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JULY2021WWW.MWSMAG.COMLIGHT-DUTY SHOWCASE: 2021 NISSAN TITAN REVIEW PRACTICAL, CAPABLE, AND FUNGETTING TO KNOW XL FLEETCREATING SUSTAINABLE FLEETS LOWER YOUR FLEET’S CARBON FOOTPRINTUSE RENEWABLE PROPANE++ THETHE GREEN FLEETS GREEN FLEETS ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE FUELS ISSUEFUELS ISSUE

CONNECT WITH US on Twitter (@mwsmag), Facebook (www.facebook.com/modernworktruck), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/modern-work-truck-solutions).INDUSTRY NEWS ................................8INDUSTRY INSIGHT ........................... 14PRODUCT SHOWCASE ......................46IN EVERY ISSUEISUZU NPR-HD WITH HYBRID ELECTRIC UPFIT FROM XL FLEETThe Isuzu NPR-HD with XLH™ hybrid electric drive system from XL Fleet transforms traditional NPRs into HEVs, improving fuel efficiency and decreasing CO2 emissions. See article on page 47.www.xlfeet.com INSIDE THIS ISSUEJULY 2021 VOL-6 NO-716LIGHT-DUTYNISSAN TITAN REVIEW PULL DOUBLE DUTYYOGA FOR TRUCK DRIVERS ............... 48COVER STORIESWORK TRUCK BATTERIES ENERSYS INNOVATIONHEAVY-DUTY42AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS LINK’S SMART SYSTEM20MEDIUM-DUTYJULY2021WWW.MWSMAG.COMLIGHT-DUTY SHOWCASE: 2021 NISSAN TITAN REVIEW PRACTICAL, CAPABLE, AND FUNGETTING TO KNOW XL FLEETCREATING SUSTAINABLE FLEETS LOWER YOUR FLEET’S CARBON FOOTPRINTUSE RENEWABLE PROPANE++ THETHE GREEN FLEETS GREEN FLEETS ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE FUELS ISSUEFUELS ISSUESHOWCASE++ THETHE GREEN FLEETS GREEN FLEETS ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE FUELS ISSUEFUELS ISSUEOPERATIONSGETTING TO KNOW XL FLEET .......................34 Creating sustainable fleetsOPERATIONSLOWER YOUR FLEET’S CARBON FOOTPRINT ......30Use renewable propane

OPERATIONSEVALUATING EMISSIONS .......................................................28 Study contradicts perception that EVs offer lowest emissions for work trucksTECHNOLOGYIDLE MITIGATION SYSTEMS AND LITHIUM-ION BATTERY TECHNOLOGY .....................................38Clean, quiet, and consistent powerFEATURED PRODUCTXL FLEET ..............................................................................47The all-new Isuzu NPR-HD with XL Hybrid electric upfitwww.mwsmag.com P.O. Box 660197 Birmingham, Alabama 35266DONNA CAMPBELL Editor in Chiefdonna@mwsmag.com JADE BRASHER Editorjade@mwsmag.comRANDY MOON Associate Publisher randym@mwsmag.comVAL CARRIER Media Consultantval@mwsmag.comGARY BARKER Media Consultantgary@mwsmag.comTIM O’HARA Media Consultanttim.ohara@mwsmag.comLISA AVERY Art Director lisa@mwsmag.comCAMILLE BLACK Graphic Designer camille@mwsmag.comSETH SAUNDERS Digital Media SpecialistINGRID BERKY Office ManagerNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the staff of Modern WorkTruck Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to jade@mwsmag.com.SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR ALL CHANGES, GO TO MWSMAG.COMCLICK THE "SUBSCRIPTIONS" BUTTON IN THE MAIN MENUCHRIS GARMONCFO DONNA CAMPBELLVP, Editorialwww.highlandspublications.com 312 Lorna Square Birmingham, AL 35216866.251.1777TIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentTONYA BROWNINGVice President283847Welcome to our Green Fleets and Alternative Fuels issue. Since I’ve been in the industry, fleet electrification has been a hot topic. Although fully electric fleets are one way to achieve sustainability, they aren’t the only way. In this issue we’ll discuss many different ways to achieve a green fleet through many different types of fuels and practices. Consider propane autogas and its benefits by reading articles on pages 28 and 30. There’s also hybrid technology that provides steps to sustainability. Read about hybridization and hybrid fleets on page 24 and 34. Another way to achieve a sustainable fleet is through tough power systems such as the ones on pages 38 and 42. If you’re already taking steps to create a greener fleet, you might want to take a look Link’s air suspension solutions on page 20 or our driver health through yoga piece in my Outside the Cab column. And I can’t forget our review of the 2021 Nissan Titan on page 16. If that isn’t enough content for you, feel free to hop on our website to view all kinds of work truck solutions. Enjoy!Jade Brasher EditorEDITOR’S NOTETalk soon! Jade

SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR ALL CHANGES, GO TO MWSMAG.COMCLICK THE "SUBSCRIPTIONS" BUTTON IN THE MAIN MENU

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 20218INDUSTRY NEWSFELLING TRAILERS RELEASES ENHANCED FENDER DESIGN FOR EZ-TILT TRAILERSFelling Trailers released an enhanced fender design for its ground-level loading EZ-Tilt trailers. The new EZ-Tilt fender design offers a similar profile to Felling’s drop deck equipment trailer fenders. It opens from the top to allow clearance for the wheels when the trailer is lowered to the loading position. The mechanism for lifting the top of the fender is the wheels/tires themselves. As the axles rotate (lowering the tilt bed to the ground), the wheels/tires push up against the fender. As a result, the tires lift the trailer and provide the needed clearance. Felling constructed the main body of the fender from a heavy gauge material, maintaining structural integrity throughout the trailer’s life. For more, visit www.felling.com. AGILE FLEET PARTNERS WITH NAFA TO PRESENT TWO NEW FLEET WEBINARSAgile Fleet partnered with NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) to present two all-new webinars in 2021. The webinar “Reducing Fleet Costs in a COVID-19 World: Right-Sizing Strategies for Success” takes place on July 28. The webinar “Making a Business Case for Motor Pool: Strategies for a Smooth Launch and Pitfalls to Avoid” takes place on September 29. “Reducing Fleet Costs in a COVID-19 World: Right Sizing Strategies for Success” examines ways to reduce the cost of idle vehicles. It also examines approaches to operating a more efficient fleet post-pandemic.Additionally, this webinar offers strategies for reducing monthly fixed costs and alternatives to using assigned vehicles. “Making a Business Case for Motor Pool: Strategies for a Smooth Launch and Pitfalls to Avoid” walks through the steps to make a compelling business case for sharing vehicles (including calculating and communicating anticipated savings). It also explains how to get buy-in from stakeholders and highlights what to consider when evaluating a motor pool solution. The webinar also includes little-known roadblocks to anticipate and avoid when preparing your business case. For more, visit www.nafa.org and www.agilefleet.com. PROPANE COUNCIL LAUNCHES NATIONAL BRAND FOR PROPANEThe Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) launched a new identity for propane that signals a seismic change in how to view the energy source. The new brand, “PROPANE Energy for Everyone™,” highlights propane’s role in ensuring energy equity as well as reducing carbon emissions. PERC’s newly selected creative agency, Elevation Advertising, created The PROPANE Energy for Everyone™ brand after a competitive review. It is rolling out to propane industry partners in anticipation of consumer and market-specific SAVE TIME, MONEY, AND BACKS!SAVE TIME, MONEY, AND BACKS!M2302700LP International Inc. the manufacturer of the PowerMate® brand of motorized stair climbing hand trucks, LiftGates (interior tail gate lifts), and LiftTables is here to provide safety lifting equipment for one truck or your entire eet of trucks.If you and your Team are challenged with moving heavy and awkward loads weighing up to 1,500 Pounds or 680 kilos. PowerMate can help make your moves both safer and more protable.www.PowerMate.info ➔ 1-800-697-6283 ➔ info@PowerMate.info

