This article was published in the April 2018 edition of NTEA News.
The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive, held March 7 and 8, gave participants the chance to test-drive or ride in vehicles with advanced technologies and alternative fuel applications.
Featured companies and vehicles
Alliance AutoGas
Alliance AutoGas (AAG), with a history of helping more than 10,000 vehicles transition from gasoline to propane autogas, conducted a live conversion of a 2016 3.5-liter Ford F-150 V6 at The Work Truck Show 2016, in a record-setting time of 1:32:25. AAG installed a complete “plug and play” conversion system, including a secondary fuel tank to store the autogas, injector spacer plate and engine control unit. Attendees had opportunity to drive this same high-performing vehicle (after two successful years on the road) at the 2018 Ride-and-Drive.
Cummins Inc.
An International DuraStar featuring a Cummins B6.7 engine that is stop-start capable for maximum fuel economy.
Eaton
An International 4300 DuraStar featuring Eaton Cummins seven-speed Procision® Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission calibrated with Eaton’s auto-docking technology.
Ford Commercial Vehicles
The F-650/F-750 lineup is designed to meet the demands of a wide range of vocational applications and offers a choice of either the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V-8 or the class-exclusive 6.8L Triton® V-10 gasoline engine matched to the Ford TorqShift HD six-speed automatic transmission. A five-year/250,000-mile limited warranty backs every Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine and 6.8L Triton gas engine, and trucks can be equipped to run on compressed natural gas or propane autogas.
The Ride-and-Drive also featured a Ford Super Duty Chassis Cab with best-in-class GCWR of 40,000 pounds and FGAWR of 7,500 pounds. Combine that with the class-exclusive, high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body and high-strength C-Channel steel frame, and you have a truck that can take on any challenge. Super Duty also offers an available Programmable Upfitter Interface Module that enables you to develop “smart” logic controls for your upfit — allowing end users to be more confident in controlling their upfits for a more seamless experience.
Hino Trucks
A Hino COE 195H electric hybrid truck (which is also available with a clean diesel powertrain). This 19,500-pound gross vehicle weight Class 5 truck features 210 horsepower and 440 foot-pounds of torque from Hino’s 5-liter J05E Series engine, utilizing Aisin’s A465 six-speed automatic transmission. It has a 33-inch-wide, 56,900-PSI frame with a center-mounted rear fuel tank.
InterMotive Vehicle Controls
A Ford F-250 pickup equipped with InterMotive’s EcoStar Idle Reduction System and Idle Timer Controller idling engine shutdown system.
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc.
Thanks to partnerships with Morgan, Maxon and TODCO, Ride-and-Drive attendees had the opportunity to drive the Isuzu FTR with one of the lightest 18-foot van configurations available. Morgan utilized lightweight composite sidewalls made of fiber tech with a TODCO ArmorPlate door that’s not only strong and weather-resistant, but lightweight. Maxon rose to the challenge to help get the freight in and out of the body and reduce weight, by providing a TE-25 liftgate with aluminum wedge platform. In total, these advancements shaved off around 600 pounds of weight compared to a similar body.
Kenworth Truck Co.
A T680 tractor equipped with the new Worthington Type 3 Rail Mount compressed natural gas fuel system. With only five unique parts, the Type 3 Rail Mount is the lightest fuel system on the market, offering a similar operating experience to diesel trucks. It’s designed to improve fuel economy and increase payload, reducing fleet total cost of ownership.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc.
FUSO successfully developed and delivered the industry’s first all-electric truck in series production. The eCanter changes the urban landscape by providing zero tailpipe emissions, while eliminating the noise of traditionally powered medium-duty trucks. These first-generation series-produced trucks can achieve a range of 60–80 miles, with advanced charging capabilities of one-to-two hours via a DC fast-charge option.
Power Solutions International
Chevrolet 2500 crew cab pickup featuring a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system from Power Solutions. General Motors selected Power Solutions as its North American alternative fuels specialty vehicle modifier. The company is authorized to provide CNG and propane autogas solutions on a range of GM specialty vehicles, including Silverado, Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, as well as Express and Savana passenger vans, cargo vans, commercial cutaways, and low cab forward 3500HD and 4500HD trucks.
Utilimaster
Utilimaster presented an AmeriPride walk-in van designed specifically for the linen and laundry industry. Utilimaster vehicles are purpose-built to address each company’s unique needs using their proprietary Work-Driven Design™ process. The AmeriPride walk-in van provides a highly modular cargo area and a durable, yet lightweight, aluminum body that remains rust-free and maximizes available payload. Motiv’s all-electric chassis substantially reduces operating costs and produces zero emissions. Available for many different body configurations, including walk-in vans, box trucks, work trucks, shuttle buses, school buses and specialty vehicles Motiv chassis free fleets from fossil fuels.
Workhorse
The company featured drone package delivery demos using HorseFly — an autonomous drone package delivery system by Workhorse. The drone with package launches from the top a Workhorse electric/hybrid delivery truck, making a delivery while the driver makes another delivery. This technology could save time and reduce costly miles driven, especially in rural areas, where stops are farther apart. The HorseFly drone flies autonomously, then redocks with the truck in a new location.
