Technological Advances That Are Improving Trucks And Commercial Vehicles
The commercial trucking sector is growing fast. According to a report by McKinsey, the global market for trucks weighing six tons or more is expected to increase by 50% in 2025. While volume growth is a contributing factor for some of these additional sales, the majority of sales will be owed to newly developed technologies that improve trucks/commercial vehicles. Below are the technological advances improving trucks or commercial vehicles and the businesses they represent.
Eco-friendliness with electric vehicles
Electric vehicle technology has, over time, caused mass hysteria while still maintaining its posture as revolutionary. Almost 20 years ago, telling a driver that they would be driving an electric truck would have been a cause for ridicule. However, electric vehicles are now becoming a reality, and it is a reality confident enough to change the trucking industry.
Generally, electric vehicles are considered cost-effective than gas-powered/diesel alternatives. In addition, they are more eco-friendly since there are no fossil fuels involved. Cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness are among the leading driving goals of modern businesses in the transportation industry. For example, a trucking business will save money and the environment by going electric.
Autonomous Driver Technology
Chances are you have heard about Tesla and its autonomous electric trucks. Commercial vehicles without human drivers have become a reality as giants such as Volkswagen, Daimler, and Nikola are making inroads into the trucks of the future. Autonomous vehicles use features and technologies such as lane-assist and assisted braking features, which constantly pave the way for 100% autonomy in the future.
Though currently under development, this technological advance is expected to have massive effects on the trucking industry. These effects include reduced labour costs, increased productivity, and boosting fuel efficiency. And let’s not forget about safety. According to an 18 wheeler accident law firm, safety should be a number one priority. Reduced accidents from autonomous driving and assisted technologies will save a lot of time, lives, and money.
However, before considering such an investment, a commercial vehicle should conduct due diligence by consulting and seeking advice from accident law firm professionals. Regardless, there is still a lot to be achieved for self-driving trucks to become the norm, transporting items from depot to depot, especially when having to go through cities. Moreover, the major challenge facing this advancement is the truck’s travel range and charging infrastructure.
Fleet Management Systems (It Is All IoT-Connected)
It is easy to see why the Internet of Things (IoT) has such a massive impact on innovation in trucking. It is evidenced by better fleet management, better location tracking, better environment sensing, improved supply-demand balance, and improved eco-friendly shipping. Fleet management is a constant challenge for most trucking businesses.
However, fleet management systems (powered by IoT) make life easier for such businesses by organizing and coordinating trucks to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and comply with the authorities. IoT forms a network of devices, appliances, and networks, which can share data in real-time. For example, a network of sensors can be mounted throughout the commercial vehicle to monitor everything from load stability to tire pressure. Such a system increases business efficiency and, ultimately, productivity.
Electric and semi-autonomous vehicles are becoming the norm in the automotive industry. With giant players already embracing the concept, the trucking industry is set to grow exponentially. Coupled with a comprehensive fleet management system, these technological advances are viable growth factors for a commercial vehicle business that can be exploited fully.