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202110INDUSTRY NEWScampaigns this fall. Additionally, the brand was the top performer in testing with homeowners, business owners, energy influencers, and propane professionals. Millions of Americans use propane for heat as well as hot water, cooking, and power generation at home and work. It is also a popular fuel for school buses, emergency first-responder equipment, high-end restaurants, remote farms, and countless other applications. For more, visit www.propane.com. JB POINDEXTER AND CO LAUNCHES EAVXJB Poindexter and Co (JBPCO), providing commercial vehicle bodies, announced the launch of its new business, EAVX. Leveraging JBPCO’s industry expertise, EAVX partners with electric- and alternative-power chassis producers to design, manufacture, distribute, and service commercial fleets. “We will provide support to both our customers and the electric and alternative fuel industry through this strategic new business offering,” says John Poindexter, CEO and chairman, JBPCO. “With our proven history of creating excellent work truck and commercial vehicle bodies and accessories, we will grow our legacy within the transportation industry as it reinvents itself through the next generation of electric and alternatively powered vehicles and advanced vehicle technologies.” For more, visit www.jbpoindexter.com/eavx.JASPER ENGINES ANNOUNCES THE REMANUFACTURED FORD ENGINEJasper Engines announces the availability of the remanufactured Ford 3.7-L Duratec engine. This dual VVT V6 engine is available for the following late-model applications: 2015-2019 Transit 150, 250, and 350 and; 2011-2014 F-150. Jasper increased the top ring axial height to 1.5mm and added a physical vapor disposition (PVD) coating. The coating provides less friction and improved longevity. The oil ring consists of an upgraded two-piece design to aid in better oil control. Jasper covers the Ford 3.7-L Duratec with a nationwide, transferable parts and labor warranty of up to three years or 100,000 miles. Full warranty disclosure is available on the Jasper website or upon request. For more, visit www.jasperengines.com. VMAC RELEASES ORIGINAL RESEARCH ON AIR COMPRESSOR LIFESPANA survey of 1,464 VMACAIR.com visitors reveals most respondents expect a truck-mounted air compressor to last 6 to 10 years. Of the respondents, 40.5% selected this option. Next, 19.2% of respondents selected 1 to 5 years, followed by 17.8% selecting 11 to 15 years. This poll shows that most respondents, at 77.5%, expect their truck-mounted air compressor to last 1 to 15 years. While MWS Can help you CliMb out of the hole.NUMBERS DOWN IN THE DUMPS?NUMBERS DOWN IN THE DUMPS?combine print & digital advertising, and WatcH YoUr bottom line rise! 205.795.0223 | rUssell@mWsmag.com

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202112INDUSTRY NEWSthe results aligned with VMAC’s expectations, surprisingly high numbers still ended up on either end of the spectrum. Almost one-fifth of respondents expected their truck-mounted air compressor to last 1 to 5 years, suggesting a quick equipment turnover. This poll didn’t allow context, though it’s probable that respondents selecting 1 to 5 years are familiar with shorter-term solutions. It’s also interesting that over 10% of respondents have high expectations, expecting air compressors to last more than 25 years. For more, visit www.vmacair.com/lifespan. DICA LAUNCHES eCOMMERCE SITE FOR CONVENIENT PURCHASE OF STANDARD PRODUCTSDICA announces customers can now purchase many of its products through an online eCommerce portal. The site features SafetyTech® Outrigger Pads as well as ProStack® Cribbing and LiftGuard Sling Protectors. It also features AlturnaMATS®and VersaMATS Ground Protection Mats, Checkers Wheel Chocks, and TrainSmart® Pole Barriers. DICA still encourages customers to consult with their Fitting Consultants to help ensure accurate outrigger pad and crane pad selection. The products featured on the eCommerce site involve less sizing, and online ordering offers customers 24/7 convenience. In addition, shipping is free for all but the ground protection mats. For more, visit www.dicausa.com. TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO HELP PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS IN NEEDTravelCenters of America Inc. launched a fundraising campaign at locations nationwide to help professional drivers in need. Through Labor Day, customers can round up purchases to the nearest dollar in stores and at fuel islands. All proceeds of the rounded amount will benefit the St. Christopher’s Trucker Relief Fund (SCF), an organization helping professional drivers who may be out of work due to an illness or injury. For more, visit www.ta-petro.com. NEW YORK SANITATION TO PURCHASE SEVEN MACK® LR ELECTRIC MODELSMack Trucks announced the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) plans to purchase seven Mack® LR Electric refuse models, which will operate in the city’s boroughs. Mack made the announcement during WasteExpo 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Back in September 2020, DSNY took delivery of its first fully electric refuse vehicle, a Mack LR Electric demonstration model; it then began rigorous real-world testing in Brooklyn. Since then, DSNY evaluated payload capacity, regenerative braking, overall vehicle performance in their demanding operations, operating range, and more. For more, visit www.macktrucks.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202114INDUSTRY INSIGHTAQMIKE LEFEVERMWS: CAN YOU SHARE SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT YOURSELF? LEFEVER: I am currently a board member of the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC), which is an organization that supplies the sustainable corn production used to produce E15. I also serve as chair for the market development action team for the CCAC. On the national level, I am on the board of directors for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) where I serve on the finance committee as well as a liaison between NCGA and Kentucky, Virginia, and Iowa corn growers. Additionally, I’m an advisor to the US Grains Council Western Hemisphere team. I also raise no-till dryland corn on my own farm just southwest of Haxtun, Colorado. MWS: WHAT SETS ETHANOL APART FROM OTHER TYPES OF FUELS?LEFEVER: Ethanol is remarkably better for your truck. It burns cleaner and cooler than regular petroleum fuels, which makes for less wear and tear while also enhancing performance and horsepower. It’s also a much cheaper fuel compared to regular gasoline. To fill up your truck with E15, it’ll cost three to ten cents less per gallon. MWS: HAS THE USE OF ETHANOL IN GAS ENGINES EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS? ARE WE SEEING IT ADOPTED MORE WIDELY OR DO THERE SEEM TO BE SOME WHO ARE SKEPTICAL OF USING THE FUEL AS AN ALTERNATIVE?LEFEVER: The evolution is remarkable. Using ethanol or E15 (or known as e-blend in some parts of the country) is safe for all cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks 2001 and newer. And now, nearly all new 2020 automobiles are explicitly approved to use E15 by all manufacturers. Drivers have logged 16 billion miles on E15. More myths behind E15 are starting to get debunked as awareness increases and fewer people are timid to make the switch from using regular gasoline because of all the benefits that come from ethanol. There is a misconception that E15 will harm your engine, which isn’t true—in fact, it runs cleaner. I use it in my F-150, and I love it. MWSUSE WORK TRUCK INDUSTRY?LEFEVER: E15 is completely safe for light-duty trucks. Switching to E15 will not only positively impact the performance of a work truck engines, but it will decrease the impact it has on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation industry makes up 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. By using E15 in your day-use work truck in place of regular gasoline, you replace three toxic gasoline additives linked to both cancer and smog. This reduces the risk of exposure to these additives both at the pump and in the air, lowering the risk of harmful lung conditions. Fueling with EthanolAN ALTERNATIVE FUEL THAT’S READY TO USE

