Articles tagged with "heavy-duty-trucks"
Tesla Semi Chargers Planned For Pilot Travel Centers - CleanTechnica
Pilot Travel Centers, the largest travel center network in North America with over 900 locations, has partnered with Tesla to install Tesla Semi chargers at select centers in California, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. These chargers will be strategically placed along major transportation routes such as California’s I-5 and I-10 freeways. Each Pilot location will feature 4 to 8 charging stalls capable of delivering 1.2 MW of power, primarily intended for Tesla Semi trucks, with potential future compatibility for other electric heavy-duty trucks. This development supports the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly in the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) segment, which has seen rapid sales growth in recent years. Although the Tesla Semi, first announced in 2017, has faced production delays with expected availability around spring 2026, the installation of these chargers suggests anticipation of increased Tesla Semi deployment alongside other electric big rigs. The expansion of charging infrastructure at Pilot centers aligns with broader trends in electric
energyelectric-vehiclesTesla-SemiEV-chargersheavy-duty-truckscharging-infrastructurePilot-Travel-CentersPeterbilt Unveils New Electric Truck Models While Dispute With California Continues - CleanTechnica
Peterbilt, a PACCAR-owned company, has introduced three new battery-powered medium-duty electric truck models—536EV, 537EV, and 548EV—expanding its zero-emissions vehicle lineup amid an ongoing legal dispute with the state of California. This dispute centers on California’s stricter emissions regulations for medium and heavy-duty trucks, which PACCAR and other manufacturers had previously agreed to comply with under the Clean Truck Partnership. However, the federal government revoked California’s waiver allowing these standards, declaring the state’s regulations and the partnership unlawful, leading to litigation that remains unresolved. Despite the legal uncertainties, Peterbilt’s announcement highlights a strategic focus on electric vehicle development driven by both regulatory and economic factors. The new models are designed to meet diverse customer needs with zero tailpipe emissions, enhanced safety features, and configurations optimized for regional delivery, service, utility, and vocational applications. This move suggests that manufacturers may pursue electrification not only to comply with mandates but also to capitalize on market demand for
energyelectric-trucksbattery-powered-vehiclesemissions-standardsclean-transportationCalifornia-Air-Resources-Boardheavy-duty-trucksUS roadway charges electric truck at 65 mph using wireless coils
Engineers at Purdue University have successfully demonstrated a dynamic wireless power transfer system that charges a heavy-duty electric truck traveling at highway speeds. Conducted on a quarter-mile section of US Highway 52/231 in West Lafayette, Indiana, the trial involved a modified Cummins Class 8 electric semitractor drawing 190 kilowatts of power while moving at 65 mph. This wireless charging system uses transmitter coils embedded beneath the concrete pavement and receiver coils mounted under the truck, enabling real-time power transfer through the road surface. The power level achieved is unprecedented in the US, especially for heavy-duty trucks that require significantly more energy than lighter vehicles or existing wireless charging pads. The technology addresses key challenges such as transferring high power across relatively large distances through concrete to a moving, heavy vehicle. Purdue researchers emphasize the engineering precision required for this feat, noting it surpasses the power levels typical for consumer electronics by thousands of times. Cummins, which supplied the electric truck, praised the system’s high power and
energyelectric-vehicleswireless-chargingdynamic-wireless-power-transferheavy-duty-trucksmagnetic-field-technologyelectric-truck-chargingTurbocharged hydrogen truck engine to deliver diesel-like performance
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has enhanced its heavy-duty hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) by integrating a newly designed turbocharger, significantly boosting the engine’s power, torque, and efficiency. The upgraded engine now delivers peak torque of 1,760 foot-pounds and peak power of 440 horsepower, aligning it closely with the performance range of modern long-haul diesel trucks (typically 1,450–1,850 foot-pounds torque and 400–500 horsepower). Additionally, the engine achieves a peak efficiency of 44.0 percent, which is notably high for spark-ignited engines, while maintaining near-zero tailpipe emissions. This advancement was made possible by converting a natural gas engine to run exclusively on hydrogen with minimal modifications, demonstrating the feasibility of adapting existing engine platforms rather than developing entirely new powertrains. A key innovation in this upgrade is the turbocharger’s mechanical linkage to the engine’s crankshaft, allowing variable boost pressure on demand to address
hydrogen-engineturbochargerheavy-duty-truckszero-emissionsenergy-efficiencyalternative-fuelinternal-combustion-engineSelf-driving trucks with 16.5-ton payload capacity to bolster US power
