Equipment & Tech

PHOENIX — Motor carriers and commercial drivers operating across all 48 contiguous states can now benefit from nearly 2,800 in-cab safety notifications through the PrePass Motion weigh-station bypass app. PrePass Safety Alliance recently extended its safety Alerts, a no-cost benefit for users of the PrePass Motion app. The app is available on Android and iOS powered devices, as well as in-cab telematics systems. Drivers receive PrePass Alerts as they approach known high-risk areas on the road, helping them stay alert and reduce speed when applicable. PrePass Safety Alliance works in collaboration with the trucking industry and enforcement agencies to select Alert locations that best reflect areas of concern. The PrePass Alerts feature warns truck drivers of steep grades, gusty winds, no-commercial roads, work zones, real-time incidents, traffic congestion, truck parking availability, rest areas and brake-check/chain-up areas. “This expansion of the Alerts system flows directly from our mission to make America’s highways safer and more efficient,” said Mark Doughty, president and CEO of PrePass Safety Alliance. “We have doubled the number of alerts in just the last month, giving drivers vital information to keep them safe and on time as they travel down the road.” PrePass Safety Alliance is the only weigh-station preclearance provider that offers multiple bypass technology choices. PrePass Motion, which includes Alerts, works as a standalone app or in conjunction with the PrePass transponder for weigh-station bypassing. “When traditional transponders and PrePass Motion are paired together, customers get the best of both worlds,” said Doughty. “Most importantly, PrePass Alerts provides information that can immediately and directly improve highway safety and efficiency.” PrePass allows states to preclear qualified commercial motor carriers to bypass inspection facilities at highway speeds and provides driver safety Alerts, Electronic Tolls Payment and the Inform safety and tolling software. PrePass services are used by more than 600,000 commercial vehicles from more than 77,000 fleets.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — U.S. and Canadian Class 8 natural gas truck retail sales for the first eight months of 2020 dropped 15% year to date over 2019, according to a quarterly report from ACT Research. The ACT Alternative Fuels Quarterly (AFQ) provides insight, analysis and trends about alternative fuel/power adoption for the U.S. heavy- and medium-duty commercial vehicle markets. The AFQ details such adoption considerations as fuel prices, fuel/charging infrastructure development, equipment prices/products/technological developments, and regulatory changes. Natural gas truck sales data and a forecast for new natural gas adoption are included in the report. “Sales of natural gas-powered vehicles as reported by the six major truck OEMs, who account for approximately 60% of the heavy-duty natural gas market, were mixed in the June to August time period, with all three months enjoying sequential gains. As a result, sales continue to whittle away at the year-to-date deficit,” said Steve Tam, vice president of ACT Research. “Looking at the most recent month [August], sales rose 26% month over month, handily besting the year-ago period,” he continued. “Hampered by soft sales from February through June, though, the market has been playing catch-up most of the year.”

