been limited to the sender and receiver,” said Austin Henderson, Chief Information Officer of FirstFleet. “In short, more eyes on the communication stream increases our communication flow and thus increases satisfaction for all parties involved.” To learn more about how RELAY, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTm6oNzvDl0.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Fruehauf, a leading semi-trailer manufacturer throughout the globe, celebrated the grand opening of its new production facility on June 2 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Though Fruehauf left U.S. manufacturing in the mid-90s, Fruehauf North America has reintroduced the brand back in the United States by building this new facility in the Kentucky Transpark, according to a company news release. “I always love to see a new company locate in the commonwealth, but it speaks to our many advantages when a company decides to locate its first U.S. operation in 25 years in the commonwealth,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Fruehauf is a welcome addition to Kentucky and the Bowling Green area, and this is the start of what I know will be an excellent partnership for years to come.” Tom Wiseman, president of Fruehauf’s North American operations, said that the company is happy to be a part of the Bowling Green community. “We are very appreciative of all the support from the State and local community, our customers, dealers and supplier base,” he said. “It has been over 25 years since Fruehauf dry vans were produced in the US. Our Bowling Green manufacturing plant will produce both composite and sheet and post dry vans with an annual capacity of over 5,000 units.” Fruehauf moved into its new facility in January and has begun operations. The company will create nearly 300 jobs, the news release stated. The economic impact of this project will exceed $1 billion over the next decade and will support an additional 500 jobs in the community. “By investing in Bowling Green, Fruehauf has created additional opportunities for all the businesses in our community. The impact of their investment will be felt by local retailers, restaurants, banks, service providers, and more,” Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott said.  

ROCHESTER, N.Y.  — Truck drivers in California now have the option to convert their old diesel rigs into fuel cell electric trucks. Hyzon Motors, which develops zero-emissions, hydrogen powered fuel cell electric commercial vehicles, announced on Tuesday that the California Air Resources Board has certified its Class 8, 7 and 6 Repowers as exempt from emission requirements, enabling the company to sell fuel cell electric trucks in California. Hyzon’s Repower program allows customers to exchange their used diesel trucks for conversion to fuel cell electric using Hyzon’s technology, according to a news release. The company touts that its converted rigs offer: Faster production, more affordable and less waste than the average new vehicle build; No learning a new vehicle — it’s the truck the driver is used to, just with a new identity under the hood; and An extension of the truck’s lifetime, even more than a driver would receive by replacing the engine alone. With this new California certification, Hyzon officials say they expect to offer the first commercially available repowered Class 8, Class 7 and Class 6 fuel cell electric vehicles in California. “While FCEVs have been granted provisional approvals for trials, and fuel cell electric buses have received CARB certification, no known heavy-or medium-duty FCEVs are currently available, based on the list provided by California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project,” according to a news release from Hyzon. “We are proud to join the list of vehicle and technology providers certified by CARB (California Air Resources Board) as zero-emission and plan to lead the deployment of fuel cell electric trucks in commercial operations in California,” Craig Knight, Hyzon Motors CEO, said. “Our technology has already proven itself in daily runs at the Port of Long Beach, and we look forward to putting more clean trucks on the road. Drayage operations are a particularly attractive use-case on hydrogen, and we expect to see rapid uptake in California.” Truck specs Typical driving range: 375-500 miles Electric motor power: 320 kW (429 hp) continuous, 450 kW (603 hp) peak Electric motor torque: 1,180 lb-ft continuous, 1,770 lb-ft peak High voltage battery energy: 110 kWh Powertrain voltage: 650 volt Maximum speed: governed at 55 mph (per customer request, 75 mph capable) Fuel cell power: 120 kW On-board hydrogen: 50-70 kg Working pressure cylinders: 350 bar