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS MWSTHE ENVIRONMENT?LEFEVER: E15 is a cleaner-burning renewable fuel. When compared to petroleum, which is considered a finite resource, E15 releases fewer particulates and greenhouse gases. This alone reduces CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by 43%. In 2019, those who used ethanol reduced CO2 levels by 54.1 million metric tons, which is the equivalent of removing 11.5 million cars from the road for an entire year. Talk about a cleanse! MWSTO OTHER SUSTAINABLE FUEL SOLUTIONS SUCH AS ELECTRIC VEHICLES? LEFEVER: EVs are only one part of the solution, but they are a long way off from widespread adoption. We have a solution that is available here and now called ethanol. The vast majority of trucks on the road now can use E15 and start cleaning the air and reducing GHG emissions. When it comes to meeting the emissions goal many states have set, ethanol deserves a seat at the table as the “right here and now” solution.MWSFOR THOSE IN THE WORK TRUCK INDUSTRY?LEFEVER: Yes, E15 is available in 30 states at just over 2,000 gas stations. After the EPA lifted the regulation on E15 usage in May 2019 allowing all American drivers to access E15 year-round, the availability is only expected to increase from here forward. MWS: ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS?LEFEVER: Start choosing E15 gas on your next fill-up and in your fleet vehicles, as well. And, if it’s not available at the station you typically visit, ask for it to be added to the selection. Help spread the word about the positive benefits of this higher blend of ethanol fuel by encouraging your friends and family to also choose E15.FOR MORE INFORMATION Mike Lefever is a board member of the Colorado Corn Administrave Commiee (CCAC) and the Naonal Corn Growers Associaon (NCGA). A past president of CACC, Lefever is current chairman for the market development acon team for CCAC and an advisor to US Grains Council Western Hemisphere team. Find out more, visit www.coloradocorn.com and www.lookforthebluehose.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202116LIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASELIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASE2021 Nissan Titan ReviewPULL DOUBLE DUTY By Jade Brasher

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 172021 Nissan Titan ReviewPULL DOUBLE DUTY By Jade Brasher

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202118LIGHT-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASEOur light-duty truck showcases are often somewhat different from our medium- and heavy-duty truck showcases. The reason being, trucks in our light-duty showcases pull double duty. They can tow equipment to the jobsite, act as a mobile office on the go, and then turn around and lug your kids to soccer practice or haul groceries from the store to your home. With trucks that are double-duty capable, it’s smart to want something stylish and fun enough for off-duty adventures yet strong and practical enough to work from sunup to sundown. That’s where the 2021 Nissan Titan Pro-4x comes into the picture.POWERUnlike trims and packages available on trucks from other manufacturers, Nissan seems to understand that bigger isn’t always better and that work truck owners looking for something practical shouldn’t have to sacrifice capability or style.Nissan equipped its 2021 Titan Pro-4x with a 5.6-L Endurance V8 engine that offers 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It features a 9-speed automatic transmission with a Shift-on-the-Fly four-wheel-drive system. Although towing capacity varies by configuration, the Titan is capable of towing up to 9,210 lbs. The truck features a remote trailer light check that allows users to check all trailer lights with their key fob or inside the cabin of the truck via display cluster. The Titan also features a trailer brake controller and a rearview hitch alignment camera to simplify operations.Adding to its 4x4 capabilities is a 2-speed transfer case with 4Hi and 4Lo and Bilstein off-road monotube shocks. It features four-wheel power disc brakes, four-wheel active brake limited slip, and electronic locking rear differential. The Titan’s 18-inch alloy wheels feature a sporty dark finish with all-terrain tires. Additionally, this particular model features a Nissan Titan sport bar that includes integrated LED brake and bed lights and elevates the rugged look of your truck.COMFORTWhen it comes to a comfortable and convenient exterior, Nissan delivers. The Titan Pro-4x features a 9-inch infotainment display and a 7-inch dash cluster display. It’s equipped with NissanConnect, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, two USB connections, Bluetooth, in-cab Wi-Fi, and SiriusXM. Additionally, Nissan designed the controls and buttons in the Titan to be large enough for gloved fingers to operate easily.As for the driver’s comfort, Nissan gave the Titan an eight-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support. The leather, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel offers a heating function, and so do both of the front seats. The passenger seat also features four-way power for comfort. For the comfort of the crew (and convenient storage) the back seat features a 60/40 split with a bench that flips up to reveal storage and folds flat to enhance cargo room.And as the old saying goes, sometimes it’s all in the details. Perhaps Nissan engineers had that saying in mind when designing a smartphone/tablet holder that holds up to two smartphones or one tablet. This feature is a great concept for work truck drivers whose office phone is often their smartphone that they use on a regular basis, calling customers, checking on equipment availability, and more.

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 19TECHNOLOGYI often discuss safety and technology in our truck showcases because safety is such an important aspect to consider when purchasing a work truck. Nissan claims its Titan has the most standard safety technology in its class—and I’m not here to argue. Nissan Intelligent Mobility includes safety monitoring features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, Intelligent cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. These are all standard features on every single 2021 Titan model that rolls off the Nissan assembly line. And I can’t forget the Intelligent Around View monitor that gives drivers a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view of the truck. So, Nissan was pretty generous with its safety technology, but the brand didn’t stop there. The Titans are also available with NissanConnect, featuring navigation, security, and entertainment that users can access with a voice command. This technology includes the previously mentioned Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it also brings in NissanConnect Services that offer multiple levels of services for drivers ranging from calling for help to starting your vehicle from anywhere. NissanConnect is also compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to add even more convenience.DOUBLE DUTY BEASTThe 2021 Nissan Titan Pro-4x is practical enough for your jobsite, towing equipment, acting as your mobile office with built-in Wi-Fi, and all with the space to carry a work crew. But it’s also great for other duties. Need to take a client out to lunch? Going on a business trip and need something comfortable and stylish to represent your brand? The Nissan Titan Pro-4x can do it all.ABOUT THE AUTHORJade Brasher is the editor of Modern WorkTruck Soluons magazine. A graduate of The University of Alabama, Jade resides in Kennesaw, Georgia, and enjoys wring about her town, travel, and of course, work trucks. Reach her at jade@mwsmag.com. Find out more about the 2021 Nissan Titan Pro-4x, visit www.nissanusa.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202120Many vehicles including delivery and vocational trucks run unloaded or mostly unloaded for half of their working lives. Their suspension geometry and the types of springs they use are the two biggest influences on driver comfort and cargo and equipment protection. Both factors should be considered when specifying a suspension system for work truck applications. According to Mark Molitor, senior product manager of chassis suspensions for Link Mfg., Ltd, torque reactive and non-torque reactive are the two basic categories of suspension geometry. Torque reactive suspensions are most often comprised of steel springs and are among the earliest form of vehicle suspensions dating back to the days of horse-drawn wagons. Non-torque reactive suspensions employing air springs have been around for about three decades and offer considerable advantages over their steel predecessors. The air pressure for these systems is generally supplied via an engine-driven compressor unit.Both types of springs can provide a vehicle with adequate suspension, but a non-torque reactive air suspension will provide the most comfort for a driver and crew and the highest level of cargo and overall asset protection.Get More from Your Air Suspension SystemsLINK’S SMART AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM GIVES FLEETS CONTROL OPERATIONSmedium-duty feature

