Kenworth announced it is developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell version of the T680 day cab for drayage tractor operation at Southern California ports. The project is backed by a $9 million government grant awarded last August. The hydrogen fuel cell is provided by the Canadian company Ballard Power Systems and it will charge batteries on the truck while producing only water as an emission. The T680 day cab tractor…
Read MoreFuel Cell Bus Programs get $35.8M Grant in CA
Sunline Transit, a public agency providing bus service throughout California’s sprawling Coachella Valley, will received a $12.5 million grant from the state Friday to fund five new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses and upgrades to the agency’s existing hydrogen production plant. The buses will operate in a region that is known for the cities of Palm Springs and Indio and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The project, represents one…
Read MoreToyota Unveils Hydrogen Powered Class 8 Truck
Toyota’s family of eco-friendly vehicles gained a supersized sibling this morning in the form of Project Portal, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial truck. Along with representatives from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), the zero-emission truck proof of concept will be unveiled today at the Port of Los Angeles where it will take part in “a feasibility study examining the potential usage of fuel…
Read MoreTesla to Unveil Electric Semi Truck this Fall
Tesla Inc. plans to unveil an electric semi-truck in September, Elon Musk, the electric car company’s chief executive, said Thursday. Musk said last year that the company was working on an electric truck but has provided few details except to say it would have self-driving capabilities like other new Tesla models. On Twitter Thursday morning the tech entrepreneur said, “Tesla Semi truck unveil set for September. Team has done an…
Read MoreClass 8 Heavy Duty Truck Orders Up 42%
Orders for Class 5-8 trucks rose to a 16-month high in March, according to data from ACT Research. Preliminary net orders rose to 47,300 units, ACT reported, which represents a 19% improvement year-over-year. “Against easy comps, March Class 8 orders were up 42% compared to March 2016,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “On a seasonally adjusted basis, orders were booked at a 267,000 unit SAAR in the…
Read MoreNew API CK-4 & FA-4 Engine Oils Available Now
The American Petroleum Institute (API) says it has licensed approximately 400 CK-4 oils and more than 60 FA-4 oils submitted by marketers, making the robust new classifications available to operators of new and older diesels. API expects availability to grow substantially over the next few years as more oil marketers add products meeting the new standards to address the needs of a variety of engine technologies in use both on-…
Read MoreLA Shuttle Service Converts Fleet to Electric
Sixteen zero-emission utility shuttle buses will be used to service offsite parking at Los Angeles International Airport for shuttling service WallyPark, making it the first all-electric airport parking depot fleet in the country. Phoenix Motorcars, based in Ontario, Calif., manufactured the fully-electric buses for WallyPark, a subsidiary of parking facility operator L&R, which is headquartered in Los Angeles. Each vehicle carries up to 14 passengers and their luggage between the…
Read More2016 Sprinter Drive Shaft Support Recall
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The bracket for the center support bearing of the drive shaft may not have been properly welded. CONSEQUENCE: If the event of a crash, the bracket may detach and the drive shaft may damage the fuel system, increasing the risk of a fire. REMEDY: DVUSA will notify owners…
Read MoreREV Fleetwood Motorhome Fuel Pump Recall
REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling certain 2015 Fleetwood Bounder Classic motorhomes, 2015-2016 Fleetwood Terra motorhomes, 2016-2017 Fleetwood Storm, Holiday Rambler Admiral XE and Fleetwood Flair motorhomes, and 2017 Holiday Rambler Vacationer XE motorhomes. The affected vehicles, equipped with an Onan 5.5 Kilowatt Generator, have an external fuel pump and in-line fuel filter that may be improperly secured to the chassis. CONSEQUENCE: If the fuel pump or filter detach or…
Read MoreVolvo’s Alternative Powertrain Hybrid Trucks
Volvo Trucks has looked into the future of long-haul big rigs and sees a hybrid. The Swedish manufacturer, which owns the Mack brand in the U.S., is testing its first hybrid alternative powertrain truck to see how much fuel it will save on long-haul deliveries. The vehicle is expected to produce 30 percent less CO2 emissions than a comparable diesel powered traditional truck. The hybrid is part of a growing movement within the trucking industry to design more fuel efficient and…
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