CHICAGO – Transcontinental logistics company Alliance Shippers Inc. is enhancing its refrigerated intermodal operations in North America with Carrier Transicold’s telematics solution and Vector thin-profile refrigeration units. The telematics solution, supported by Carrier Transicold’s monitor and enhanced control two-way data plan, is being installed on all 1,500 of Alliance Shippers’ 53-foot trailers and intermodal containers. “Telematics brings us many different capabilities,” said Ronald Topp, director of maintenance of Alliance Shippers Inc. “We want to proactively monitor our customers’ freight in real time at any given point in the supply chain, and the improved visibility telematics provides enables us to support our customers with updated and timely information.” In addition tomaintaining perishable cargo temperatures per customer specifications, Alliance Shippers uses the Carrier Transicold telematics solution to: Run pre-trip inspections remotely and verify that fuel tanks are topped off so the trailers and containers can quickly get to the next origin point to reload. Monitor fuel consumption within geofenced areas, such as distribution centers, to incentivize customers to more efficiently load and unload assets. Proactively monitor equipment performance remotely, using Carrier Transicold’s unit analytics, which contributes to maintenance efficiencies. Upgrade refrigeration unit software over the air, significantly improving efficiencies compared to manual upgrades by service technicians. “It all adds up to a positive effect on our total utilization and efficiency,” Topp said. “Anytime we can grow our load count for the fleet, our customers and the supply chain are better served.” As with the fleet’s Carrier Transicold refrigeration units, the telematics system is fully supported by Carrier Transicold’s nationwide network of factory trained technicians. “We are pleased to support Alliance Shippers through our knowledgeable and expansive dealer network, which delivers a unique OEM advantage over other providers that lack such comprehensive, mission-critical resources,” said David Brondum, director of telematics at Carrier Transicold. Concurrent with the telematics upgrade, which is being handled by Carrier Transicold dealer Valley Transport Refrigeration of Fresno, California, Alliance Shippers is modernizing its fleet, converting from the traditional trailer-on-flatcar model to the modern, stackable 53-foot domestic intermodal containers preferred by railroads. For its latest 200 containers, Alliance Shippers specified Vector models from Carrier Transicold’s portfolio of thin-profile refrigeration units that allow for a larger cargo envelope than possible with traditional intermodal container configurations, resulting in a volume comparable to over-the-road trailers. Each is equipped with Carrier Transicold’s rail-optimized solar charging system, providing 4.2 amps of current to help maintain battery life for refrigeration unit and telematics system. Vector series units feature E-Drive technology, an all-electric refrigeration system powered by a high-output generator direct-coupled to a diesel engine. According to the manufacturer, the hybrid diesel-electric design eliminates complexity found in traditional transport refrigeration systems and uses intelligent controls to work more efficiently, which has been verified by Alliance Shippers’ fuel-consumption studies.

MONROE, La. — Dobbs Peterbilt-Monroe will officially open its doors with a grand opening celebration from 11-2 p.m. June 9. The event will be held at the dealership, 7410 Frontage Road, Monroe, Louisiana, and will include live music, free lunch and dessert, raffles and business specials. “We look forward to serving the commercial parts and service needs in the Monroe, Louisiana market,” said Andrew Wedeberg, general manager of Dobbs Peterbilt-Monroe. “We continue to strive to serve the #DobbsValue experience every day.” Dobbs Peterbilt-Monroe joins the portfolio of 16 other Dobbs Peterbilt locations located in Washington State, California, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. Dobbs Peterbilt, formerly known as Western Peterbilt or Peterbilt Truck Centers, merged and rebranded in August 2020. According to a company statement, with the rebrand came a reenergized focus on the development of the mission, vision, and values of the company — specifically focusing on customer service.  