The U.S. Army is set to enhance its heavy tactical vehicle fleet with the introduction of autonomous Palletized Load System (PLS) A2 trucks, developed by Oshkosh Defense under an $89 million contract awarded through the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) program. These self-driving trucks, capable of carrying payloads exceeding 16.5 tons, are designed to improve supply and equipment distribution in combat zones, particularly in challenging and contested environments. The PLS A2 features advanced technologies such as by-wire functionality for autonomous operation and active safety systems, which collectively aim to increase operational efficiency and soldier protection during complex missions. The PLS A2’s open architecture allows for future technology upgrades aligned with the Army’s transformation priorities, supporting multi-domain operations and sustainment across dispersed battlefields. Oshkosh Defense emphasizes the vehicle’s ruggedness and reliability, highlighting its hydraulic Load Handling System that enables rapid self-loading and unloading, thereby reducing personnel fatigue and mission downtime. The F
robotautonomous-vehiclesmilitary-technologyheavy-duty-trucksOshkosh-Defenseautonomous-drivingtactical-vehiclesWorld's first stop-start truck engine to cut fuel, CO2 emissions
Volvo Trucks has introduced the world’s first stop-start engine system for heavy-duty trucks, designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This innovative technology builds on Volvo’s existing I-See and I-Roll systems, which use high-resolution maps and road topography data to optimize driving performance. The stop-start feature automatically turns off the engine when the truck approaches a downhill slope and restarts it smoothly without driver input, enhancing fuel efficiency during long-haul trips. The system activates at speeds above 37 mph and is integrated into the Volvo FH and FH Aero models with 13-litre diesel engines, available from September 2025. The I-See technology anticipates uphill grades by increasing speed beforehand and managing gear shifts to avoid fuel waste, while Eco-Roll disengages the driveline to let the truck coast optimally before re-engaging. It also applies engine braking gently at slope ends and uses traffic and road condition data to maximize kinetic energy use. This system is part of Volvo
energyfuel-efficiencystop-start-engineVolvo-Trucksemissions-reductionheavy-duty-trucksdecarbonizationFederal Trade Commission Blows Up California Clean Truck Partnership - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) recent actions that effectively dismantled California's Clean Truck Partnership, an initiative involving nine heavy-duty truck and engine manufacturers committed to complying with the state's stringent exhaust emissions rules. This development follows the revocation of California’s long-standing exemption from federal EPA emissions standards under the new administration, which has rolled back numerous environmental regulations to favor fossil fuel interests. The FTC, influenced by political appointees aligned with the current administration’s agenda, declared the Clean Truck Partnership anti-competitive, leading four manufacturers—Daimler, Volvo, International Motors, and PACCAR—to file a federal lawsuit seeking relief from their commitments. The article frames this move as part of a broader political strategy, dubbed Project 2025, aimed at consolidating control through regulatory chaos and undermining state-level environmental protections. Critics argue that the FTC’s intervention disregards public health concerns by prioritizing corporate profits over clean air, effectively forcing Californians to endure higher pollution levels. The
energyclean-energyemissions-regulationsheavy-duty-trucksenvironmental-policyFederal-Trade-CommissionCalifornia-Clean-Truck-PartnershipGreenlane Announces Key I-10 EV Charging Corridor - CleanTechnica
Greenlane, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, NextEra Energy, and BlackRock, has announced the development of a new electric vehicle (EV) charging corridor along Interstate 10, connecting Southern California to Phoenix, Arizona. This corridor complements their existing charging hub in Colton, California, and includes new planned sites in Blythe, California, and the Greater Phoenix area. The project aims to support medium- and heavy-duty electric commercial fleets, particularly Class 6-8 battery-electric trucks that require high-power charging to cover long distances efficiently. The charging stations will feature a mix of high-speed 400 kW and ultra-fast 1000 kW pull-through lane units, compatible with CCS and megawatt (MW) charging standards, enabling rapid turnaround times critical for long-haul trucking operations. While specific installation details and timelines are still being finalized, Greenlane plans to build comprehensive charging hubs rather than standalone chargers. The chargers will be publicly accessible with per kWh fees varying by region
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingheavy-duty-trucksclean-energytransportation-electrificationelectric-fleetEcoSwift Brings Big Rig Battery Swapping To Singapore - CleanTechnica
EcoSwift has introduced a battery swapping station for heavy-duty electric trucks in Singapore, addressing key challenges faced by densely populated cities in transitioning from diesel to electric freight transport. Traditional fast-charging infrastructure for big rigs requires large spaces and significant electrical capacity, which are scarce and costly in Singapore. EcoSwift’s automated swapping station can replace truck batteries in under five minutes, occupies only one-sixteenth of the space needed for conventional charging of 30 trucks, and uses significantly less power (1,600 amps versus 6,000 amps). The facility can service up to 60 trucks daily and costs about one-third as much to build as a typical charging hub. Currently, only one truck model from China’s Sany Group is compatible, but the project aims to encourage other manufacturers to adopt swappable battery designs. Battery swapping technology is well established in China, where it accounts for a substantial share of electric heavy-duty truck sales, and is gaining traction globally as a solution to urban space and grid constraints. European
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingheavy-duty-truckscharging-infrastructureSingaporeclean-energy