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS AIR APPARENTAir suspensions reduce the frequency and severity of road vibration throughout the vehicle, which means less wear and tear. With an air suspension, drivers experience a far smoother and more stable ride, as well as a more comfortable driving experience.A suspension’s vertical stiffness can also play a role in the process. With all steel spring suspensions, the stiffness is generally tuned to provide the smoothest ride when the vehicle is fully laden. Once cargo is offloaded, the axles of unladen vehicles can start to bounce, as uneven road conditions excite the tires and then resonate throughout the entire vehicle.CONTROL & BALANCEFleets focused on driver comfort and with applications dealing with important cargo or equipment will typically specify an air suspension system. These systems will adjust the suspensions’ stiffness as the load changes by means of height control valves. Height control valves can also help maintain a uniform ride height when a vehicle’s cargo becomes unbalanced or lopsided, as can occur as cargo is offloaded. The vast majority of air suspension systems use a mechanical valve that employs a lever. As the suspension articulates in relation to the chassis, the lever toggles and either opens or closes ports that inflate or exhaust air from the air bags on either side of the suspension.“However, mechanical valves can become confused by simply encountering a pothole in the road, causing the system to overreact, creating a temporary imbalance while the mechanical system recalibrates itself,” Molitor says. “This means increased compressor run times and ultimately, additional fuel use.” SMARTER CONTROLLink’s Smart Air Management System (SAMS) now brings state-of-the-art digital control to air spring suspensions to a variety of work truck platforms. With SAMS, gone are the delayed response times and over or under air bag inflation corrections associated with mechanical height control mechanisms. SAMS’ electronic control unit, (ECU) responds dynamically, hundreds of times a second to road conditions, cargo weight distribution, and more.“SAMS is a sophisticated electronic height control system that addresses not only ride height, but auto leveling and active load management,” says Brian Kujala, vice president business development for Link Mfg., Ltd. “SAMS enables virtually any Class 3 to 6 vehicle with an air suspension system to have the best and most consistent ride quality available in the industry.”With Link’s SAMS, users have total air management capabilities with diagnostic monitoring, LED indicator, touch Link’s SAMS TL System is a tankless suspension control operation for light-duty applications. This low-cost, compact automatic air suspension leveling system maintains ride height and provides raising and lowering capabilities for vehicles without an air source. Digital road filtering helps achieve maximum compressor life while digital monitoring protects the compressor by limiting the maximum run time and duty cycle. Link’s SAMS two-way air management system fits most Class 1 to 6 applications and controls two wheels or axles independently. The system can be equipped with a VIAIR, GAST, AMK, or THOMAS compressor. With an integrated air dryer equipped with an AMK compressor, the system will function in all conditions the vehicle encounters. Also standard is a diagnostic monitoring LED indicator with USB connection, making system diagnostics simple. Link’s UltraRide® frame mount brackets increase durability, improve handling characteristics, and reduce frame stress for longer service life. The designed geometry of the front hanger and air spring brackets also combine for increased frame strength. Link’s SAMS is an electronic system that controls ride height and auto leveling while providing active load management for virtually any Class 3 to 6 vehicle with an air suspension system.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202122screen interface, and USB connectivity. With the SAMS user interface, drivers can override a vehicle’s set ride height to raise and lower its chassis at low speeds when desired.Users can also raise and lower the rear of a vehicle for loading and unloading. Limited only by shock absorber travel, the system can be used to maintain stability and keep the deck of a vehicle more flush with a loading dock while heavy forklifts cross their thresholds. Vehicle fuel economy is also improved through greater ride height accuracy, resulting in reduced compressor run times through the avoidance of unnecessary valve actuations. A NATURAL FITSAMS is compatible with virtually any commercial air ride suspension system and upfits easily. However, for those who want to convert from leaf spring to air, Link has the UltraRide® suspension with its SAMS option. Link’s UltraRide® is a total conversion suspension that replaces a standard leaf spring suspension system on vehicles with a GVW of up to 19,000 lbs. Now available with SAMS, the UltraRide® air suspension provides increased operator and passenger comfort, ease of access, and overall safety. With an additional cross member, UltraRide® ensures proper alignment, increased stability, and reduced frame stress across multiple applications.HIDDEN COSTSEngine-driven air compressors—often located in difficult-to-access locations—drive most traditional air suspension systems.“Many folks are unaware of the replacement costs associated with engine-driven air compressors,” Kujala says. “In many cases, the radiator must be removed, and in some instances much more extensive work must be done to simply replace a system. I know one bodybuilder that was spending four times the cost of the new engine-driven compressor unit just trying to get it installed.” Hydraulic systems have also gained popularity in the market. However, their system architecture, complexity, initial cost, maintenance, repairs, and replacement cost can each be prohibitive in their own right.“When it comes to reliability, serviceability, and simplicity, SAMS is a logical, time-tested choice,” Kujala adds. SYSTEMIC APPROACHLink’s family of SAMS Air Control Systems are available in easy-to-install kits that make upfitting simple and convenient. SAMS units work seamlessly with existing onboard air systems and also come as a bolt-on kit with a dedicated compressor. SAMS kits may be ordered in ether a tankless version with a direct-drive compressor and no air reservoir or with an air tank. Fleets and bodybuilders can order vehicles without the optional engine-driven compressor units and install a hassle-free SAMS system almost anywhere. Not only can they offset the cost of the SAMS system, but they can avoid the high cost of repairs and replacements later. SAMS fully automated air control systems are available in two work-truck-ready versions. The tankless SAMS TL System is perfect for light-duty applications and the SAMS 2 Way System fits most Class 1 to 6 applications.AN OIL-FREE FUTUREWhether to achieve sustainability targets, to comply with regulations, or to maintain good corporate citizenship, US fleets are preparing to decarbonize. The SAMS system has significant experience with zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) beginning with the electric bus market. SAMS has delivered big suspension benefits with little power consumption overhead, and it’s ready to do so in the commercial ZEV environment.“With SAMS, ZEV fleets will enjoy enhanced driver safety and cargo security, increased power savings, and operational efficiencies including reduced compressor run times,” Kujala says. “Vehicles with SAMS will travel longer distances between charges and will respond to geofencing and other location- and circumstance-based action triggers that will be part of that new environment. Whatever’s coming next, Link will be there with suspension solutions to meet it.”FOR MORE INFORMATION Find out more, visit www.linkmfg.com. OPERATIONS Now available with SAMS, the UltraRide® air suspension provides increased operator and passenger comfort, ease of access, and overall safety.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202124Over half of US states have anti-idling regulations in place, and many fleet directors need solutions that adhere to environmental laws without impacting vehicle and worker performance. Infrastructure improvements like nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging are gaining traction.Though the pathway to consumer vehicle electrification grows more evident, the course for heavy-duty utility vehicles remains shrouded. According to Popular Science, the US faces more electrical outages than any other developed country. If fully electric utility vehicles must complete work in an area without power, they risk the inability to complete their task with enough energy for the return trip.Fleet directors face a dilemma: Their current diesel fleets aren’t THE SUSTAINABLE PATH TO FLEET ELECTRIFICATION By Jack JohnsonHybridizationOPERATIONS