GREENSBORO, N.C. —  Volvo Trucks North America has upgraded its I-Shift transmission. I-Shift now offers a dual power take-off (PTO) that expands the efficiency benefits, transmission functionality and overall cost savings, according to a manufacturer’s statement. The new dual PTO allows I-Shift to incorporate two independently clutched DIN 5462 drives, or one SAE 1410 flange and one DIN 5462 drive, separated by the vehicle’s centerline. By separating the two drives, space is created to allow for the installation of two pumps, simplifying installations and serviceability in the field. The output drives are independently clutched, enabling the vehicle to serve applications either separately or simultaneously. “Leveraging the new capabilities of a dual PTO in Volvo’s I-Shift transmission increases the truck’s operational versatility, a customer can haul portland cement one day and aggregate material the next,” said Andy Hanson, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo’s factory installed PTOs and pumps make the up-fitting process easier, increasing first-time quality and overall reliability for our customers.” The I-Shift transmission complements the existing single, double and triple PTO suite of offerings, according to Volvo. The PTO’s factory supplied DIN 5462 ports and SAE 1410 flanges are interchangeable with the SAE 1310 flange and SAE-C and SAE-BB ports, which are all offered through Volvo’s parts distribution network. The factory-installed dual PTO, which carry the same warranty as the I-Shift transmission, also includes dash switches to provide independent left and right-side control. Volvo installed PTOs can also receive factory installed Parker gear and piston pumps. The I-Shift transmission is available in 12-, 13- and 14-speed configurations. I-Shift is also available with an overdrive gear and crawler gears of either 17.5:1 or 32:1, providing the ability to cruise at highway speeds while still allowing for excellent efficiency, “startability” and slow-speed maneuverability, Volvo said. “For more than 15 years, Volvo Trucks’ I-Shift intelligent automated manual transmission has set industry benchmarks for fuel efficiency, vehicle performance, safety and driver comfort. With expanded capabilities thanks to the dual PTO, the Volvo Trucks customer will see more benefits in functionality and cost savings as well,” Hanson said.

LOS ANGELES — Xos, Inc. has unveiled two new commercial electric trucks, along with a connected vehicle ecosystem. The company boasts in a news release that “these new fleet vehicles make Xos the leading provider of battery-electric fleet solutions for commercial fleets. Xos is the only solutions provider to enable electrification from start to finish with durable commercial vehicles, flexible charging infrastructure technology and a cohesive cloud management platform enabling remote tracking, monitoring, and control of fleet assets across a fleet operator’s portfolio.” The Xos HDXT is a Class 8 heavy-duty electric tractor designed for regional-haul fleets and can travel up to 230 miles on a single charge. It offers 36,583 foot-pounds of torque, along with a 56,000-pound payload capability and 798 horsepower. The vehicle’s gross combined vehicle weight, the maximum weight of a vehicle and its attached trailer, is 82,000 pounds. McLane Company, a supply chain services and distribution company, has agreed to a pilot program with 10 Xos HDXT vehicles to explore environmentally friendly alternatives to its current fleet, the news release stated. “We’re excited to collaborate with Xos and pilot their heavy-duty vehicles,” Mark Bachman, corporate fleet manager of McLane, said. “Xos stood out to us based on their successful track record of implementing innovative mobility solutions for other commercial fleets, so we look forward to exploring how they will help us reduce total cost of ownership while offering increased environmental sustainability.” The Xos MDXT is a Class 6 or 7 medium-duty electric vehicle that can travel up to 270 miles on a single charge. It offers 16,000 foot-pounds of max torque and a gross vehicle weight range of 23,000 pounds to 33,000 pounds. The MDXT is available in a variety of body configurations, including a box truck, refrigerated unit and flatbed. Republic National Distributing Company, a wholesale beverage distributor, has already ordered an initial five MDXT vehicles. These will be the first battery-electric fleet vehicles in their fleet and represent RNDC’s commitment to sustainability. “We are building the fleet of the future. The new vehicle platforms go farther, last longer, and cost less for all types of fleets,” Dakota Semler, chief executive officer of Xos, said. “We will continue to bring innovative fleet solutions to market in an effort to provide customers with safer, more sustainable and more cost-efficient products.” According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to anthropogenic U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Medium-and heavy-duty trucks contribute nearly a quarter of those transport-related emissions, the EPA says. “As an organization, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact throughout our distribution network and Xos’ MDXT is an excellent zero-emissions vehicle for us because it allows us to efficiently serve the needs of our suppliers, customers, and community,” Steve Feldman, executive vice president of operations at Republic National Distributing Company, said. In addition to the new electric trucks, Xos is also touting its new software, Xosphere, a fleet intelligence platform built on top of Xos’ proprietary connected vehicle technology and is purpose-built to minimize the total cost of ownership of an electric fleet. According to the news release, the platform allows fleet managers to: Monitor real-time performance and receive alerts and over-the-air updates to improve their fleet’s efficiency; Measure and minimize their fleet’s total energy cost; and Access service and support at the click of a button. UniFirst, which supplies and services uniform and workwear programs, is an existing Xos customer and is already using the Xosphere software to track the health of its fleet in real-time, according to the news release. “The cutting-edge fleet management platform that Xos has introduced to the market will not only help us monitor the health of our fleet in real-time, but this solution will also allow us to track our service history and alert us when preventative maintenance is suggested which will optimize our energy usage,” Michael Croatti, executive vice president of operations for UniFirst, said. Giordano Sordoni, Xos’ chief executive officers and co-founder, said that his company’s new offerings “position Xos as a leading end-to-end fleet services provider, which is a monumental milestone for us. Xos’ approach to scaling and production design allows the company to move with agility and use capital more effectively than traditional OEMs.These trucks are not merely concepts, they are a reality and can be ordered today to advance fleet electrification efforts across the country.”

