The automotive industry is thinking about the future as new technologies and consumer demand for sustainability continue to rise.
Because of this, watch out for the following trends: diverse mobility, autonomous driving, electrification, and connectivity.
Commercial trucks won’t be left behind in this change. Don’t be surprised when you see “digitized commercial trucking” an essential for every logistics company.
We’re still far from getting there, but the unusual-looking trucks with brand new technologies are already getting our attention.
The commercial trucks of the future
Fuel-saving, low-carbon, and zero emission are some of the features truck manufacturers are aiming to achieve.
Here are some of the trucks introduced right now:
Walmart’s WAVE concept truck
Using a microturbine engine that runs on natural gas, the Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience (WAVE) already shows the future with its sharp convex splitter nose and 53-foot carbon fiber trailer.
Enter through its sliding doors and see its cockpit looking like something you’ll only see in sci-fi movies.
It even has an 180-degree rotational center-mounted driver’s seat and touch-screen gauge pods.
Cummins-Peterbilt “SuperTruck”
One of the features of Cummins-Peterbilt’s SuperTruck is its “Predictive Cruise Technology” it uses GPS to adjust how the power is used when the truck ascends or descends.
Its other features include its clean diesel Cummins motor, a lithium-ion battery auxiliary power unit to reduce unnecessary engine idling and an auto-stop ability when its driver can’t step on the brakes on time.
Nikola Motor Company’s Nikola One
The Tesla-inspired truck, Nikola One, grabs everyone with its promising “near zero emission”.
This 18-wheeler truck is powered by a 320-kWh battery with a hydrogen fuel cell generator.
This generator lets the truck stay charged while on the road, giving it up to 1,200 miles of range.
The weight? 2,000 – 3,000 lbs. lesser than your ordinary diesel truck. This gives the Nikola One a greater edge compared to diesel trucks everyone is used to.
What to see in the “digitized commercial trucking” era
The technologies used in the trucks mentioned are just a bit of what’s in store for us in the future.
Here are some of the technological advancements that will change the trucking and logistics industry:
Vehicle-to-infrastructure communication
Sensor and connectivity technologies will make it possible for trucks to connect to its surroundings.
With GPS and other digital linking devices, trucks can connect to infrastructures like repair shops, distribution centers, and roads.
This can also give them real-time updates about road congestions and accidents.
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication
V2V communication prevents vehicles from accidents while on the road.
This technology makes it possible for trucks to save fuel through platooning or driving down the road in close convoys.
Remote diagnostics
It’s possible to track commercial trucks nowadays with GPS. It goes better when companies can check truck condition and maintenance status in every minute.
Autonomous driving
Uber has already delivered 50,000 beers with its self-driving truck Otto and it won’t surely stop there.
Automated driving can benefit companies that want to save money and improve safety. Drivers will no longer have to keep an eye on the road, letting them focus on the administrative tasks instead.
The future can start now
New truck technologies are coming. Adapting to them may help you improve your commercial trucking services.
If you have your own advanced ideas that the future can’t wait for, get your truck customized right now.
Request a quote from us to find out how we can help you optimize your fleet.