compatible with anti idling regulations but a fully electric fleet is more costly logistically complex and carries many hidden costs in infrastructure On the other hand continued investment in diesel only solutions risks current vehicles becoming stranded assets if regulations advance rapidly Contrary to popular belief the choice between diesel and electric is a false dichotomy and they aren t the only viable options for idling elimination A hybrid auxiliary power system that is one independent of the drivetrain can deliver the triple bottom line that managers need If utilities want to create meaningful practical lasting changes in their operations they must balance environmental social and economic sustainability Hybridized auxiliary power is a flexible solution that allows utilities to strike that balance as a cost effective way to eliminate idling both retroactively and in new vehicles ENVIRONMENTAL An analysis by the US Department of Energy showed that eliminating vehicle idling would equate to removing 5 million vehicles from the road Based on average calculations each diesel utility vehicle outputs approximately 800 lbs of CO2 per week solely through idling at jobsites Over time the impact of eliminating idling compounds grows greater in its effect If a utility fleet hybridizes 12 of their fleet vehicles they ll prevent over half a million pounds of CO2 that otherwise would have gone into the atmosphere Over 20 years of vehicle usage that s over 10 million lbs saved by hybridizing a handful of vehicles SOCIAL Hybridizing a fleet also protects both employee and public health and safety The high decibel threshold produced by idling vehicles or JULY 2021 WWW MWSMAG COM generators can interfere with clear conversation between workers This miscommunication leads to accidents or mistakes potentially putting employees and others in harm s way By eliminating excess noise utilities can ensure greater safety on jobsites In addition a worksite free of noise and fumes is a more favorable environment for attracting and retaining great employees and electricians The lack of idling noise benefits utility customers too Idling noise can lead to low customer satisfaction scores complaints and even fines in states or cities with strict anti idling laws A hybridized system enables workers to quietly restore service quickly even during third shift without disrupting neighborhoods or sleep Finally vehicle emissions negatively impact human health According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency excessive exposure to vehicle and generator emissions can cause respiratory issues headaches nausea and fatigue The International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC also identifies diesel exhaust as carcinogenic or cancer causing With electric or hybrid systems it s possible to eliminate most worker exposure to diesel vehicle emissions and prevent the associated health issues ECONOMIC Dealers can retrofit most auxiliary power systems to already owned diesel vehicles eliminating the need to idle at a jobsite for a fraction of the cost of going full EV The popularity of hybridized utility vehicles is growing as a cost effective first step toward a more sustainable fleet with rapid ROI potential For example a Volta Power System can quickly achieve total ROI in under two years saving upward of 14 000 annually per fleet vehicle on maintenance and fuel Even so moving forward with unproven vehicles can pose a MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS significant risk to operations for fleet managers working within a set budget though others are already implementing them successfully In 2018 Oklahoma Gas and Electric OG E integrated Volta systems into several bucket trucks that currently operate in the field This eliminated the need for utility vehicle idling during the workday managing hydraulic systems and other power tools on an auxiliary power system instead OG E is now operating about a dozen vehicles with a Volta system Utilities with 12 vehicles running full day shifts could save an estimated 170 000 annually in maintenance and fuel costs This would also prevent approximately 52 000 miles of idling engine wear and tear on each of the company s Volta equipped vehicles reducing the frequency of preventive maintenance IDLE FREE FUTURE While anti idling compliance may be a difficult challenge for many fleet managers it s also an opportunity to explore the best path for beginning to electrify your lineup For utilities waiting to take the plunge into a fully electric fleet hybridization may be the best first step toward a genuinely sustainable idle free fleet ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jack JL Johnson is the founder and Chief Technology Officer of Volta Power Systems Johnson is a visionary entrepreneur who is adept at finding the value and potential in challenging opportunities He has spent his career driving innovation and process improvement with a refined focus on lean manufacturing and processes Founded in 2014 Volta provides safe powerful and simple lithium ion energy storage solutions for small to midsize businesses Find out more visit www voltapowersystems com 25

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202128OPERATIONSWhen it comes to emissions, most fleet owners only consider what’s happening at the tailpipe since that’s what they’re directly responsible for. In fact, some fleets are even starting to transition to “zero-emissions” vehicles, like EVs, in an effort to curb their emissions. But what many haven’t considered is what’s happening beyond the tailpipe. While there are certainly good intentions behind transitioning to a “zero-emissions” vehicle fleet, that action may be short sighted. To truly understand how a fleet impacts the environment, fleet owners have to factor in all of the emissions that go into creating the energy source that is powering the vehicle. A new study is debunking the common perception that EVs are “zero-emissions” vehicles and offer the lowest emissions in medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles. In most of the United States, propane autogas produces fewer emissions than comparable electric vehicles. As the study shows, there is no such thing as a “zero-emissions” vehicle.EVALUATING EMISSIONSIn a comparative analysis conducted by the Propane Education and Research Council, researchers found propane-powered medium- and heavy-duty vehicles provide a lower carbon footprint solution in 38 US states and Washington, DC when compared to medium- and heavy-duty EVs charged using the electric grid in those states. This is due to the amount of carbon that is produced from each state’s energy mix for electricity generation using coal, petroleum, or other energy sources. In addition, battery production is significantly energy and carbon intensive. While electric vehicles may have zero tailpipe emissions, emissions are generated prior to the wheels turning on the road through the electric grid and the powertrain (chiefly battery manufacturing) production. When comparing the difference in life-cycle equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2eq) emissions of a single medium-duty vehicle, propane autogas on a national average emits 125 tons of CO2eq less than an electric medium-duty vehicle.LOOKING FORWARDIt’s true that the electric grid is going to keep getting cleaner as new technology becomes available. However, it’s important to point out that propane autogas is also getting cleaner by leaps and bounds through new engine developments and renewable propane. Renewable propane is a byproduct of the renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production process, which converts plant and vegetable oils, waste greases, and animal fat into fuel. It has the same chemical structure and physical properties as conventional propane Evaluating EmissionsSTUDY CONTRADICTS PERCEPTION THAT EVs OFFER LOWEST EMISSIONS FOR WORK TRUCKS By Steve Whaley

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 29and can be used in any existing propane autogas engine. Because it’s produced from renewable raw materials, renewable propane has an even lower carbon intensity than conventional propane and is far cleaner than other energy sources. As such, the study found when renewable propane is considered, propane-powered MD-HD vehicles currently provide a lower carbon footprint solution in every US state except one where most of its electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants. COST-EFFECTIVEAt the end of the day, emissions reductions also have to be cost-effective for fleets to be able to implement these new solutions. Fleet owners that choose propane autogas don’t have to worry. When you factor in the cost of a new vehicle, regardless of fuel type and the costs for fuel, fluids, maintenance, and repairs, propane autogas has the lowest cost of any fuel for the lifetime of the vehicle.The incremental capital cost for a medium-duty propane autogas vehicle, relative to its gasoline or diesel counterpart, is on average 15%. Comparatively, a similar medium-duty EV is over 250%. Not to mention, the cost to purchase and install refueling equipment for a fleet of medium- or heavy-duty propane autogas vehicles is lower than the cost to purchase fast charger equipment for charging a comparable electric vehicle fleet in a comparable time frame. As the future of transportation becomes even cleaner, I implore fleet owners to take a moment to see for themselves why propane autogas is an important energy solution for our environment.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Steve Whaley is the director of autogas business development for the Propane Educaon & Research Council. He can be reached at stephen.whaley@propane.com. Find out more, visit www.propane.com/research-development.1A1B The well-to-wheels carbon intensity of propane (a) and grid electricity (b) by state. The total difference in life-cycle CO2eq emissions (US tons) between a single medium-duty conventional propane vehicle and a single medium-duty EV.2 The total difference in life-cycle CO2eq emissions (US tons) between a single medium-duty renewable propane vehicle and a single medium-duty EV.3 FOR IMAGES 2 AND 3, THE RESULTS ARE SHOWN WITH GREEN HIGHLIGHTING LOCATIONS WHERE A MEDIUM-DUTY PROPANE VEHICLE IS BETTER THAN AN EV FROM A TOTAL CO2EQ LIFE-CYCLE EMISSIONS AND RED HIGHLIGHTING LOCATIONS WHERE EVS ARE BETTER SUITED THAN PROPANE VEHICLES. THE NUMBERS ON THE CHART FOR EACH LOCATION REPRESENT THE DIFFERENCE IN TOTAL CO2EQ LIFE-CYCLE EMISSIONS IN US TONS WHEN COMPARED FOR A SINGLE MEDIUM-DUTY VEHICLE.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202130OPERATIONSFrom the outside of a propane autogas truck, you won’t see much of a difference between it and a conventionally fueled truck—except for some well-placed graphics or stickers. It’s the inner workings that make these vehicles emissions reducing, low carbon, and economical.PROPANE AUTOGAS PRIMERLet’s begin with understanding the fuel itself. Propane autogas is the internationally recognized term used for propane when used in on-road engines. According to the World LP Gas Association, there are more than 27 million on-road vehicles fueled by propane autogas around the world. Propane autogas is the leading alternative fuel in the United States and the third most commonly used vehicle fuel, following gasoline and diesel. In the US, there are over 37,000 propane autogas-fueled vehicles equipped with ROUSH CleanTech technology on the road. You don’t need to have a large fleet to garner the benefits—current propane technology enables you to order the number of vehicles you need, whether that’s one or a dozen, or more than 100. This is especially attractive to companies that want to adopt new fuel technology as current aging vehicles need replacement.There are several funding opportunities available to help pay for these alternative fuel vehicles. The US Energy Department’s Alternative Fuels Data Center lists state and federal funding opportunities and possible tax credits. Propane autogas vehicles all run on nontoxic, colorless, and clean-burning propane autogas, which is an approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act. In contrast to nontoxic propane, as little as one gallon of spilled gasoline can quickly contaminate groundwater above drinking water health advisory levels.Currently, more than 90% of US propane supplies come from domestic production, making propane autogas a readily available alternative to imported oil. Propane autogas is an abundant, American-made fuel. Our country produces billions of gallons of propane and uses about 9 billion gallons for home heating, cooking, and transportation. This leaves a surplus for fleets to use this domestic energy source. PROPANE DEVELOPMENTSPropane autogas vehicles have been around for well over a century. But in the last decade, innovations have greatly The Nuts and Bolts of a Propane Fuel SystemDISCOVER HOW PROPANE AUTOGAS COULD WORK FOR YOUR FLEET By Todd Mouw THOUSANDS OF FLEETS ACROSS THE NATION RELY ON PROPANE VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY TO MEET THEIR COMPANY’S NEEDS.

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 31improved the technology. The vapor-carbureted systems of the past have been replaced by modern liquid fuel-injection systems. In a liquid system, liquid propane autogas is injected directly into each cylinder’s intake port. The liquid fuel vaporizes in the cylinder, cooling the air and resulting in no loss of horsepower, torque, or engine performance. With propane’s octane rating of 104, the engine is “detuned” to match the gasoline horsepower and torque numbers.Many equipment suppliers manufacture propane fuel systems. For example, ROUSH CleanTech’s dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel system integrates into Ford commercial medium-duty Class 4-7 trucks. The fuel lines follow the original equipment manufacturer’s routing, and the fuel tank generally replaces the standard tank location. The system delivers propane autogas to the engine in liquid form. Recently, Ford introduced its new 7.3-L V8 engine to replace the 6.8-L V10 engine. The 7.3-L engine has two less cylinders and a single cam shaft, is 10% less on height and weight, has a much simpler belt design, and is matched with the 6R140 transmission. Together, these advancements provide a simpler design with power.With Ford’s innovation comes developments in the propane fuel system as well. The all-new engine platform includes a new mounting bracket over the intake manifold. This positions the fuel rail pressure control module (FRPCM) over the center of the engine for easy service access. It also supports the now forged-aluminum fuel rails and gives secure mounting locations for all of the stainless steel fuel lines in the engine bay.SYSTEM COMPONENTSROUSH CleanTech’s anodized aluminum fuel rails operate under the varying pressures and temperatures of liquid propane autogas. The FRPCM improves vehicle start-up times, lowers start-up emissions, DATA CHECKBy Crystelle Markley, marketing director, Superior Energy Systems Commercial truck fleets need hard data to manage fueling processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. That’s where advanced, fully integrated, and customizable web-based propane autogas dispensers come into play. These dispensers track key data like driver and vehicle identification, vehicle mileage, and gallons pumped for a virtually unlimited number of vehicles, drivers, and customers. All data can be accessed by the fleet in real time, and they can create customizable reports without the need to purchase and install separate technology.Fleet operators are moving toward cloud-based data management at the dispenser level, which removes the need for multiple fleet operator site visits and ensures the latest available technology through remote updates. The cloud-based system also enables corporate fleet management with the ability to see all fueling sites in one easy-to-view report, while allowing each site to view only their segmented, independent data.A typical propane autogas infrastructure setup includes a skid, dispenser, tanks, and pumps, which are delivered to the fleet site and installed in less than one week. Fleet personnel are then trained on how to safely use the equipment and operate the fuel management software; maintenance personnel are also trained on the software capabilities, including how to run a diagnostic checkup at any time. If a fleet uses varying price levels, the software can adjust those prices with the click of a button. In addition, fleets that use multiple fuels can take advantage of the customized mapping feature in the software program, which can integrate several fuel tracking programs. The software can upload all fleet information into a single database to track fuel savings and fleet maintenance programs, both of which are key elements to any fleet’s success.For Superior Energy Systems’ example, there has been substantial growth of work truck fleets using propane autogas. This is due in large part to the success of cloud-based fleet management software that has more than 300 fleets on its proprietary network, including large fleets and smaller operators. For more, visit www.superiornrg.com. DATA CHECK ✓

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202132OPERATIONSand provides consistent power. The propane fuel tank meets ASME certification standards. It’s designed and manufactured to be 20 times more puncture-resistant than gasoline tanks. The design of the industry-standard quick connect fill valve allows for safe passage of liquid propane autogas into the truck. It also includes a check valve to prevent fuel leaks. The fuel lines, made of high-durability stainless steel to handle varying temperatures and pressures, are designed to route through the factory line locations. To operate properly on propane autogas, fuel system manufacturers will reprogram the on-board computer that controls the engine. Fuel injectors inject liquid propane autogas into the engine for ignition. HOW TO OPERATEAdvancements in propane fleet vehicle technology have improved to where thousands of fleets across the nation rely on them to meet their company’s needs. “Our top priority is to operate a clean and safe fleet,” says Peter DeVito, CEO of dnata catering USA, one of the world’s largest air service providers. “With propane vehicles, we reduce emissions without sacrificing safety or performance.” Jason Lee, general manager of HACOR, agrees, “The versatility and reliability of our propane vehicles allows us to operate our standard delivery and operating methods but with a low-emission fuel.” HACOR delivers up to 15,000 airline meals per day out of Los Angeles International Airport. With conventional fuel prices constantly in flux and the federal government enacting stricter environmental controls, the total ownership cost of conventionally fueled trucks is heading upward. This trend creates a well-timed opportunity to transition your work trucks to clean-burning, cost-effective propane autogas and help reduce your carbon footprint.STEPS TO INSTALLATIONConverting a work truck’s gasoline or diesel fuel system to operate on propane autogas is performed by an outside upfitter or the manufacturer of the fuel system which, in this scenario, is ROUSH CleanTech. Here are the nine steps it takes the ROUSH CleanTech team to convert a Ford F-450 truck to operate on propane autogas:STEP 1: Remove the factory fuel tank to install the propane tank. STEP 2: Install the fuel lines and fuel filters inside the frame channel. STEP 3: Disconnect the original fuel pump relay then attach the ROUSH CleanTech relay. STEP 4: Attach fuel lines to the fuel tank.  Remove original fuel rails connected to the engine and install manufacturer’s fuel rails and Fuel Rail Pressure Control Module (known as FRPCM). STEP 6: Install Smart Relay Module and new wire harness. STEP 7: Recalibrate the Powertrain Control Module to allow the vehicle to operate properly on propane autogas. STEP 8: Test recently installed components for propane leaks. STEP 9: Inspect and certify vehicles.It takes roughly 12 hours per truck to complete these steps.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Todd Mouw is president of ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of clean advanced transportaon technology. Mouw has served as president of the NTEA Green Truck Associaon. Find out more, visit www.roushcleantech.com or call 800.59.ROUSH.Don’t Read While Driving Dirt RoadsDon’t Read While Driving Dirt RoadsSAFETYTHE MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS DIGITAL EDITION IS COMPELLING, BUT FLIPPING THE INTERACTIVE PAGES SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED WHILE OPERATING A MOVING VEHICLE

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202134OPERATIONSAQCreating a Sustainable Fleet, One Hybrid at a TimeGETTING TO KNOW XL FLEETElectrify, electrify, electrify. It’s a theme that’s surrounded the fleet industry for years, but when will it happen, and what will it take to get us to fully electrified vehicles being more broadly available? Thankfully there is one company on the cutting edge of sustainable fuel technology, XL Fleet, who answered all our important questions on the subject.WHAT DOES THE CURRENT REALITY OF THE EV SPACE LOOK LIKE IN THE USA? ERIC FOELLMER, XL FLEET: I think it's safe to say that demand is largely outpacing supply—even if supply is catching up. There is a tremendous and growing demand for electrification and EV fleets in particular. This is going to be a long transformation before electrified propulsion becomes the norm and not the exception. There’s no single technology that will flip the switch on that process. There’s currently more product availability on the consumer side; however, on the fleet side it’s still a work in progress. But there is a lot of energy and commitment on multiple levels of the supply chain to make this happen for fleets. So, the demand and supply are starting to align with one another, and there’s a lot of progress being made. Although, most experts expect that transition to be a multi-year or even a multi-decade process.