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Software-as-a-service company FleetUp has introduced a way for fleets to better manage dashcam footage without having to comb through hours and hours of unwanted moving images. “Annotation labeling slashes through all of the recordings that fleets don’t need to review and highlights fleets’ most important footage,” a company news release stated. “It optimizes video analysis, helping fleets efficiently manage risk, coach drivers and reduce everything from accidents to insurance costs to vehicle wear and tear.” Annotation labeling sorts dashcam footage into four categories: High Risk, Medium Risk, Low Risk and False Events. Users can also search videos by vehicle type, event type, risk type and more. “Annotation labeling goes beyond the current industry standard, AI flagging,” according to the news release. “Annotation labeling separates high-risk from low-risk events. For example, it labels a driver going over a speed bump ‘low risk’ and a driver jumping over a curb ‘high risk.’ It provides fast access to the footage fleets absolutely need to review. Other flagging technologies can’t do this with the same degree of accuracy.” According to FleetUp CEO Ezra Kwak, “Without annotation labeling, it’s difficult if not impossible to identify the specific footage needed to pinpoint drivers’ worst mistakes. With annotation labeling, fleets have their most important footage at their fingertips.” Managers can use the annotated footage to see what mistakes their drivers are making – as well as why and when they’re making those mistakes. Then, they can use that footage to coach drivers, showing individual employees the bad choices they made and giving them the information they need to make better choices. The user experience is simple. Managers visit their FleetUp platform and sort dashcam footage by risk level. They also have the option to search videos by vehicle type, event type and more. “It’s a powerful way to manage the safety and liability risks that all fleets face,” the news release stated. “Managers won’t have to waste time reviewing videos of truckers safely braking, looking at their phone while they’re still in park, hitting speed bumps etc.” Annotation labeling includes a number of additional features that simplify fleet management. For example, users can send specific videos directly to their drivers, showing them the exact behavior they shouldn’t repeat. Customizable graphs show the types of risky driving events that are most often putting users’ fleets at risk. “Dashcams have always been a valuable tool,” according to the news release. “But their full potential hasn’t been unlocked until now. FleetUp’s annotation labeling will help managers reduce accidents and all the costs that accidents entail.”    