DENTON, Texas — Those in the market for an electric Class 8 tractor can now preorder Peterbilt’s 579EV, the manufacturer announced Nov. 3. Customers can spec a 579EV using Peterbilt’s SmartSpec sales tool at any Peterbilt dealer location across North America. Production on is expected to begin by the second quarter of 2021. According to the manufacturer, Peterbilt’s 579EV tractor is designed optimal weight distribution and performance, and is ideal for regional haul, drayage, pickup and delivery, and last-mile operations. The fully integrated, all-electric powertrain uses thermally controlled lithium iron phosphate battery packs to provide a range of up to 150 miles. When used in conjunction with a recommended DC fast-charger, the state-of-the-art, high-energy density battery packs recharge in three to four hours. The Model 579EV is available in a tandem drive configuration with Meritor 14Xe e-axle motors providing power through the drive inverters. Regenerative braking captures energy from stop-and-go operations to help recharge the batteries and maximize the vehicle’s range. The Model 579EV uses an enhanced dash cluster to communicate clearly all the information required for the driver to operate the electric vehicle. “The Model 579EV features all of the aerodynamic benefits, driver comforts, superior visibility, spacious interior and safety measures the Model 579 is known for and combines them with the advanced technology of an electric powertrain, providing customers a premium, zero-emission solution for their business,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. In addition, the company noted in a Nov. 3 release, the Peterbilt Model 579EV is eligible for the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). All Peterbilt Model 579EVs sold to customers in California are eligible for a $150,000 HVIP voucher. Vehicle purchasers and participating dealers must meet all applicable project requirements identified in the HVIP Implementation Manual to receive the voucher.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas Inc. last week introduced the FuelTech Drive retread for the drive wheel position, the newest addition to the tire manufacturer’s Bandag MaxTread line. The MaxTread FuelTech Drive is a SmartWay-verified, closed-shoulder retread engineered for fleets operating in over-the-road hauling services. The retread, which uses a special tread compound to lower rolling resistance and deliver excellent mileage performance, is also California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant. “The new MaxTread FuelTech Drive retread is a fuel-efficient tire solution that maximizes mileage and performance,” said Keith Iwinski, director of marketing, Bandag, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “Ideal for fleets operating in truckload and less-than-truckload applications, this drive tire position retread delivers reliable and sustainable tire performance positively impacting a fleet’s bottom line.” The MaxTread FuelTech Drive tire is engineered to reduce energy loss by lowering rolling resistance for optimum fuel efficiency. The tire is designed for long, even tread wear and features advanced technology that controls the movement of the tire’s ribs and tread blocks during rotation, according to a statement from Bridgestone. The MaxTread FuelTech Drive tire also provides multiple gripping edges and a siped tread design to provide trusted traction on wet and dry surfaces. Earlier this year, Bridgestone introduced the Bandag MaxTread line designed to deliver reliability comparable to new tires, featuring quality Bandag retreads as a stand-alone, single-unit tire solution rather than a traditional tire cap and casing offering. The line includes trailer, drive and all-position fitments for light truck, waste, long haul, severe service, and pickup and delivery applications. The Bandag MaxTread line includes nine popular Bandag retread patterns outlined below: Drive position: BDM, BDLT, BDV, DR5.3, DR4.3, FuelTech Drive; Trailer position:1, Eclipse SST; and All-position: Each Bandag MaxTread tire is locally retreaded and backed by a lifetime limited warranty that features 100% coverage for the life of the tread, according to Bridgestone.

