At ACT Expo in Long Beach, California, 
State of Sustainable Fleets Brief
In the third annual State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief, released today, transportation fleets continued to report a resounding trend — their use of clean fuels and advanced vehicle technologies is rapidly progressing. Report author and leading clean technology consulting firm, Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA), unveiled the findings at their Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo,
Report authors surveyed nearly 250 U.S.-based fleets that have used clean fuels and vehicles including propane vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, battery-electric vehicles, or fuel cell electric vehicles. Among that group, nearly 85% report that their use of clean vehicle technologies will grow over the next five years.
A key to increased adoption of near- and zero-emission transportation across the public and private sectors, including accompanying fueling and charging infrastructure, is record-setting government funding and legislative support at both the state and federal levels, the 2022 report confirms.
While California continues to lead in vehicle and infrastructure funding as well as progressive zero-emission regulations, five other states are following suit with regulations of their own: Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts have all adopted rules based on California’s that require automakers to sell increasing numbers of zero-emission trucks. In terms of funding, the report finds that available public incentives for the clean fuel and vehicle market will increase to approximately $20 billion annually across more than 230 programs over the next few years, a nearly seven-fold increase from the average $3 billion previously. Much of the funding growth is due to the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Penske Recharged by Shell
At today’s Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, Penske Truck Leasing and Shell Recharge Solutions North America announced a new joint initiative to support light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging at Penske locations.
The project will initially deploy Level 2 (L2) electric truck charging stations with plug-and-charge capabilities, to support Penske’s growing battery-electric truck fleet in California. Additional sites will be rolled out in four U.S. states in 2022 with more locations expected to be added in 2023 and beyond.
To support Penske, Shell Recharge Solutions will deliver design, installation and charging network support through its SKY software platform. Shell Recharge Solutions will also provide maintenance support across Penske’s network of L2 electric truck charging stations.
Volvo VNR Orders
Volvo Trucks North America customer, NFI Industries — a leading third-party supply chain solutions provider — is increasing its investment in electromobility solutions with its latest order of 60 Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The battery-electric freight trucks will be deployed in NFI’s Ontario, California fleet throughout 2022 and 2023, in support of its goal of operating the first 100% zero-emission freight logistics fleet in the nation.
Volvo Trucks North America customer, Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) and Golden State Foods (GSF) company — is increasing its commitment to zero-tailpipe emission freight transport with its latest order of 30 Volvo VNR Electrics. In early 2023, the battery-electric Class 8 trucks will be deployed in QCD’s Southern California fleet operations delivering products to restaurants and coffee shops throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. This multi-stakeholder electrification project, announced during a press event on Monday, May 9, at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, includes 16 fast chargers and a renewable energy microgrid to power the chargers.
New Daimler eCascadia
Freightliner Trucks, a division of Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), today unveiled the new eCascadia at ACT Expo in Long Beach, CA. Built on the best-selling heavy-duty truck platform in North America, the new battery electric Freightliner eCascadia provides customers with a zero-emission version of the industry-leading Cascadia and debuts its innovative safety and connectivity features.
The eCascadia is ideally suited for short-haul routes that allow for depot-based charging, examples of which include last mile logistics, local and regional distribution, drayage and warehouse to warehouse applications.
- 320-470 hp (Horsepower)
- Typical range of 230 miles (depending on vehicle configurations)1
- Multiple battery options and maximum capacity of almost 440 kWh2
- Recharge of 80 percent in approximately 90 minutes
- Up to 82,000 lbs max GCW (Gross Combination Weight)
- Available with single or tandem eAxle
- 116″ day cab configuration
Powered by in-house developed Detroit ePowertrain
Detroit, the industry-leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art engines, axles and transmissions, is the power behind the eCascadia. The in-house developed Detroit ePowertrain is designed for a full integration with the eCascadia for maximum power, increased driving dynamics, and driver comfort, all with zero emission.