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Mack Trucks has announced two new safety offerings for customers of the Mack LR® Electric model. The company made the announcement at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, held May 9-12 at the Long Beach Convention Center. First, the Electrify My Refuse Route Program is a unique-to-Mack campaign that rewards customers for sharing their refuse routes to prepare the fleet’s readiness for the Mack LR Electric refuse vehicle, according to a news release. Second, Mack announced the availability of Sensta Technologies PreView collision warning technology on several Mack models, including the Mack LR Electric. “Mack continues to invest in programs and technology to improve the total cost of ownership for customers,” Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of sales and commercial operations, said. “Helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals, the Electrify My Refuse Route Program mitigates costs associated with electrification infrastructure. Along with sustainability, safety remains a priority for the refuse industry and Mack. PreView improves safety for drivers and others on the road, alerting operators when an object is in a blind spot and helping customers, and the industry, maintain enhanced levels of operating safety.” Through the Electrify My Refuse Route program, customers download the Mack Route Recorder app to receive up to $750 in Mack parts gift cards for sharing valid refuse collection routes, the news release stated. Customers who then purchase or lease the Mack LR Electric refuse vehicle can receive $25,000 for charging hardware reimbursement and $10,000 in additional charging reimbursements for each further vehicle purchased. To qualify for parts gift cards and the additional incentives, customers email Mack their recorded collection routes. The customer is then rewarded $250 in gift cards for each submitted qualified route, with a limit of three per customer. Those who receive charging hardware reimbursement following a purchase or lease are limited to specific charger models and manufacturers. PreView is available on the Mack LR Electric, diesel-powered Mack LR and Mack TerraPro models. Utilizing four radar sensors, one on each side of the vehicle, the PreView radar system detects objects and Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) that may be located in a driver’s blind spot. Vulnerable Road Users are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, according to the news release. Indicators in the A-Pillars flash lights and audible alerts are sounded when the system detects a metallic object or a VRU in a blind spot. Available as an option and factory-installed on new builds, customers may also retrofit their trucks with PreView by contacting their local Mack dealer. The next generation LR Electric, launched in March 2022, features 42 percent more energy and a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity offering an increased range, according to Mack. Featuring twin electric motors, the Mack LR Electric offers 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 pound-feet of peak output torque from zero RPM. The LR Electric has a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission, Mack mRIDE™ suspension and Mack’s proprietary S462R 46,000-pound rear axles. “Easily identifiable by a copper-colored bulldog on the cab denoting the electric drivetrain, the LR Electric’s vehicle propulsion is offered through four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries that are charged though a 150 kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system,” the news release stated. The four batteries also provide all power for every onboard accessory, driven through 12V, 24V and 600V circuits. The two-stage regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day with an increasing load. Mack began serial production of the LR Electric in 2021 at its Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Class 8 Mack vehicles for North America and export are assembled.    

TINLEY PARK, Ill. — Volvo Trucks North America announced Wednesday that the Volvo Trucks Academy opened a new facility in Tinley Park, Illinois, to expand access to battery-electric truck training in the central U.S. The new 14,865-square-foot facility is larger and more modern than the previous Illinois training facility, enabling Volvo Trucks to provide more hands-on learning opportunities for customers and dealers interested in electromobility solutions, including the Volvo VNR Electric model, according to a news release. “The programs at Tinley Park will help provide our dealership partners with the robust sales and service training required to become Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) Dealers and to support customers with their zero-emission transportation goals,” Leanne Fitzpatrick, strategic programs manager of Volvo Trucks Academy, said. “As interest in the Volvo VNR Electric model continues to build across North America, the Tinley Park facility will serve an important role servicing dealers and customers in the Central U.S., as it is easily accessible from both O’Hare and Midway airports.” The news release stated that “course work at Tinley Park will provide technicians with the proper training and understanding of all safety procedures when servicing high-voltage electric drivetrains and components.” Other courses will focus on Volvo VNR Electric sales and operations support, in addition to offering continued guidance for diesel trucks, such as engine overhaul, transmission design and function, and parts sales and warranty fundamentals. The Tinley Park facility has two full-time instructors who provide two technical courses per day, plus a third course (sales, parts, warranty, or leadership). Most courses are a full day, and instructors teach up to five days a week depending on the schedule. The site also features meeting spaces, so those classes are not disrupted by technician training. These courses are available in one of eight Volvo Trucks Academy Learning Centers across North America. In addition to the new Tinley Park facility, Volvo Trucks’ other U.S. locations include Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Greensboro, North Carolina; Hagerstown, Maryland; and Hayward, California, as well as two in Canada in Woodbridge, Ontario, and Quebec City, Quebec. The Volvo VNR Electric is designed for local and regional distribution ranges, including food and beverage, drayage, and pick-up and delivery routes. In January 2022, Volvo Trucks announced enhancements to its Volvo VNR Electric model, including an optional six-battery package option with an increased energy storage of up to 565 kWh and an operational range of up to 275 miles. The next-generation Volvo VNR Electric, which entered production in Q2 2022, is available in multiple configurations, including a 6×4 straight truck, 6×4 tractor, 6×2 tractor, 4×2 tractor, and single-axle straight truck.