Motorists in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan on Oct. 22 might have noticed a matching pair of tractor-trailers playing “follow the leader” along the interstates and turnpikes. The convoy was part of a Level 1 automated truck platooning demonstration that began in Pennsylvania, continued through Ohio and ended in Michigan, traveling more than 280 miles. The Smart Belt Coalition (SBC), a collaboration between transportation agencies and educational institutions in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, partnered with Locomation, a Pittsburgh-based technology firm, to complete the demonstration. SBC members include the American Center for Mobility, Carnegie Mellon University, Kettering University, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) DriveOhio initiative, Ohio State University, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State University, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the University of Michigan and the Transportation Research Center Inc. While performing the demonstration, the SBC coordinated food donations between The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank and the Forgotten Harvest Food Bank in Detroit. Truck platooning is the linking of two or more trucks in convoy using technology and automated driving-support systems. These vehicles automatically maintain a set, close distance between each other when they are connected. Truck platooning is considered SAE Level I automation. The SBC and Locomation demonstrated the agency coordination and administrative and procedural requirements necessary for a truck platooning system to operate continuously through multiple states. In March 2020, ODOT and DriveOhio issued a request for information (RFI), on behalf of all SBC members, for companies willing to demonstrate truck platooning and/or automated driving operations through the three partner states on roadways operated by the five SBC transportation and toll-road agencies. Through the RFI process, the coalition further engaged Locomation, which is developing a trucking technology platform to combine AI-driven autonomy with driver augmentation. The Oct. 22 deployment was the successful conclusion of that RFI process. “In Ohio, we are designing and deploying the transportation system of the 21st century,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “Safety is our primary concern, and as smart mobility technologies mature, we believe these innovations will make our roads safer. Deployments, like this one, will help to inform future projects.” During the Oct. 22 demonstration, two platooning vehicles (tractor-trailers) were operated manually on surface streets. While on interstates and turnpikes, the lead truck was driven manually while the driver of the following tractor-trailer engaged the vehicle’s platooning technology. This technology augments the driver’s capabilities and enables the vehicle to follow the lead vehicle in the platoon.  Both vehicles had an operator on board at all times. “Michigan has been at the forefront of developing mobility technologies of the future, and this demonstration follows others completed here to foster more research focused on safer ways to move freight,” Paul Ajegba, director of MDOT. “This furthers the culture of collaboration we’ve encouraged between private industry, government and academia to support research, testing and operations of automated vehicles.” In 2016 and 2017, MDOT partnered with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center to conduct platooning demonstrations and test vehicle-to-infrastructure messaging using military vehicles. “As a state that has always been at the forefront of innovation and industry, it should be no surprise that Pennsylvania is an epicenter for automated vehicle research and development,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “As stewards of transportation safety and mobility in Pennsylvania, PennDOT has a critical role in helping to ensure that this new technology is developed and tested safely.” Formed in 2016, the SBC is a strategic transportation collaborative that includes 12 organizations located in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The purpose of the SBC is to foster collaboration among multiple agencies and research affiliates from the three states, involving research, testing, policy, standards development, deployments, outreach and funding pursuits in the area of connected and automated vehicle technology, as well as other innovations in the transportation industry. “Many amazing things are happening in the automated vehicle space, and truck platooning is an example of that,” said Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. “However, we seek to be strategic about these developments and above all, safe. The Smart Belt Coalition is a coordinated effort which crosses state lines and makes it possible for us to be engaged in tech-enabled business and transportation trends. Working together, we will be able to more effectively advance these emerging technologies for all motorists.”  