The eAxle is an electric drivetrain component integrated with an electric motor, transmission and specialized electronics within a compact unit. Detroit’s ePowertrain provides two eAxle designs including a dual motor with max torque of 23,000 lb-ft and max power of 395 hp, and a single motor featuring a max torque of 11,500 lb-ft and max power of 195 hp.
The Detroit ePowertrain offers three battery options for a range of sizes and average, zero-to-full charging times starting with 194 kWh (one and a half to three hours), 291 kWh (two to four hours), and 438 kWh (two to six hours). Detroit’s Li-Ion batteries enable the eCascadia to meet critical range targets without sacrificing payload.
Because the Detroit ePowertrain produces less heat than a traditional combustion engine, temperature and packaging requirements for cooling are minimized. This allows the eCascadia to come with closed hood vents, and a new grille, which reduces drag by forcing more air around the vehicle, as opposed to pulling it through the radiator.
Innovative Detroit Connect eServices for an efficient and productive electric fleet
Connectivity plays a critical role in successful freight operations. Innovative Detroit Connect eServices have been exclusively developed for eCascadia and offer features that allow for maximum uptime, productivity, and profitability.
An in-house developed Charger Management System (CMS) is integrated directly into the Detroit Connect portal. CMS provides reports about depot utilization, data for grant compliance and Low Carbon Fuel Standard credit reporting, and can strategically save fleets money by leveraging demand-response incentives from local utilities. Additionally, CMS allows for staggered charging of multiple vehicles, charging during off-peak-demand hours, and partial charging. CMS is optimized for use with Detroit eFill chargers, and is also compatible with other popular charger models.
The eRange prediction tool automatically and accurately calculates and displays range over the course of a proposed trip. To give the most accurate indication possible, the tool analyzes multiple data inputs including vehicle parameters, load, weather, traffic, and road gradient. eRange Prediction allows for testing of “what-if” scenarios and performs analysis.
Battery health monitoring tracks and gives visibility into the eCascadia battery’s state-of-health percentage, state-of-charge percentage, remaining range miles, and charging status. Post-trip analysis gives actionable information to improve the eCascadia’s performance, utilization, and driver training. Based on actual trip data, users can visualize and quantify operational differences between trips. Outlying data is highlighted so that managers can easily identify exceptional situations.
Initial release of the CMS solution will occur in Q4 of 2022. Additional CMS features will be introduced in 2023.
Detroit Connect’s traditional features are also available on the new eCascadia, including remote updates to reduce the need to stop and physically connect the vehicle to initiate firmware updates. Remote updates allow users to update one or hundreds of trucks from a single location.
Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems for electric trucks
The Freightliner eCascadia comes standard with Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA 5), setting the benchmark for advanced safety for heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles.
The release of the series production eCascadia marks the debut of a new Detroit Assurance safety feature: Active Side Guard Assist (ASGA). This industry-first technology engages at urban speeds (12 mph or less) to mitigate the truck from making a right turn when a moving cyclist or pedestrian is detected on the passenger side of the truck. ASGA applies automatic braking along with visual and auditory warnings, and is ideal for busy urban settings. This first-of-its-kind technology will help to protect pedestrian on the road today.
The eCascadia will also be the first version of the Cascadia to come standard with Active Lane Assist (ALA). As another first-of-its-kind safety feature it combines Level 2 automated driving with a suite of driver comfort features.
Power Electronics
Power Electronics will present the latest developments in the main products of the Mobility Sector:
NBSK 1440 kV the future of electric mobility. A station for all types of electric vehicles, from the lightest to the heaviest and capable of recharging at different power levels simultaneously, from 60 to 720 kW. With a voltage range of up to 1000 Vdc and simultaneous DC charging of up to 24 vehicles, it is presented as a turn-key control unit that can integrate both medium voltage components, cells, transformer, as well as the components necessary for low voltage configuration. It is compatible with the Depot, Cooled and Slim dispensers, which will be present at the multinational’s stand.
