The annual Work Truck Week — which brings together the work truck industry for The Work Truck Show and co-located Green Truck Summit — is set to take place March 7-10, 2023, in Indianapolis, IN. Each year the event showcases the latest work truck vehicles and technologies, and continues to grow in size due to this growing industry.
Light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks are key markets for both hydraulic and pneumatic components, making it vital to monitor its ongoing developments. This segment in particular has seen a large uptick in the deployment of diesel alternatives in recent years, including hybrid- and full-electric powertrains, to help reduce emissions.
READ MORE: So Just What is a Work Truck?
"The work truck industry is constantly innovating," said Steve Carey, NTEA president & CEO, in a press release from the association which organizes the show. "I continue to be amazed at the amount of new and creative solutions on display each year."
NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry said dozens of new products are set to be launched during Work Truck Week, including both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) powered commercial vehicles. Currently, 26 companies plan to hold press conferences at the show, indicating the level of product announcements anticipated.
A newer addition to the show in recent years is the New Exhibitor Pavilion showcasing those companies exhibiting at the show for the first time. The 2023 show will have 25 exhibitors in this special area of the show, which too continues growing. This area will be open March 8-9 an hour before the main exhibit hall opens, providing attendees more time to see what new technologies are available.
Over the course of Work Truck Week, there are a variety of opportunities to learn about and see first hand advancements taking place in the work truck industry.
Green Truck Summit Explores Advancements in Electromobility
The Green Truck Summit, held March 7, is a day full of presentations focused on alternative energy technologies and how they can potentially be applied in the work truck industry. Per NTEA, this year's event will provide attendees the chance to hear about upcoming emissions regulations, EV (electric vehicle) and ZEV (zero-emissions vehicle) advancements, future diesel engine technologies and government infrastructure initiatives.
As part of the day's events, there will also be update sessions from 17 OEMs and EV manufacturers who will provide exclusive updates on their technology developments. NTEA said company representatives will share technical information on their latest chassis specifications and designs, review body and equipment installation options and provide insights into future commercial vehicle plans during these sessions.
Jennifer Rumsey, president and CEO of Cummins Inc., will provide the keynote address during the Green Truck Summit. Though better known for its engines, Cummins has expanded its technology efforts into batteries and fuel cells, knowing multiple powertrain options will be necessary to reduce emissions while still ensuring trucks and other vehicles can still provide the performance necessary.
Throughout the week, manufacturers plan to provide EV updates as well and a special session will be held March 9 with Cenntro Automotive Corporation, Lion Electric, Lordstown Motors, VIA Motors Inc. and Xos Inc. Other OEMs expected to make EV updates during the week include:
- Chevrolet Commercial Vehicles
- Daimler Truck North America
- Ford Pro
- Freightliner Custom Chassis
- Hino Trucks
- International Truck
- Isuzu Commercial Truck of America
- Kenworth Truck Company
- Mack Trucks
- Mercedes-Benz USA
- Peterbilt Motors Company
- Ram Commercial.
READ MORE: Electrification of Mobile Hydraulics Keeps on Truckin’
Ride & Drive Provides Opportunity to Test Out New Vehicles and Tech
A popular part of Work Truck Week is the Ride & Drive held March 8-9. As many of the show's attendees are those who will be utilizing work trucks, the Ride & Drive provides a great opportunity to test out vehicles and technology they may be interested in adding to their fleet.
Over a dozen electric and ICE powered commercial vehicles will be available to drive or ride in.
Per NTEA, the following vehicles are scheduled to be available to drive or ride in with a company representative on a planned street route:
- Blue Arc Class 3 electric commercial delivery vehicle
- BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery vehicle
- Freightliner Custom Chassis MT50e electric Class 5–6 walk-in van chassis
- GreenPower Motor Company EV Star Cargo Class 4 electric van
- International eMV Series Rugby Contractor dump
- Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Class 5 gas-powered NRR truck
- Kenworth Truck Company T280 Class 6 truck
- Lightning eMotors ZEV3 Transit cargo van
- Lion Electric Lion6 all-electric Class 6 urban truck
- Peterbilt Motors Company Peterbilt Model 220EV Zero Emissions Vehicle
- SEA Electric Hino M5 EV Class 5 truck
- VIA Motors all-electric VTRUX work truck
- Workhorse W750 blend of a cab-style truck and step-through van
- Vehicle equipped with Allison 9-speed fully automatic transmission
- Vehicle equipped with Allison eGen Power® 100S e-Axle
- Walk-in van equipped with Voyager All-In-One (AIO) safety technology.
Allison Transmission, a sponsor of the Ride & Drive, will also have its Allison Experience Show Trailer on site to demonstrate its fully automatic transmissions and new eGen Power e-Axles.