MIAMI — Ryder System Inc. has launched a new, fully responsive, mobile-friendly vehicle sales website, ryder.com/used-trucks, that includes an expanded inventory of used vehicles, enhanced search tools and new features to make it easier for customers to locate available pre-owned vehicles for sale near their businesses. “We developed the new website based on customer input to have increased buying channels through the combination of digital and physical locations,” said Eugene Tangney, vice president of global vehicle sales for Ryder. “We’ve learned a lot from our customers as we all try to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and recognized the importance of structuring our online and physical business to offer safe and convenient sales of used vehicles,” he said. “As more and more customers start their used vehicle purchase journey online, it was critical that we enhance our (used-truck sales) website with a new search functionality and innovative features to deliver the best online experience.” The new website offers access to a large inventory of used commercial vehicles through an additional 156 current Ryder rental and maintenance locations, which provide customers a place to see the inventory first hand. The new search functionality and personalization options are designed to optimize the way Ryder displays inventory online, making the experience on the website easy and enjoyable. Customers can also chat with a Ryder sales representative online, and make an appointment to visit a Ryder location. Ryder has 58 Used Truck Center locations in North America with a combined inventory of more than 9,000 pre-owned tractors, trucks, vans and trailers. The four newest locations are in Doraville, Georgia; Fort Worth, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Phoenix. In addition, the company plans to open new locations in Orlando, Florida, and Cincinnati, Ohio, by the end of 2020. “Ryder’s distinct classes of used trucks make it easy to select the right vehicle for your needs and now we have greater reach through our digital and physical sales channels to support more customers,” Tangney said. “We are ultimately creating more flexibility, choice, and control necessary for efficient fleet management based on what our customers are telling us they want and need.” Ryder’s pre-owned commercial products — including day cab tractors, sleepers, refrigeration equipment, box trucks, sprinter vans, cargo vans and trailers — are offered in three categories: Ryder Certified, Ryder DOT Verified and Ryder As-is. All Ryder used vehicle centers operate in compliance with state and local regulatory requirements regarding COVID-19 safety and security, and the company recommends that customers make appointments online. Ryder also offers vehicle delivery through the “Ryder Relief Program,” which provides financing and free delivery to those who qualify. For more information about the relief program, click here.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Net U.S. trailer orders of 51,208 units during September showed a significant improvement from August (up 82%), and were 174% above September 2019. Before accounting for cancellations, new orders of 52,000 units were up 77% compared to August and were 140% better year over year, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailer Report. “The confluence of several factors is evident in September’s third-highest monthly net volume in history,” said Frank Maly, director of commercial vehicle transportation analysis and research for ACT.” “Pent-up demand is one factor, as we’re now seeing capex release that was curtailed earlier this year by COVID-driven uncertainty,” he continued. “Another factor is lower build rates, pushing fleets to quickly submit their orders, rather than take a chance that new units might not be delivered until well into next year.” ACT’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report provides a monthly review of the current U.S. trailer market statistics, as well as trailer OEM build plans and market indicators divided by all major trailer types, including backlogs, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders and factory shipments. “In addition to fleets, dealers could also be worrying about the timing of stocking orders; conversations have included mention of dealers entering the fray in preparation for next year. Further solid numbers are likely in the near-term, as the industry enters what has normally been its usual ‘order season’,” Maly concluded.

