After a hiatus of in-person events, Work Truck Week returned to Indianapolis from March 8 to 10 with a flurry of new technology reveals, partnership announcements, breakout sessions and an expansive work truck showroom.
Although many types of vehicle technology were highlighted, electrification was the buzzword of the conference. From new all-electric pickup trucks to extensive charging infrastructure, here are some EV technologies that were featured at this year’s show.
1. All-Electric Chevrolet Silverado
General Motors and Chevrolet showcased the first-ever 2024 Silverado EV all-electric pickup. The chief engineer of the Silverado EV, Nichole Kraatz, went into detail about the creation and special features of the pickup. One of the most show-stopping highlights was the range. It is estimated the Silverado EV will have 400 miles on a full charge, making it one of the longest range EV models on the market.
Some other features include its new battery technology. Ultium, a new battery platform from General Motors, contains “large-format, pouch-style cells” that can be stacked vertically or horizontally, allowing engineers to optimize battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design. With the Ultium Platform and no engine, this allows the pickup to have a trunk in the front, something that no other Chevy truck has had.
2. REE’s P7 Platform
REE’s P7 platform made its debut as a platform for class 3-5 commercial delivery vehicles. The platform is flat from end-to-end, offering interior space and volumetric efficiency. Electric and autonomous vehicles built on top of this platform will be able to achieve driving ranges of up to 600 km on a full charge with max speeds of 130kph.
The weight the P7 platform can handle is 10,000 lbs – 16,500 lbs and it has a battery capacity of up to 120 kW. According to REE, vehicles based on the P7 EV chassis are autonomous-ready and can be powered by batteries or fuel cells.
3. Ford Pro Charging Hardware
Opening the Work Truck Show, Ford presented an all-new lineup of charging hardware for electric vehicles called Ford Pro. The line-up includes six home and depot chargers for commercial vehicles and consultation services for the successful installation and upkeep of fleet charging. According to Ford, 60% of customers cited how to charge a fleet as a major concern, and this all-in-one charging infrastructure solution is the answer Ford has given.
The six chargers being released are the Ford Pro AC Charging Station, the Ford Charge Station Pro, the Ford Pro DC Charging Cabinet, the Ford Pro Industrial DC Dispenser, and the Ford Pro Commercial DC Dispenser. Ford Pro customers will also have access to the BlueOval Charge Network. A network that has more than 20,500 charging locations and 70,000 plugs.
4. Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. Battery Powered Telescopic Crane
Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc revealed a first-to-industry battery-powered hydraulic telescopic crane. The hydraulic crane will be able to be powered even when a vehicle is turned off. Powered by a Vanair EPEQ power system and ELiMENT battery, this will be disruptive for those who need to meet certain emissions standards. Plus, the ability to use the crane without turning on the vehicle will help shave off fuel costs and lower the rate of depreciation of the vehicle.
5. Lion Electric’s Lion6
Lion Electric made many announcements at the Work Truck Show, including highlighting the Lion6. The Lion6 is a zero-emission urban truck that offers 200 miles of range on a single charge. It also has a battery thermal management system (BTMS) to keep the battery temperature stable in extreme hot and cold conditions.
Lion Electric had many Lion6 vehicles on display, including the Lion6 Electrified Refrigerated Concept with Morgan Truck Body and Thermo King, the Lion6 Aluminum Platform Body 18-foot with Storage Pack with Knapheide, and the Lion6 Aluminum Platform Body (26-foot) with CM Truck Beds.
6. Legend Lightweight Cargo Van Floor
One obstacle to fleet electrification is weight. Because of the added batteries, reinforced framework and suspension, and the metal armor around the battery, this added weight slows down the vehicle and limits the total range a vehicle can achieve. Legend aims to help with this challenge with the debut of their lightweight cargo van floor.
The cargo van floor is 53% lighter than other van floors on the market and crafted with more than 75% recycled material. It has minimal effect on range and payload while protecting the batteries under the floor.
7. SEA Electric SV8 Electric Van
SEA Electric revealed it’s making its move into the U.S. market with the SV6 electric van. Powered by the SEA-Drive(R) 120b power system, a chassis platform with a
GVWR range of up to 28,000 lbs, and a 1,844 lb-ft (2,500Nm) electric motor, it makes itself stand out in the step van world. The SEA SV6 EV also can be used as a power source while parked, giving it vehicle-to-grid charging capabilities. It has a driving range of up to 200 miles and its battery can be charged at a top rate of 100kW on a fast charger.
8. Navistar NEXT Experience Trailer
Navistar placed its NEXT Experience Trailer on the showroom floor that demonstrated the company’s zero-emission technology. Inside the trailer, conference-goers could walk inside the trailer and learn about the benefits and talking points of fleet electrification and the importance of zero emissions. With augmented reality and 3D models, visitors of the trailer could get an in-depth look into the assessment and adoption process. Navistar also announced they will be traveling with this trailer to dealerships and select showrooms across the country.
9. Shyft Group Electric Delivery Vehicle & Power Cube
Shyft Group revealed its all-new electric delivery vehicle built on its Class 3 EV chassis under its new market brand, Blue Arc EV Solutions. The chassis’ modular design will accommodate multiple weight ratings and classifications, and the vehicle will provide an approximate range of 150 to 175 miles with the opportunity to enhance range through expanded battery options. Another part of the reveal was Blue Arc EV’s Power Cube. The Power Cube is a fully portable remote-controlled charging station with onboard energy storage. This was made in mind to provide a mobile, commercial-grade EV charger that does not need to be connected to the grid. Vehicles are able to be fully charged with the Power Cube within 1-2 hours.
10. Lordstown Motors Corp. All-Electric Endurance Pickup
Lordstown Motors Corp. displayed the Endurance and showed off its in-wheel technology at this year’s Work Truck Week. Each wheel of the Endurance is equipped with a hub motor. A hub motor is an electric motor that is incorporated into the hub of a wheel and drives it directly. The design allows for improved vehicle control as there are not as many moving parts in the vehicle. Less moving parts make the Endurance cheaper on maintenance needs and in general, improves the cost of ownership.
