2023 Work Truck Week Roundup

This year's Work Truck Week, hosted by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), boasted a slew of new vehicle, equipment, and technology announcements from some of the most well-known companies in the industry.

The largest work truck event in the nation draws thousands of people from across the industry to Indianapolis to network and learn about the latest technology and vehicles available on the market with representatives from 500 companies. Here's a roundup of some of the news to come out ot Work Truck Week, held March 6-9, 2023.

A New Electric Truck from Mack

Mack Trucks revealed the Mack MD Electric, the company's first electric vehicle (EV) in the medium-duty segment of the trucking industry. It's the second EV introduced by Mack Trucks to the industry. The first was the Mack LR Electric, which went into production in December 2021, according to Work Truck.

The Mack MD Electric will be available like its diesel counterpart in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings. The Class 6 model has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 lbs., and the Class 7 model has a GVWR of 33,000 lbs.

The MD Electric can be charged through AC or DC charging units. The regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from the multiple stops the vehicle makes each day.

Isuzu's First All-Electric Truck

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America announced its first all-electric production model, the N-Series EV. The 2025-model-year Class 5 truck will be available in the first half of 2024. As reported on Work Truck, it features a full 19,500-lb. gross vehicle weight rating, a battery electric platform developed by Isuzu Motors Limited, and an all-new cab design.

The truck will be available in four choices of battery capacity, the largest of which has a range of up to 235 miles. It will be available in a DC fast charging and AC (Level 2) charging capacity.

The N-Series EV will also be available in Japan. This marks the first time that a new Isuzu model has been introduced simultaneously in three markets: Japan, The United States, and Canada.

Electrified Versions of Hino's M- & L-Series Trucks

Hino Trucks announced it plans to offer an electric version of its M- and L- Series medium-duty trucks branded Me Series and Le Series available in 2024. The company will begin production of these new vehicles integrating SEA Electric's SEA-Drive power system.

The Hino Class 5 M5e cab over and Class 6 L6e conventional models come equipped with battery capacities of 138kwH and 220kwH respectively, Work Truck reported.

To further compliment the EV transition, Hino Trucks is building infrastructure to support the EV models with Hino INCLUSEV, a premier portfolio of end-to-end electric vehicle enablement - exclusively available through Hino's nationwide dealer network.

A Zero-Emissions Delivery Van from Workhorse

Workhorse Group announced the formal unveiling of its zero-emission delivery W56 step van model. Available in a number of configurations tailored to meet various business applications, the W56 is the company’s new Class 5/6 model, provides high reliability, quality, and serviceability, Work Truck reported.

The van is designed to meet the challenging demands of the commercial vehicle industry, supporting benchmark payload capacity of up to approximately 10,000 lbs. and with a range of up to 150 miles.

The W56 also offers a large 1,000+ cubic ft. cargo box with lowered step-in and wide cabin door for easier entry and exit. Built with the delivery driver in mind, the cabin has been ergonomically designed while still providing safety and comfort during even the longest shifts.

The W56 offers the first fully designed, purpose-built chassis platform built from the ground up. Customer demonstration vehicles are expected to be ready in the coming weeks before regular production begins in the third quarter of 2023.

New Power Solutions from Volta Power Systems

Volta Power Systems announced it is offering a standardized platform for 48V auxiliary power that integrates with both traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV chassis. It comes as states continue to roll out new aggressive emissions regulations, like California's small off-road engines (SORE) ban.

Volta shared the announcement of its new 7,000W/240V inverter and Power Distribution Hub at Work Truck Week. Both of these offerings aim to improve performance and reduce barriers to electrification for upfitters, Work Truck reported.

Volta's system-based approach includes NMC li-ion energy storage packs scaling from 6.7kWh to 100+kWh, a secondary alternator for regeneration with ICE engines, and customizable distribution.

Additionally, the company's new 7000W/240V inverter is surge-rated to 15,000kW (10HP base/20HP surge) and will enable upfitters to use industrial equipment options not previously accessible because of power limitation, according to Volta.

The Power Distribution Hub simplifies distribution with an all-in-one unit that integrates either a 3200W or the new 7000W inverter-charger, custom DC conversion, and optional MPPT solar controls. Volta noted the unit reduces complexity and wiring for upfitters and standardizes service across different fleet vehicles.