Nikola One: Disruptive Technology?

The Nikola One sleeper-cab prototype unveiled in early December in Salt Lake City looks like no other. It's lettered for U.S. Xpress, whose Chairman and CEO Max Fuller believes Nikola One will be “a game changer.” 

Photo: Tom Berg

Trevor Milton has an ambitious plan to change North America's trucks from diesel power to electric propulsion with hydrogen fuel cells and high-density lithium-ion batteries. If he's successful, the H2-LI electric powertrain will be a “game changer” and “disruptive technology,” as two trucking executives called it. If not, this project will be another failure involving the hydrogen fuel that's supposed to revolutionize the automotive world.

Milton, the CEO of Nikola Motor Co., unveiled his Nikola One over-the-road tractor in early December at the firm's Salt Lake City base. Milton told an audience of several hundred, and many more tuned into a webcast of the event, that the truck will be in production by 2020, with further development, testing, and certification work taking place between now and then.

For months as Nikola's well-orchestrated publicity teased the new electric truck, observers wondered whether the truck and the project itself were the real thing. The vehicle on the stage was very real, but it never turned a wheel during the presentation or a three-hour technical briefing the following day.

It remains to be seen whether Nikola One will ever freight, but the presence of industry giants like Ryder System, Meritor, and U.S. Xpress lent credibility to the project. Nikola claims to have deep-pocket investors, plus over $4 billion in order reservations for the truck, which may see it through to production and sales success.

Early in his presentation, Milton paid tribute to diesel-powered trucks that have reliably and efficiently hauled cargo for so many years. But he said that diesel trucks, no matter how efficient, will always produce ...Read the rest of this story

Truck-Lite Releases New 4-inch Combination Lamp

Truck-Lite has added the 44 Series Stop/Turn/Tail & Back-up Combination Lamp to its current 44 Series offerings.

The new option combines the functions of two lamps into a single unit and is available in flange or grommet mounts. The lamp also features a hardwired connector for tight-packaging applications and 3-position LED Fit ‘N Forget AMP connectors that are compatible with existing connection points on the vehicle harness.

The 4-inch lamp meets or exceeds FMVSS 108 requirements, including on vehicles over 80 inches wide, the company says. The 44 Series combination lamps will meet the FMVSS requirement for back-up function, which can save costs to OEMs by eliminating the need to drill additional mounting holes.

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Teamsters vote for strike action at Purolator

Volvo Awarded Chassis Contract by Public Cooperative Agency

The Volvo VHD is among the Volvo truck models now available to NJPA members in the U.S. and Canada. Photo: Volvo Trucks

Volvo Trucks North America has been awarded a contract by the National Joint Powers Alliance to offer Class 8 chassis to over 50,000 NJPA members.

NJPA is a public agency that creates national cooperative contract purchasing solutions for its members in the U.S. and Canada. NJPA contracts are solicited and competitively awarded on behalf of NJPA current and potential government and education member agencies.

By consolidating individuals into a single, shared bid, the cooperative contract offers the opportunity to save for NJPA members. The process allows members to streamline their truck bidding process and take advantage of NJPA's selection criteria and pricing.

“Volvo Trucks is pleased to offer our full range of heavy-duty trucks through the NJPA,” said Jeff Lester, senior vice president of sales for Volvo Trucks North America. “Member agencies can specify the Volvo model that best fits their needs by utilizing Volvo's complete specification offering.”

All truck chassis included in NJPA's contract with Volvo include the Volvo Trucks suite of uptime services, including real-time vehicle status updates, case management, and technical support. Member agencies are also able to work with and take delivery through a local Volvo Trucks dealer.

The Volvo Trucks contract (081716-VCE) is effective now and available to North American NJPA members. To learn more about the Volvo models available under the NJPA contract contact your nearest Volvo Trucks dealer.

Related: Test Drive of Volvo's VHD Tractor for On- or Off-Road

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

VIPAR names Deval Joshi for senior program manager

FMCSA Begins Annual Drug Testing Survey

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has begun notifying selected truck and bus companies that they will be required to submit their 2016 USDOT drug and alcohol testing program results within 60 days, as directed by Federal Regulation CFR 382.403.

Carriers notified by FMCSA that they have been selected to complete the annual survey are required to respond by March 16, 2017. Failure to respond may result in civil penalties.

The Annual Drug and Alcohol Information Survey results are used to determine the random testing rates for the following year.

For more information on FMCSA drug and alcohol testing rules and regulations, click here.

Drivers and carriers with questions should contact [email protected] or call 202-366-4844

Related: FMCSA Keeps Controlled Substance Random Testing Rate

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Bluetooth Stereo Designed for Work in the Field

The ASA Electronics JHD36A heavy duty stereo features Bluetooth technology, allowing for hands-free calling and app control.

With the hands-free features, ASA says its stereo is suitable for multiple applications including the construction and agricultural industries. The hands-free calling and built-in app control are compatible with any smartphone or tablet and the stereo is also Sirius XM ready.

It features a 12-volt DC power connection and has a maximum audio output of 180 watts. The stereo is also designed to be durable with a conformal coating that protects the system's components from the elements that are commonly encountered in commercial applications.

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter