Ecology is Transforming Truck Technology and Economy

by Curt Bennink
Created: November 17, 2011

Fuel economy and emissions regulations are pushing alternate fuels and power trains into today's trucks

This illustrates the major components of a parallel hybrid system from BAE Systems. Note the motor/generator between the engine and transmission.
This illustrates the major components of a parallel hybrid system from BAE Systems. Note the motor/generator between the engine and transmission.
This Navistar utility truck has been equipped with a compressed natural gas kit.
This Navistar utility truck has been equipped with a compressed natural gas kit.
This HybriDrive dump truck demonstrates the possibilities of hybrid propulsion systems in the vocational truck segment.
This HybriDrive dump truck demonstrates the possibilities of hybrid propulsion systems in the vocational truck segment.

The biggest challenge for the future remains federal oversight. "There always seems to be some surprise that comes up in the form of government legislation," says Mann. "As regulations come into effect, most of it is going to add equipment on the truck."

Regulations come with a price, which ultimately has to be passed on to the consumer.

"The cost of the truck will be the biggest challenge facing the Class 6 to 8 vocational market," says Ford's Deluca.