LONDON — Shell has added E-Fluids to its specialized fluids portfolio to support both battery-electric (BEV) and fuel-cell-electric (FCEV) powertrains for light-, medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. According to a company statement, the new products build on the company’s May 2019 launch of Shell E-Fluids for passenger vehicles. “Once added to the sealed environments of BEV or FCEV commercial vehicles, the fluids need to perform at optimum levels over the vehicle’s lifetime; this is why first fill is so important for electric vehicles,” said Carlos Maurer, executive vice president, global commercial, for Shell. “We have used Shell gas-to-liquid (GTL) base oil technology for the Shell E-fluids portfolio because its low viscosity properties allow for higher efficiency in the vehicle’s powertrain. Our lubricants research laboratories have focused on delivering cutting-edge fluid solutions to meet the specific electric drivetrain challenges of temperature control, oxidation, copper erosion and thermal conductivity.” According to Shell, the commercial road transport sector, which delivers goods and provides public transportation, emits 8% of global energy-related CO2. Both BEV and FCEV solutions will have a role to play in reducing CO2 emissions, because the pathways and timelines for road freight decarbonization will vary by geography, sector and duty sector. The Shell E-Fluids range for commercial vehicles includes of e-transmission fluids, e-greases and battery thermal fluids. To date, commercial vehicle manufacturers have had to predominantly rely on a range of fluids, which have been developed for internal combustion engines vehicles and do not deliver the necessary ultimate performance and efficiency for electric powered vehicles. Performance Benefits of Shell E-Fluids for Commercial Vehicles Shell notes that its specialized Shell E-fluids deliver: Outstanding oxidation stability which results in longer lifetime of the lubricant to avoid as much as possible any maintenance downtime or oil changes needed during the lifetime of the vehicle. Even at high temperatures, standard oxidation tests show that the Shell E-Fluid Technology oxidizes 50% less compared to a competitor E-Fluid solution. Up to 8 times lower electrical conductivity when cooling the electric motor under typical operating conditions temperatures, compared to a conventional transmission fluid designed for heavy duty ICE commercial vehicles. More than 3 times less copper erosion compared to a competitor’s specialized E-Mobility driveline fluid, due to the reduction of sulfur content in combination with its optimized additive system. Up to 9% higher thermal conductivity compared to a competitor’s specialized E-Mobility driveline fluid, enabling higher cooling capabilities for end windings of electric motors and gearbox lubrication.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — When tested side by side with a leading competitive brand, Michelin’s X One tires produced the better fuel efficiency, according to a recently released test report. Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions (MVT Solutions) conducted tests of Michelin’s new generation, wide-base single tire, the X One. The X One tire features SmartWay verified technology and are designed for fuel efficiency, weight reduction and truck stability. The report compares the Michelin X One tires with a leading competitive brand to calculate the product’s fuel savings. “Truck tires are an important part of the conversation surrounding fuel efficiency,” said Daryl Bear, lead engineer and COO of MVT Solutions. “When carriers use more fuel-efficient tires, they’re able to reduce drag and fuel consumption with a quick return on investment. Our recent testing of the Michelin X One tires will help carriers make more informed purchasing decisions and recognize the potentials fuel savings that exist with tires.” MVT Solutions’ truck tire test found that Michelin X One tires saved 6.70 gallons per 1,000 miles, a total of 5.35%, when compared to a leading competitive brand. This equates to $2,559.40 in annual fuel savings per truck based on average mileage and retail price of diesel fuel. Additionally, MVT Solutions calculated that most carriers could see a return on investment (ROI) within 2.8 to 4.7 months, depending on tire-purchasing costs and tire life with the X One tires. The report also includes a brief outline of how to utilize the test results to calculate savings unique to each carrier. To download the full report, click here.