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE THE GOVERNMENT’S SUSTAINABILITY GOALS BECOME REALITY BY THEIR TARGETED DATE?FOELLMER: That depends on the specific goal. Fully electrifying the entire federal fleet in 10 years is certainly an ambitious goal, but we need ambitious goals to drive the urgency and adoption that’s needed to move the industry forward. You can’t displace a century-old, gasoline-powered infrastructure overnight. Especially since some applications don’t lend themselves well to full electrification. If you want to electrify a full fleet, you have to take into consideration that there are other electrification technologies that are going to be needed to meet those goals, such as hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell electric technologies.Replacing the entire federal fleet with all-electric vehicles in 10 years may be unrealistic, but electrifying a significant portion of the federal fleet in that time frame using the full range of technologies available is a more realistic expectation. XL Fleet has currently logged over 150 million customer miles driven on our hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, establishing a strong foothold in the industry. Those 4,000-plus vehicles help drive adoption of more fully electrified vehicles. Over time, drivers and maintenance teams will become more accustomed to these technologies and will become more willing to adopt them in larger volumes.As XL Fleet continues to introduce a broader range of medium- to heavy-duty hybrid and plug-in hybrids as well as full-electric options, we can support a full life cycle of what fleets need to move forward with their goals right away.WHAT IF THE BIDEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN DOESN’T PASS? WILL THAT SET EV AND SUSTAINABLE FUEL GOALS BACK?FOELLMER: I don’t think it will substantially set the industry back. OEMs have made commitments, there’s growing demand in the industry, and there are strong commitments on the charging side. The infrastructure plan is a great way to support that effort, but I think the demand is now at a point where it can grow organically with or without vast incentives. XL Fleet’s technology is applicable and affordable even without incentives, so from XL Fleet’s perspective it wouldn’t make a tremendous difference. If the plan doesn’t pass, it could prolong the timeframe, but it won’t set the industry back to square one.WHAT OBSTACLES MUST WE OVERCOME IN ORDER TO SEE EVS MORE WIDELY ADOPTED?FOELLMER: The three biggest obstacles I see are: 1) the need for more charging infrastructure—the lack of infrastructure has been a significant deterrent to a more wide scale EV adoption; 2) the need for more vehicles available for fleets—to date, there has been a lot of demand but not a lot of supply; and 3) the price point needs to more comparable to a traditional combustion engine. If you’re not normalizing the price point, it makes it more challenging for fleets to adopt sustainable vehicles. WHAT SOLUTIONS DOES XL FLEET HAVE TO COMBAT THE THREE BIGGEST OBSTACLES YOU MENTIONED?FOELLMER: To overcome the lack of a comprehensive nationwide charging infrastructure, XL Fleet’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems can be deployed with little or no additional charging requirements beyond what many fleets already have in place. Hybrids require zero external charging, and plug-in hybrids can often be plugged into standard power outlets or level 2 wall-mounted units. That has helped drive our strong customer base and quicken the adoption of the more fully electrified options to follow. When it comes to a lack of EVs available to fleets, XL Fleet’s solution is to electrify existing OEM vehicles that fleets know and trust to help drive deployment. To combat the third largest obstacle, XL Fleet sought to create one of the most cost-competitive systems on the market. XL Fleet’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems don’t have price points of fully electric vehicle options and don’t require the costs associated with new charging infrastructure. The net result of our solutions is that we give customers the ability to pursue their sustainability goals right away without having to wait for these other external challenges to be solved.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202136OPERATIONSWHAT DOES A FLEET OF XL VEHICLES LOOK LIKE?FOELLMER: Because XL Fleet designs its systems for existing fleet vehicles, the performace, maintenance, and warranties of an electrified vehicle from XL Fleet are almost identical to that of a standard gas- or diesel-powered vehicle—it’s just more sustainable. An XL Fleet system installation doesn’t replace the engine—it simply electrifies the powertrain by attaching a motor to the drive shaft to provide an electric assist during acceleration. As a result, it works in parallel with the internal combustion engine. Therefore, mechanics see little to no difference in vehicle maintenance.Finally, XL Fleet systems don’t disrupt the OEM warranty, which is a significant difference from other approaches where the OEM warranty could be voided. The XL Fleet system carries a warranty, as well. And if the XL Fleet system goes down, the vehicle can still operate as a gas-powered vehicle, eliminating downtime.INDUSTRY INSIGHTIt’s a Beautiful ThingIF KNOWLEDGE IS ATTRACTIVE, THE MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS DIGITAL EDITION IS A BEAUTIFUL THING. READ ON.CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE LIBRARY AT WWW.MWSMAG.COMFOR MORE INFORMATIONEric Foellmer is the markeng director at XL Fleet. Find out more about eet electricaon technology available for your eet today, visit www.xleet.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202138TECHNOLOGYFeeling powerless takes many forms, but we have all experienced it at some point in our lives. Nothing seems to be in your control, and you feel that you are a victim of your circumstances. A lack of power can be particularly troublesome to operators of work trucks who rely on that power to perform their jobs.Traditionally the juice to run air tools, welders, hoists, hydraulic cranes, lift gates, and charge electronics, such as two-way radios, laptops, and metering devices, has been supplied by idling the truck engine or relying on a diesel-powered generator. However, the downsides to idling are significant. Aside from the added noise decibels and reduced air quality on the jobsite, the negative impact to the vehicle is significant. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), excessive idling doubles the wear and tear on engine components and exhaust aftertreatment systems versus normal driving. When you factor that operating some functions like power take-offs (PTOs) require higher RPMs at idle, this issue is compounded exponentially. A typical work truck will consume at least one gallon of fuel for every hour it idles. When you combine this with the increased PM intervals caused by Idle Mitigation Systems and Lithium-Ion Battery TechnologyCLEAN, QUIET, AND CONSISTENT POWER By Mitul Chandrani

