The momentum toward zero-emission commercial vehicles continues at Work Truck Week 2021 (WTW21). The event will feature Green Hour educational sessions March 9–11 on reducing emissions and improving fuel economy, including a keynote presentation by Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning for Penske Truck Leasing. Ten work truck OEMs will talk about current and future battery-electric vehicles and technology during Advanced Chassis Update Sessions March 12.
WTW21 is a reimagined way to connect the commercial vehicle community and provide the product news, market trends, and operational insights the industry has come to expect from The Work Truck Show in a virtual environment. It runs online March 8–12.
Exhibitors will share the latest information on work trucks, equipment, and other new products through their listings, which may include live demos, presentations, visuals, and downloadable content, as well as contact information. Event registrants will create a WTW21 planner and access exhibitor listings at wts21.mapyourshow.com. On-demand access for registered attendees is available through April 9.
“WTW21 elements like the Green Hour educational sessions, Rosa’s keynote, and Advanced Chassis Update Sessions allow the industry to continue exploring the path toward zero emissions that is typically the focus of Green Truck Summit,” said Kevin Koester, senior director, NTEA. “Although we are unable to have these important conversations in person this year, we’re excited to provide a virtual forum where OEMs, upfitters, body builders, leasing companies, fleets, and others can engage and share ideas.”
Advanced Chassis Update Sessions
During Advanced Chassis Update Sessions on March 12, battery electric vehicle manufacturers will share insights into their current offerings as well as future plans related to battery electric truck technology and how it’s impacting the work truck industry.
“In the last couple of years, interest in electric work trucks has grown exponentially,” said Koester. “For fleet managers and manufacturers, it’s become a challenge to keep all the information straight. These Advanced Chassis Update Sessions will provide a dedicated forum where OEMs can share updated battery electric vehicle information and help bring some clarity for fleet managers and other industry decision-makers.”
Participating companies include:
- Bollinger Motors will present an overview of CHASS-E and DELIVER-E, its Class 3 all-electric chassis platforms.
- BrightDrop will discuss its integrated ecosystem of connected and electrified products and services that improve first- to last-mile delivery.
- Ford Commercial Vehicles will talk about the new, all-electric E-Transit.
- Freightliner Custom Chassis will introduce the MT50e all-electric commercial chassis.
- Freightliner Trucks will give an update on its path to battery electric commercial vehicles, including information about ePowertrains and early deployments of Class 6–8 vehicles.
- Hino Trucks will discuss its development path to zero emission vehicles, ranging from Class 4–8.
- International Truck Advanced will discuss why going beyond the vehicle is necessary for a successful electric fleet.
- Kenworth Truck Company will share progress on the development of alternative powertrain technologies focusing on battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
- Mack Trucks will give an electric mobility update.
- Peterbilt Motors Company will share an in-depth review of its electric vehicle lineup, including Models 579EV, 520EV, and 220EV. Additionally, Peterbilt representatives will discuss infrastructure planning and setup, and introduce Peterbilt’s dedicated resources for electric vehicle spec’ing and funding opportunities.
Each Advanced Chassis Update Session will last 25 minutes. Access the full schedule and session information at wts21.mapyourshow.com.
Green Hour Sessions
Rosa, who is responsible for all purchases for Penske’s fleet of more than 327,000 vehicles, will deliver the Green Hour keynote address, “Navigating Historic Industry Transformation,” on March 9. He will provide an overview of Penske’s current and near-term advanced fuel and emission reduction programs, identify tactics to meet future and unknown emission regulation challenges, and discuss the future landscape of advanced fuels in the work truck industry.
Representatives from Allision Transmission and Cummins will share research and strategies to help improve fuel costs and economy using existing propulsion systems during Powertrain Optimization on March 10. They will discuss examples such as vocational-specific shift points and adjustments to non-combustible fluids.
During “Emissions Reduction: Leveraging Multiple Techniques” on March 11, industry leaders will share an overview of the alternative fuel landscape, new technologies, and energy-saving strategies. Attendees will learn how to combine the benefits of lightweighting, aerodynamics, idle reduction, and alternative fuels to maximize criteria emissions reduction.
Registration is required to attend any Green Hour or Advanced Chassis Update session, as well as other educational sessions and live demos. Register at worktruckshow.com/register.