DETROIT — During the week of Oct. 19, Tesla sent out its “full self-driving” software to a small group of owners who will test it on public roads. But buried on its website is a disclaimer that the $8,000 system doesn’t make the vehicles autonomous and drivers still have to supervise it. The conflicting messages have experts in the field accusing Tesla of deceptive, irresponsible marketing that could make the roads more dangerous as the system is rolled out to as many as 1 million electric vehicle drivers by the end of the year. “This is actively misleading people about the capabilities of the system, based on the information I’ve seen about it,” said Steven Shladover, a research engineer at the University of California, Berkeley, who has studied autonomous driving for 40 years. “It is a very limited functionality that still requires constant driver supervision.” On a conference call Wednesday, Oct. 21, Musk told industry analysts that the company is starting full self-driving slowly and cautiously “because the world is a complex and messy place.” It plans to add drivers this weekend and hopes to have a wider release by the end of the year. He referred to having a million vehicles “providing feedback” on situations that can’t be anticipated. The company hasn’t identified the drivers or said where they are located. Messages were left Thursday, Oct. 22, seeking comment from Tesla. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which regulates automakers, says it will monitor the Teslas closely “and will not hesitate to take action to protect the public against unreasonable risks to safety.” The agency says in a statement that it has been briefed on Tesla’s system, which it considers to be an expansion of driver-assistance software, which requires human supervision. “No vehicle available for purchase today is capable of driving itself,” the statement said. On its website, Tesla touts in large type its full self-driving capability. In smaller type, it warns: “The currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous. The activation and use of these features are dependent on achieving reliability far in excess of human drivers as demonstrated by billions of miles of experience, as well as regulatory approval, which may take longer in some jurisdictions.” Even before using the term “full self-driving,” Tesla named its driver-assist system “Autopilot.” Many drivers relied on it too much and checked out, resulting in at least three U.S. deaths. The National Transportation Safety Board faulted Tesla in those fatal crashes for letting drivers avoid paying attention and failing to limit where Autopilot can be used. Board members, who have no regulatory powers, have said they are frustrated that safety recommendations have been ignored by Tesla and NHTSA. Bryant Walker Smith, a University of South Carolina law professor who studies autonomous vehicles, said it was bad enough that Tesla was using the term “Autopilot” to describe its system, but elevating it to “full self-driving” is even worse. “That leaves the domain of the misleading and irresponsible to something that could be called fraudulent,” Walker Smith said. The Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, has developed five levels to describe the functions of autonomous vehicles. In levels zero through two, humans are driving the cars and supervising partially automated functions. In levels three through five, the vehicles are driving, with level five describing a vehicle being driven under all traffic and weather conditions. The term “full self-driving” means there is no driver other than the vehicle itself, indicating that it would be appropriate to put no one in the vehicle, Walker Smith said. Musk also said on Wednesday that Tesla would focus on setting up a robotaxi system where one person could manage a fleet of 10 self-driving cars in a ride-hailing system. “It wouldn’t be very difficult, but we’re going to just be focused on just having an autonomous network that has sort of elements of Uber, Lyft, Airbnb,” he said. Tesla is among 60 companies with permits to operate autonomous vehicles with human backup drivers in California, the No. 1 state for Tesla sales. The companies are required to file reports with regulators documenting when the robotic system experiences a problem that requires the driver to take control – a mandate that could entangle the owners of Tesla vehicles in red tape. Before Tesla is able to put fully self-driving vehicles on California roads, it will have to get another permit from state regulators. Only five companies, including Google spin-off Waymo and General Motors’ Cruise subsidiary, have obtained those permits. The California Department of Motor Vehicles didn’t immediately respond to questions about Tesla’s latest plans for robotic cars. NHTSA, which has shied away from imposing regulations for fear of stifling safety innovation, says that every state holds drivers accountable for the safe operation of their vehicles. Walker Smith argues that the agency is placing too much of the responsibility on Tesla drivers, when it should be asking what automakers are going to do to make sure the vehicles are safe. At the same time, he says that testing the system with vehicle drivers could be beneficial and speed adoption of autonomous vehicles. Thursday afternoon, Musk was clearly trying to sell the full self-driving software. He wrote on Twitter that the price of “FSD beta” will rise by $2,000 on Monday, Oct. 26. By AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher, with contributions by AP Technology Writer Michael Liedtke

COLUMBUS, Ind. — According to ACT Research’s latest State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 Report, there are any number of concerns regarding the economy in coming months, but one thing that definitely can be crossed off the worry list is commercial vehicle demand into 2021. “Freight markets — and by extension, commercial vehicle demand — have landed in the upper half of the ‘K-shaped’ economic recovery, thanks to social-distanced changes in spending,” said Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst for ACT. “Consumer and business expenditures have shifted away from experience-based spending on services towards trucking-reliant spending on goods,” he continued. “Coupling surging freight volumes with the large driver capacity take-out in April, freight rates have been at record levels for weeks.” ACT’s State of the Industry: NA Classes 5-8 report provides a monthly look at the current production, sales and general state of the on-road heavy and medium duty commercial vehicle markets in North America. It differentiates market indicators by Class 5, Classes 6-7 chassis and Class 8 trucks and tractors, detailing measures such as backlog, build, inventory, new orders, cancellations, net orders and retail sales. Additionally, Class 5 and Classes 6-7 are segmented by trucks, buses, RVs and step van configurations, while Class 8 is segmented by trucks and tractors with and without sleeper cabs. The report includes a six-month industry build plan, backlog timing analysis, historical data from 1996 to the present in spreadsheet format, and a ready-to-use graph package. A first-look at preliminary net orders is published in conjunction with this report. “The rebound in carriers’ fortunes is reflected in September’s Class 8 statistics, with orders and backlogs jumping, build rates rising, and an uptick in retail sales volumes that pushed inventories lower,” Vieth said. “Except for lower inventories, September’s medium-duty statistical roundup is a fair approximation of heavy-duty activity, with orders and backlog jumping, build rates on the rise, and strong sales.”

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America has been awarded $21.7 million in grants to deploy 70 VNR Electric trucks in Southern California for regional freight distribution and drayage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Targeted Air Shed Grant Program is providing $20 million in funding, supplemented by $1.7 million from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) for charging infrastructure, with a goal of improving air quality in the region. Volvo Trucks will deliver the EPA-funded VNR Electric trucks to Southern California fleet operators beginning in 2021 and continuing through the third quarter of 2022, allowing for at least a full year of operations by the end of the project period in 2023. The announcement comes as Volvo Trucks nears the official commercial launch of its VNR Electric truck model later this year. “This grant provides Volvo Trucks with an excellent opportunity to further expedite the success of the ecosystem designed through the Volvo LIGHTS project to support the wide-scale deployment of battery-electric heavy-duty trucks,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We applaud the EPA and South Coast AQMD for addressing the key issues in advancing electromobility and incentivizing technology investments in the region, and are proud they continue to trust in Volvo Trucks North America to lead the acceleration of Class 8 zero-emission vehicles.” According to an Oct. 19 statement, Volvo Trucks will leverage best practices learned from the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, its collaboration with South Coast AQMD and 13 other organizations to develop an end-to-end blueprint to successfully introduce battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale. Combined with the other 25 truck deployments through the Volvo LIGHTS project, Volvo Trucks has committed to delivering nearly 100 VNR Electric trucks to the region for zero-emission freight transport. The EPA Targeted Air Shed Grant Program focuses on the regions that have the highest ozone and particulate matter (PM) pollution, including California’s South Coast Air Basin. South Coast AQMD is the agency responsible for attaining state and federal air quality standards for this region, which includes the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside, as well as the Coachella Valley. “The EPA Targeted Air Shed Grant has enabled South Coast AQMD to continue partnering with Volvo Trucks for the swift deployment of nearly 100 heavy-duty zero-emission trucks,” said Wayne Nastri, executive officer for South Coast AQMD. “Innovative collaborations like this are key to bringing clean air to Southern California. South Coast AQMD is pleased to fund the charging infrastructure to support these new heavy-duty trucks that will operate in disadvantaged communities facing the brunt of air pollution.” The 70 Volvo VNR Electric trucks deployed through this grant are anticipated to provide lifetime emission reduction benefits in excess of 152.63 tons of NOx, 1.317 tons of PM2.5 and 53,160 tons of CO2. As part of the project, South Coast AQMD will lead a data analysis effort to evaluate the full breadth of emission reduction opportunities presented by battery-electric trucks. Volvo Trucks will also gather deployment data to further refine total cost-of-ownership calculations, including actual vehicle maintenance and fuel cost savings. “Volvo Trucks supports our pioneering fleet customers in paving the way to a real-world, sustainable transport future. The large volume of early Volvo VNR Electric deployments in Southern California will help us kick-start this year’s successful commercial launch in North America,” Voorhoeve said.

McLEAN, Va. — Sales of used Class 8 trucks saw higher volume and pricing in September through both auction and retail channels, according to the October 2020 Commercial Truck Guidelines Industry Update published by J.D. Power Valuation Services (formerly NADA Used Car Guide). Medium-duty trucks had a relatively strong month, analysts noted. “Consumer spending and inventory buildup remain the main drivers of freight volumes,” said Chris Visser, commercial truck senior analyst at J.D. Power Valuation Services. “Inventory buildup activity should eventually diminish as corporate targets are met, but consumer spending should remain strong, assuming there are no major economic disruptions.” Major findings in the free monthly report note: September 2020 was a strong month for Class 8 auction volume and pricing; The retail channel saw healthy foot traffic; and Medium-duty segments are performing well. J.D. Power Valuation Services is a provider of vehicle valuation products and services to businesses. The team collects and analyzes more than 1 million automotive and truck wholesale and retail transactions per month, and delivers a range of guidebooks, auction data, analysis and data solutions.