LONG BEACH, California — The 2021 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo drew thousands of fleet and transportation leaders to see the latest in alternate transportation technology. Here is a roundup of some of the fleet-related announcements made during the expo, which runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. Check out the gallery and read on to see the latest product launches at ACT Expo.
Carrier Transicold
Carrier Transicold unveiled its new zero-emission electric truck refrigeration technology, the electric Supra unit, demonstrating a path forward for refrigerated transporters who want to incorporate more sustainable systems into their fleets.
Designed to provide maximum range and refrigeration capacities similar to those now only achieved by diesel-powered truck systems, the engineless Supra technology will be applied to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or to run autonomously with conventional engine-driven trucks. According to Carrier, this will make it especially well-suited for businesses in California that must introduce zero-emissions truck refrigeration units into their fleets by the end of 2023 in compliance with proposed California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements.
“The Supra zero-emission design completely removes the diesel engine from the equation,” said Scott Parker, product manager of truck products at Carrier Transicold. “It takes advantage of many of the system design, performance and efficiency enhancements that we recently introduced with our diesel-powered Supra series platform. As we upgraded our Supra line, we had an eye on the future, anticipating that the road ahead would require more sustainable, zero-emission technologies.”
Dana Incorporated
Dana Incorporated is expanding its Spicer Electrified e-Powertrain offerings to include single and tandem e-Axles designed for a wide variety of Class 7 and 8 applications. With global production strategies underway, Dana has commitments from global OEM customers with deliveries beginning in late 2023.
According to the Zero-8 e-Axles are engineered for demanding, over-the-road applications and are designed to easily integrate into most existing chassis. The platform utilizes Dana's vertically integrated and long-standing technologies, including Dana TM4 motors and inverters, Spicer high-efficiency axle gearing, Graziano synchronizers, transmission controllers, system software, and shift system and controls.
"These new e-Axles are predicated on our most sought-after, field-proven technologies," said Ryan Laskey, SVP of commercial vehicle drive and motion systems at Dana. "They are currently undergoing testing around the world in both battery-electric and fuel-cell applications and are ready for full-scale adoption as the commercial-vehicle segment continues to progress to fully electrified platforms."
Hino Trucks
Hino Trucks revealed its first Class 8 Hino XL8 prototype powered by a hydrogen fuel cell electric drivetrain.
“It’s amazing what our team has been able to accomplish in a relatively short period of time,” said Glenn Ellis, SVP of customer experience at Hino. “I know our customers are going to be extremely impressed with this fuel cell electric truck. We are looking forward to validating the performance, reliability, and efficiency of our hydrogen fuel cell electric system in the XL Series chassis.”
Commercial customers who are interested in learning more about the hydrogen fuel cell electric Hino XL8 will get a chance to see it in person at ACT Expo from August 31st and September 1st.
“From our Project Z announcement last October, we have received significant interest from customers,” stated Bob Petz, SVP of vehicle and parts sales at Hino. “Now we have something tangible to show them in our prototype FCEV.”
Hyliion
Hyliion unveiled an improved model of its Hybrid system, designated the Hyliion Hybrid eX, an updated version of the company’s sustainability-focused hybrid powertrain that aims to offer fleets a lighter solution that is easier to install, service, and operate. According to Hyliion, Hybrid eX draws upon the real-world feedback the company has received from customers and the millions of miles logged with the previous system.
Hyliion is expected to begin shipping Hybrid eX units in the latter part of 2021. Initial recipients include both returning Hyliion customers, and new customers like Werner Enterprises, whose semi-truck will be featured in Hyliion’s booth at the ACT Expo. After the launch of the Hybrid eX product, the company expects to recognize revenue on these units.
“The launch of the enhanced version of our Hybrid powertrain is a major milestone in our Hybrid commercialization process and reflects the ongoing work we are doing to innovate for the benefit of commercial fleets and the environment,” Thomas Healy, founder and CEO of Hyliion, said. “We expect these improvements to make the Hybrid that much easier for fleets to adopt, while also helping them to achieve their ESG and emissions targets.”
Navistar
Navistar launched the new fully-electric International eMV Series trucks, built to the same standards as the diesel International MV Series as well as to tackle everyday use. According to the company, the eMV was designed for improved visibility and maneuverability, ideal for any straight rail application.
"Our team has worked tirelessly to build an all-electric medium-duty vehicle solution that offers our customers all the environmental benefits of a zero-emissions vehicle while delivering the capabilities of a traditional medium-duty truck to help you take care of business," said Debbie Shust, VP of medium-duty truck at Navistar. "Rolling off our production lines now, we are proud to offer the International eMV complete with inclusive consultation services provided by our specialized NEXT eMobility Solutions team to ensure seamless integration of electric vehicles into customer fleets."
The eMV's battery electric motor provides peak power of over 335 horsepower or 250 kilowatts, with continuous power of 215 HP or 160 kW. The eMV has a 210kW capacity high voltage battery that provides a 135-mile range when fully charged. Batteries are packages between the frame rails for added protection and are under warranty for five years or 100,000 miles. The eMV is also equipped with three levels of regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to collect kinetic energy from braking and store it in the battery for use. To ensure the driver has complete awareness of the eMV's operational status, a digital instrument cluster includes information on propulsion and regenerative load, state of charge indicator and regenerative braking indicator.
The International eMV also offers both AC and DC charging capabilities as standard equipment to allow customers to choose the best option for their fleets. The recommended Level 2 AC charging station is suitable for overnight charging and provides roughly 19.2 kW of power. The DC Fast Charge station option provides up to 125-kilowatt hours of power. The Fast Charge station also has the capability to provide multiple power options. At its highest kWh input, it can provide a full charge to the eMV in under two hours.
ZF
ZF has introduced next-generation technologies at 2021 ACT Expo to push forward North America’s transition to fully electric commercial vehicles. In addition to the ZF PowerLine 8-speed automatic transmission, which launched in 2021, ZF plans to progressively launch a complete modular next generation of electric drives, with axle and central drives for pickups, trucks, and buses of up to 100,000 lbs., with a North American launch in 2023.
“With the successful integration of WABCO, ZF offers our customers an unparalleled level of eMobility systems expertise that will help the industry meet its goals for a clean and efficient future,” said Christian Feldhaus, Director Commercial Vehicle Driveline Technology North America, ZF. “We are committed to innovate and expand solutions for the North American commercial vehicle market as it moves toward electrification and the Next Generation of Mobility.”
