Why Hybrid and EV Work Trucks Make Perfect Sense
With low downtimes, big fuel savings and factory warranties, electrified work trucks aren’t just the future, they’re the present.
The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis has once again hosted the latest and greatest technologies available for light, medium and heavy-duty work trucks. Whether it’s truck manufacturers, accessory companies or truck outfitters, the industry’s biggest players set off to dazzle media and consumers alike.
Ford Motor Company is a big player in the commercial truck world, but more importantly, they’re a big player in the technology development. This year’s Work Truck Show has finally caught up to the theme championed by major auto shows of recent years: mobility and electrification.
As the term implies, “electrification” means that a vehicle’s drivetrain is aided by some sort of electrical power source. Whether it is battery power, solar or a combination of different sorts, electrification has already become mainstream in passenger vehicles and is quickly making its way into commercial trucks.
“Ford supports electrification for a variety of vehicle types,” says Richard Cupka Jr., Ford’s Sustainability and QVM Program Manager. “The eQVM [eQualified Vehicle Modifier] program extends that support to the vocational truck industry where customers need relatively small numbers of specialized vehicles. There is no one-size-fits-all work truck.”
Ford recently partnered with key companies that will function as eQVM. The eQVM program kicks off with three developers: XL Hybrids, Motiv Power Systems and Lightning Hybrids. The companies offer electrification or hydraulic hybrid solutions for a range of Ford vehicles popular with fleet and commercial customers. These include the F-150; F-250 to F-550 Super Duty; F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks; Transit and E-Series vans and chassis trucks.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts had the opportunity to get up close and personal with these hybrid and fully-electric trucks in Indianapolis, and the attention they’re gathering is nothing short of impressive. After surveying key industry people and vehicle modifiers, the reasons were clear:
- Reduced carbon dioxide
- Exponential fuel savings (up to 25%)
- Minimal down time due to maintenance or repairs
- Increased productivity
- Fewer brake services due to regenerative braking
- Full OEM warranty
- Telematics support system
- Future-proof design
- Over 4 million miles already driven by electrified trucks
As you can see from these images, the setups vary from complex to relatively simple. One thing is certain, hybrid and EV work trucks are the future.
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