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has released updates to its Confidence Report on low rolling resistance tires. NACFE’s initial report was published in 2015. The Confidence Report provides fleets with best practices regarding low rolling resistance tires, noting that diligent maintenance is essential to get the best life and performance from low rolling resistance tires. In addition to the confidence matrix, which indicates the study team’s confidence in the investment case for low rolling resistance tires, the report also includes a decision guide and a payback calculator. According to NACFE, rolling resistance accounts for 30% to 33% of a truck’s total fuel consumption. Fleets have increased the adoption of low rolling resistance tires, both duals and wide base. Low rolling resistance tires are now used on more than 80% of new truck and trailers. In addition, Greenhouse Gas Phase 2 regulations are now in effect. Tires are one of the technologies fleets recognized as helping manufacturers achieve goals set forth in the regulation. One consequence of this regulation for the truck buyer may be that manufacturers will encourage buyers to continue to spec low rolling resistance tires even when fuel prices are low and to switch to even lower rolling resistance tires as they become available. Tire manufactures continue to work on balancing initial purchase price and tire life, NACFE notes. “Even though the upfront costs of low rolling resistance tires may be higher, the cost of the fuel that a tire consumes due to its rolling resistance is five times greater than the initial purchase price of the tire,” according to Mike Roeth, executive director of NACFE. When fuel prices were higher, there was more interest in wide-base tires, but as dual tires with equivalent low rolling resistance were engineered, the interest in wide-base tires has decreased. However, fleets still are interested in low rolling resistance tires as a way to reduce operating costs and wide-base tires are a great solution for many fleets. To review NACFE’s updated report, click here.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Hino Trucks in early October launched Project Z, the company’s development path for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) ranging from Class 4 to Class 8. Through Project Z, Hino will partner with technology leaders in advanced electrification drive systems, according to a company statement. In a recent report, The Trucker outlined Hino’s partnership with parent company Toyota to produce an extended-range electric Class 8 truck; the companies plan to produce a demo during the first half of 2021. During a launch event earlier this month, Hino presented a comprehensive lineup of zero-emissions trucks. Showcased products included a Class 5 on a SEA Electric SEA-Drive 120a on a Hino M5 chassis, a battery-electric Class 7 tractor with Hexagon Purus’ full electric drive system, a Hino XL Series Class 8 box truck powered by Xos Trucks’ X-Pack battery and electric drive system, and a Hino XL Series Class 8 tractor powered by Toyota’s Fuel Cell system. Additionally, Hino featured a, and a. For the battery electric vehicles, Hino will look at both central drive motors and e-axles. “Our holistic approach to working with technology leaders like Toyota, Hexagon Purus and Xos will result in a sustainable, low-cost product line up that will meet the needs of our customers as our industry moves forward to zero-emission vehicles,” said Glenn Ellis, senior vice president of customer experience for Hino Trucks. “For customers ready to move in that direction now, the SEA Electric SEA-Drive 120a paired with a Hino M Series chassis is commercially available today.” To learn more about Project Z and monitor the company’s progress, click here.

SACRAMENTO — In an Oct. 14 letter, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) warned vehicle and engine manufacturers to disclose by the end of 2020 any unapproved hardware or software programs — known as “defeat devices” — that impact emissions-control systems on vehicles sold in California. Defeat devices are undisclosed modifications that shut down or reduce the effectiveness of vehicle emissions-control equipment under normal driving and vehicle operation. Following the discovery of defeat devices in Volkswagen diesel vehicles in 2015, CARB staff developed detection and testing techniques to identify undisclosed software programs, known as auxiliary emission control devices (AECDs), and other unapproved changes in software and hardware that can affect emissions. The letter, signed by Steven Cliff, CARB’s deputy executive director, was addressed to all manufacturers of passenger cars; light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and the engines used in the vehicles; on-road motorcycles; off-road small and large spark-ignition engines and equipment; off-road compression-ignition engines; spark-ignition marine watercraft and engines; aftermarket parts; diesel-emissions control strategies; and “all other interested parties.” If fully disclosed when the vehicle is being certified for sale in California, an AECD may be legal, as there may be a technically justified rationale for its limited use, according to CARB. However, if the modification is not disclosed, and CARB detects it during surveillance and testing procedures, an AECD is considered a violation of the certification process. “Voluntary disclosure will trigger a reduction in penalties. Failure to do so may affect the result of future enforcement actions involving your company when CARB’s new techniques — and its new state-of-the-art testing laboratory opening in 2021 — inevitably detect any violations you may have,” Stevens said in the letter, which notes that companies that disclose AECDs by Dec. 31, 2020, could see a 25% to 75% reduction in any penalties levied by CARB, depending on the circumstances of each case. “If you are not in compliance with CARB regulations, and you do not voluntarily disclose your violations, you may become the subject of a lengthy investigation and enforcement action. Our testing and investigations to identify non-compliance are continuing, and violations after 2016 are subject to the legislatively increased maximum penalty of $37,500 per mobile source or engine, per identified violation. In raising the maximum penalty, the State of California is sending a strong a message that certification requirements must be met to protect public health,” the letter concludes. To view the letter, click here.