Automotive ⯀  

Trucks remain an essential utility vehicle around the world. They are the supreme workhorses that carry out extraordinary tasks. With the world turning a keen eye on electric and hybrid vehicles, trucks are leaving nothing to chance.

Sedans and saloon cars have pioneered and dominated the hybrid movement with little enthusiasm on trucks. However, this has changed with a renewed interest in trucks, with vehicle manufacturers incorporating plans on hybrid pickup trucks.

The Future Of Hybrid Pickup Trucks

Ford motors, a powerhouse in the vehicle industry, have announced a massive plan on electric vehicles to be launched under its stable. Fortunately, the Ford F150 truck has made the shortlist.

Since the 1940s, the F series trucks have made headlines with their diverse load capabilities and handling. Their production line focused on both heavy and light commercial vehicles. The 13th generation Ford F150 truck already showed signs of change with clean energy being a priority. Curb weight was reduced by the addition of light aluminum; its engine size was also reduced to enhance fuel economy.

Now the new planned truck, set to launch in 2020 or so, will have a more efficient system. Ford has released brief details on the truck that will include a mobile generator. This impressive feature provides standby power on remote sites. Pre-plan approvals include an electric qualified vehicle modifier to power train plugin. industry players will surely be keeping an eye on this development.

Competing brand workhorse is perhaps the most accomplished creator of electric trucks. Primarily, a firm with a background in battery electric delivery, an electric truck was least expected.

Workhorse has already developed an up and running W-15 model. The W-15 model weighs in at about 7200 pounds with a towing capacity of 5000 pounds. On the other hand, load haul capacity is about 2200 pounds. Their truck has an impressive 80-mile drive capability on average. It also features a gas powered range extender for additional support with an ability to attain excesses of 28 miles on the highway and 32 in the city. This makes it a top range vehicle on the premise of drive duration.

The truck's interior incorporates a futuristic feel with digital infotainment and a touch screen dashboard. Seat design is top notch with good quality leather upholstery. A raised position on the driver’s seat enhances visibility on the road. The seats also offer good and firm lumbar support. It has decent spacing on the front and back cabin, ensuring passengers have a smooth ride. Work horse truck has an enabled power export feature designed to handle a variety of tools, machinery, or simple electric household items on the go. This suits the average profile of a handy truck owner.

A true four-wheel drive vehicle with wild off-road abilities, a good ground clearance to handle both weight and terrain related distress.

Fleet companies have already shown interest in the W-15 model echoing a positive reassurance that the industry is ready and willing to absorb hybrid trucks.

The successful completion of the W-15 model has encouraged other manufacturers to make strides into electric trucks. Tesla, a renowned tech company, has had an exceptional performance on their saloon electric models. Word out is that they are one-step closer in launching their first ever truck that will be fully electric.

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VIA Motors, a company that partners closely with General Motors on the development of hybrid electric cars, has embarked on the electric truck journey too. They have developed an extended range electric truck, with the help of their partners. The specs are quite enticing, as well with a remarkable drive range of about 40 miles. Primarily this covers a wider scope than an average daily driver who handles less than 30 miles. Extended range can attain more than 300 miles all round. Payload capacity is about 1000 pounds while the gross vehicle rating is 7500 pounds. A Similar feature to the work horse W-15 model includes a 120 or 240-volt charging input unit.

Another similarity with the W-15 truck is on power export. The v truck model can export 190 kilowatts at its peak in a steady mode of propagation. Other features include a good interior with ample passenger spacing for any kind of travel.

Evidently, the truck industry is headed for a full on revolution. This will be fueled by the entry of icons, such as the Ford F-150 and new firms alike. Mother Nature will enjoy a new lifeline as electric trucks add to the list of reduced emissions. With advancements in technology, the future of trucks Is overwhelmingly promising. It is only a matter of time until we are spoilt for choice

By  Eric White	Embed
Eric, works at 51 State Autos, the UK's leading American car importer.

 Automotive  

Ford is getting a lot criticism over their aluminum truck design. Although the new aluminum body offers a lot of benefits, there are issues with using it instead of the traditional steel.

The Ford F-150 models are known as one of the top selling trucks, however, as of late Ford has been getting a lot of grief due to the 2015 Ford F-150 because of the new aluminum body. Ford points out that making the “bold move” to aluminum gives drivers better handling and towing capacity. But there are some serious drawbacks to making vehicles out of aluminum, which is leading to some heavy criticism. Take a look at the potential issues with using aluminum for these cars, and what people are saying about the decision:

The Cost of R&D

The cost of research and development and re-tooling factories means that these first aluminum trucks will most likely be expensive for a long time. This extra cost is not likely to be offset by savings at the pump now that fuel costs are sinking.

Corrosion vs. Rust

The body of the new F-150 is aluminum, not the frame. This is because steel is still the best metal to protect you in a crash. This means that everywhere the aluminum body is joined to the steel frame there is the potential for the metal to fail due to galvanic corrosion. This is a process similar to rust caused when different metals come in contact with each other. The end result is the same. Ford’s response is to apply a coating to all bolts and rivets, but it is important to remember that coatings wear off.

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Metal Fatigue

By definition, aluminum is more prone to metal fatigue and failure than steel. Repetitive stresses on your truck’s body may create cracks in the metal that could enlarge over time. Every time you slam the hood or the tailgate, the metal flexes. Over time, cracks may develop and enlarge. We saw something similar happen in a demonstration video where an impact caused the aluminum to crack in several places.

Expensive to Repair, Expensive to Insure

Repairs can cost four times the amount of the repair to a traditional steel body. Impacts cause the aluminum to flex and crack, causing other parts to break. Knowing insurance companies, if it costs more to fix, it will cost more to insure.

Things are Heating Up

During a test drive, a Ford aluminum prototype truck caught fire and burned to nothing but the frame and a blob of aluminum in about twenty minutes. This is because aluminum melts at temperatures much lower than steel. For obvious reasons, this is a concern for many drivers and dealers. While the new Ford F-150 model has many benefits such as a lighter design for easier towing and better fuel economy, skeptics still have concerns about the use of aluminum. 

Only time will tell how this model fares on the market. The introduction of new materials into established designs does open the door to other innovations in material use.



SOURCE  The information for this article was provided by the professionals at Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd., who specialize in tires in Edmonton. Image Source: wrcbtv.com

By Dixie Somers

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