Advances have arrived in the truck industry in 2020, many of which involve existing technologies and others introducing new concepts. There...
Advances have arrived in the truck industry in 2020, many of which involve existing technologies and others introducing new concepts. There have been upgrades to safety systems, in-vehicle multimedia, and much-appreciated improvements to hands-free tailgates. Some smart car technologies have been incremental changes, while others have been huge leaps forward. Two of the larger technological advances taking center stage in 2020 are driverless trucks and fully electric trucks.
The massive improvements in computer power and AI have finally made driverless trucking a reality, and although working concepts have been introduced it is unclear when they will become commonplace.
Kodiak Robotics recently announced it was beginning “driverless” deliveries between Dallas and Houston. This is a good stretch of road to see robust testing get underway. The trucks, for now, will have drivers onboard monitoring the vehicle and watching for glitches.
The IoT helps trucks to share data so that controllers and drivers can monitor vital systems such as tire pressure, speed, and even load stability.
Drivers love the new additions, as they’re able to predict problems before they occur and avoid them.
In 2019, we’ve seen a move to connect and monitor every step of the supply chain. From warehouse stockroom automated forklifts, to pallets talking to the trucks their loaded onto, efficiency is getting closer and closer to an art.
The Ford F-150 starts at 250 horsepower and has a curb weight of 4,069 lbs. It comes with an option of a 3.5L EcoBoost, a 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel, a High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost, a 2.7L Turbocharged EcoBoost, a 3.3L TI-VCT V6, and a 5.0L TI-VCT V8.
A welcome edition for those who frequently use the bed of their truck is the remote power tailgate that is now available for the F-150. This allows the tailgate to extend and close at the push of a button.
The F-150 offers up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway and can tow up to 8,000 pounds, or twice its weight depending on the model. Ford has continued to build upon its most successful iteration, the F-150 Raptor.
Besides that, Ford Co-Pilot 360 features a host of valuable technologies such as Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, BLIS with Trailer Coverage, Hill Descent Control, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. A Ford F-150 would be hard to crash even if you tried.
Along with Tesla’s new Cyber Truck, Ford has also introduced an electric version of its F-150 that is a welcome addition to the already popular line.
There’s never been a better time to be a fan of trucks and if you are in the market for a new one, the Ford F-150 is an excellent choice. Considering the value, comfort, raw power, and style that the F-150 offers, it is no wonder it remains Ford’s best-selling truck.
Top 4 Innovation in Truck Technologies in 2020
1. Driverless Semis
The trucking industry is set to fundamentally change with the new driverless technology by automakers such as Tesla, Nikola, and Einride. Industry giants Daimler and Volkswagen are also set to enter the fray with autonomous trucks of their own.The massive improvements in computer power and AI have finally made driverless trucking a reality, and although working concepts have been introduced it is unclear when they will become commonplace.
Kodiak Robotics recently announced it was beginning “driverless” deliveries between Dallas and Houston. This is a good stretch of road to see robust testing get underway. The trucks, for now, will have drivers onboard monitoring the vehicle and watching for glitches.
2. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been a concept previously used in many industries like home automation, but now the IoT has come to trucking. AI and programming have allowed trucks to become computers that are capable of transmitting data to networks and even keep trucks in contact with each other. This can help controllers manage their fleet of trucks and bring cost-saving measures to the industry.The IoT helps trucks to share data so that controllers and drivers can monitor vital systems such as tire pressure, speed, and even load stability.
Drivers love the new additions, as they’re able to predict problems before they occur and avoid them.
In 2019, we’ve seen a move to connect and monitor every step of the supply chain. From warehouse stockroom automated forklifts, to pallets talking to the trucks their loaded onto, efficiency is getting closer and closer to an art.
3. The Ford F-150’s Remote Power Tailgate
Ford’s best-selling truck is back this year with improvements to everything from the body, what’s under the hood, and safety systems. Off-roading has never been so attractive when sitting behind the wheel of a brand new F-150.The Ford F-150 starts at 250 horsepower and has a curb weight of 4,069 lbs. It comes with an option of a 3.5L EcoBoost, a 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel, a High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost, a 2.7L Turbocharged EcoBoost, a 3.3L TI-VCT V6, and a 5.0L TI-VCT V8.
A welcome edition for those who frequently use the bed of their truck is the remote power tailgate that is now available for the F-150. This allows the tailgate to extend and close at the push of a button.
The F-150 offers up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway and can tow up to 8,000 pounds, or twice its weight depending on the model. Ford has continued to build upon its most successful iteration, the F-150 Raptor.
Besides that, Ford Co-Pilot 360 features a host of valuable technologies such as Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, BLIS with Trailer Coverage, Hill Descent Control, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. A Ford F-150 would be hard to crash even if you tried.
Continuously Variable Live Valve Shocks with Internal Bypass
The rugged Ford F-150 Raptor is back with best-in-class 450 horsepower that delivers 510 pounds per foot of torque. The Raptor now comes with Fox Live Valve shocks that are specially designed monotube shocks. They feature an internal bypass technology for continuously variable compression damping that even adjusts to the terrain.4. Electric Trucks
The advancements in computing and battery technology have finally paved the way for electric trucks to be a viable reality. Making the biggest splash in 2019, Tesla recently unveiled the newest addition to its fleet - the Cyber Truck. This truck is all-electric and has a polarizing retro-futuristic style that has shocked many people. Its unveiling has been the biggest announcement to date that fully electric trucks are a reality.Along with Tesla’s new Cyber Truck, Ford has also introduced an electric version of its F-150 that is a welcome addition to the already popular line.
Truck Technology Speeding Into the Future
With so many brand new technologies deploying to the roadways, the next year is going to be interesting. Driverless electric trucks could soon be commonplace. Now could be the time to consider an electric vehicle or upgrading to the latest off-road trucks with unprecedented handling.There’s never been a better time to be a fan of trucks and if you are in the market for a new one, the Ford F-150 is an excellent choice. Considering the value, comfort, raw power, and style that the F-150 offers, it is no wonder it remains Ford’s best-selling truck.
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