NBw30, the V2G solution that combines design and state-of-the-art technology. The NBw30 is a DC charger that combines all needs in one product with a wide voltage range. Capable of charging a vehicle with a CSS connector or configured with CSS+CHAdeMO in alternative charging with a power of 30 kW.
Bollinger Motors will be at the Expo Assembled by Roush
Bollinger Motors announced Roush Industries as the contract manufacturer to assemble its line of all-electric platforms and chassis cabs for commercial vehicles in Classes 3 through 6.
Bollinger will source and provide all materials for Roush to assemble its all-electric vehicle platforms and chassis cabs in a fully staffed, operational, and scalable facility in Livonia, Michigan – within 20 miles of Bollinger’s Oak Park headquarters.
Bollinger Motors will also work closely with Roush on assembling pre-production units and performing validation testing, ahead of the ramp up to production.
EAVX
EAVX, the newest business unit of JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO) that collaborates with the most advanced electric and alternative power chassis producers, today announced its debut at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Attendees can visit booth No. 567 to see its latest technological innovations on display in collaboration with Morgan Truck Body (Morgan), a sister business unit, and Vicinity Motor Corp. (Vicinity), a North American supplier of commercial electric vehicles.
JBPCO’s presence will showcase a wide variety of its next-generation technology for the work truck industry. Three Morgan Truck Body bodies on electric chassis will be onsite, as well as firsthand illustrations of how EAVX’s innovative concepts can be implemented into their VX Control system, the technology infrastructure of each vehicle. Among technologies integrated into the multiplexed system, attendees can expect to experience 360-degree camera systems, digital rear view and side view mirrors, and vehicle warning technologies. In-booth collaboration examples include prototypes from Morgan vehicles on electric chassis upfitted with technology from Lion Electric, International and VMC.
“As the innovation hub of JBPCO, the EAVX team is on a mission to create the next generation of commercial vehicles by integrating body and chassis with leading-edge technology and innovation,” said Mark Hope, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at EAVX. “Our comprehensive approach to integration, deployment and serviceability empowers the industry to meet higher standards for sustainability and performance. Ultimately, EAVX strives to be at the forefront of revolutionizing the road ahead.”
Collaboration with Vicinity Motor Corp.
Vicinity will showcase its vehicles in a joint exhibit with its strategic partner EAVX. The two companies will jointly exhibit its VMC 1200 Class 3 electric truck with a ProStake Platform Body by Morgan Truck Body. The unit will also be upfitted by EAVX with its latest VX Control multiplexed technology system, including a 360-degree camera system, digital rear view and side view mirrors, advanced driver assistance systems and load sensing technology.
Morgan Truck Body Innovations
Morgan Truck Body recently debuted two advanced electric vehicle truck body concepts at NTEA Work Truck Week – an electrified refrigerated concept truck body and a dry freight cargo van body – both of which will be on display in JBPCO’s ACT Expo booth. Mounted on a Lion Electric Lion6 chassis and equipped with a Thermo King all-electric refrigerated unit, Morgan’s refrigerated body is designed to maximize thermal efficiency while lightening the load. The 24-foot dry freight cargo van body features an electric chassis by International and provides significant weight reduction, improved aerodynamics and enhanced situational awareness.
“As Morgan Truck Body celebrates its 70th year, we are pushing forward with our goal to provide the most innovative EV solutions by working with partners like EAVX to integrate our next-generation bodies with their VX Control system technology infrastructure,” said Dan DesRochers, President and COO of Morgan. “Our customers seek energy-efficient solutions that offset the weight added by batteries, without losing cargo capacity and delivery range, and these bodies address these challenges head on.”
Additional JBPCO business units who will be displaying at the ACT Expo outside of the parent booth will be Morgan Olson and Reading. T
About EAVX
EAVX, the newest business unit and subsidiary of JB Poindexter & Co, collaborates with the most advanced electric and alternative power chassis producers,.information.