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 39excessive idling, the avoidable operating costs represents thousands of dollars in an annual budget.Then there’s the environmental factor—state and federal agencies propose stricter laws to reduce emissions caused by idling. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted phased-in regulations that would require current NOx (nitrogen oxides) standards be cut about 75% below current standards beginning in 2024 and 90% below current standards in 2027. And everyone in the trucking industry knows that when something happens in California, it can spread across the rest of the country.SEEKING SOLUTIONSBut what’s a work truck operator to do? Statistics show that commercial vehicles idle in park for 65% of their “engine on” time. Perhaps to power halogen lights at nighttime jobsites. Or maybe a technician is checking over inspection reports in his mobile office while running A/C during a summer heat wave. Either way, the vehicle needs to remain running for the HVAC and auxiliary power supply to function without eating battery reserves or relying on a noisy APU—or does it?Smart fleet managers and owner-operators proactively seek solutions that put their businesses ahead of the competition and ensure their equipment and services are in compliance. Xantrex, Mission Critical Electronics (MCE), and ZeroRPM responded with alternative power solutions that meet the demand of today’s work truck industry without sacrificing performance and reliability.ELECTRIC PTOOriginally developed for utility and medical emergency services vehicles with critical power needs, ZeroRPM created a hybrid vehicle power system that provides onboard power and climate control without the need for constant idling. Once a vehicle is in park, its proprietary idle mitigation system automatically shuts down the engine and provides chassis power using high-density lithium-ion batteries. ZeroRPM system is more than just a rechargeable electric auxiliary power unit—it's a completely integrated system that works with the existing electrical and HVAC system to supply automatic engine-off A/C and heating through factory vents, plus full power to the onboard electronics, including lights, radio, and inverters. With scalable product stacks, ZeroRPM systems can supply your vehicle with energy starting at 100Ah at 12VDC, 24VDC, 36VDC, and 48VDC, which are configurable to meet specific requirements. The ZeroRPM software is compatible with virtually all common commercial chassis platforms. One of the biggest concerns for some work trucks, such as sewage vacuum trucks and tire service trucks, is getting power to the hydraulic systems for cranes and lifts. Installing an electric PTO (ePTO) equates to more fuel savings and eliminates the need for engine idling at jobsites. With ZeroRPM, the operator simply presses a key on the system control panel and power from the batteries is directed to the ePTO motor. Intellimetrics provides customized reports and graphs of fuel savings, emissions reduction, and overall efficiency. Fleet managers have discovered that a truck with the ZeroRPM system can save more than three hours per day in unnecessary idling with the system’s customized solutions.CONTINUOUS POWERXantrex’s FREEDOM eGen solution also leverages the power of today’s advanced lithium-ion batteries. Available from 105Ahr as part of a fully customizable power generation system, FREEDOM eGen batteries may supply up to 6,000 charge-discharge cycles—10 to 12 times the life cycles of traditional batteries. Regulated by the built-in Xantrex Intelligent Battery Management System (BMS), FREEDOM eGen supports charging from both a second alternator (included) and shore power.The FREEDOM XC Pro inverter/charger is available in model ratings of With ZeroRPM and FREEDOM XC Pro, work crews have the ability to do the same jobs with dedicated, highly efficient, and trustworthy Li-Ion battery banks rather than relying on idling or diesel generators.5.0 USB PORT SHORE POWERALARM SWITCHHEATING & A/CENGINE START BATTERYOnly for starting the engineXANTRAX LITHIUM IONBATTERY BANKSOLAR PANELCHARGE CONTROLLERFREEDOM XC PROInverter/ChargerAUTO EJECTAC OUTLETSYSTEM STATUS SCREENIDLE CONTROLLERINTELLIMETRICS GATEWAY

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202140TECHNOLOGY2,000, and 3,000 watts. The FREEDOM XC Pro supplies continuous 120V true sine wave power—especially important for proper function of surge-sensitive instruments, meters, voltage indicators, laptops, and more. As added protection, the FREEDOM XC Pro can generate an industry-leading five seconds of surge, also known as temporary power boost, for up to two times the inverter’s watt rating. This easily handles initial draw that tools and equipment require. Most other inverters have surge power for less than one second.BATTERY OF BENEFITSLet's talk about the many benefits of Li-Ion batteries. Xantrex and ZeroRPM Li-Ion batteries allow for 90% of the battery capacity to be discharged, and in an emergency a user can even use the last 10%; so, if you have a 600-amp hour lithium battery, you have 600-amp hours of usable power. You might assume more capacity means more bulk, but just the opposite is true. As the world's lightest metal, lithium boasts a huge weight advantage—Li-Ion batteries are 60 to 80% lighter than their Group 31 counterparts. Another advantage of Li-Ion batteries over diesel APUs and portable generators is consistent power to operate multiple tools simultaneously without any lag in performance. No moving parts on an EPU also means a reduction in sound levels, allowing jobs to be scheduled earlier and later in idle-restricted locations. And no noxious exhaust equates to a more operator-friendly environment for the mechanic or serviceperson who spends time working around the truck. SUNNY SIDE UPThere's one more charging source that adds to the efficiency of the ZeroRPM and FREEDOM eGen systems—solar power. Solar is the ultimate trickle charger, always offsetting battery drain. Unlike the thick, hard solar panels used on most buildings, Xantrex Solar Max Flex panels can be contoured to curved surfaces without impacting power output. In addition, the Max Flex panel can harvest up to 20% more energy during the day and in low-light or shaded conditions compared to a rigid flat solar panel. SOLUTIONS AT WORKBecause of mounting regulations and financial advantages, such as lower fuel and maintenance costs (not to mention added convenience and comfort for operators), work truck fleets can capitalize on ZeroRPM and FREEDOM eGen alternative power solutions. By giving your crew the ability to do the same jobs with dedicated, highly efficient, and trustworthy Li-Ion battery banks rather than relying on idling or diesel generators, you effectively say to them, “More power to you!”ABOUT THE AUTHORMitul Chandrani has worked in the trucking industry for close to 15 years. He manages the markeng funcon for the Xantrex brand and its parent company Mission Crical Electronics. Mitul also manages Xantrex’s YouTube channel, which contains a repository of technical and how-to videos on power soluons. At the heart of the FREEDOM eGEN system is an extremely powerful and safe Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Bank. Advanced and intuitive Xantrex ZeroRPM panel provides real-time metrics data on the system.MCE/ZERO RPM IDLE MITIGATION SYSTEMCommercial truck fleets need hard data to manage fueling processes. This system transforms a conventional vehicle into a hybrid when in park and reduces emissions, protects the environment, and offers a quick ROI. 1. Lithium-ion battery powered solution delivers power for climate control, onboard electronics, and jobsite tools. 2. The system integrates with a vehicle’s electrical and engine system to provide engine off A/C and heating plus power for all onboard electronics. 3. Once the vehicle is in park, the system shuts down the engine and provides all required power from lithium-ion battery source. 4. For extended stationary use of vehicle, the system manages engine start/stop to recharge batteries as needed. MCE/FREEDOM eGEN LITHIUM-ION SYSTEM This system is a practical, clean, green power solution for extended runtime of onboard electronics and jobsite tools with advanced energy storage and multiple charging sources that enable an independent power system. 1. The FREEDOM eGEN system offers a dedicated high-power density lithium-ion battery bank to run HVAC, hotel loads, and tools.2. The lithium battery pack delivers six to eight times the life cycle of traditional batteries. 3. The battery pack may be replenished via multiple sources including high-output auxiliary alternator, solar, and shore power when plugged in.4. The system may be used in conjunction with a generator, but it significantly reduces generator runtime or may eliminate its use altogether. TAKE NOTE

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202142TECHNOLOGYThe ODYSSEY® battery journey began more than 25 years ago, when EnerSys® recognized the enormous potential of flat lead plate technology to create increased starting power, reliability, and longevity in batteries. In 1996, the company introduced ODYSSEY® batteries, incorporating proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology. The improved battery capabilities made possible by this technology opened the door to a wide range of potential transportation applications, and the attributes of ODYSSEY® battery made it an excellent prospect for use in the heavy-duty battery market. MAKING GOOD BETTERIn essence, rechargeable flooded lead acid battery technology has basically remained the same for more than 160 years; when submerged in acid (electrolyte), positive and negative lead plates create an electrochemical reaction. However, innovations regarding the structure, composition, and arrangement of the battery components, as well as improvements to the electrolyte, are responsible for extraordinary advancements in performance, capability, and endurance.EnerSys refined the technology further and engineered a battery that uses extremely thin pure lead plates separated by fiberglass mat that is saturated with electrolyte. The lead plates and glass mat are tightly compressed and contained by a durable outer case. This battery type is known as an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) TPPL battery.The advantages with the AGM TPPL battery were instantly apparent; and by using pure lead plates rather than the lead alloy used in conventional lead acid batteries, the plates could be made much thinner. This meant that more plates could be used, providing more surface area to react with the electrolyte, thereby generating more power—up to double that of equally sized conventional flooded batteries.The AGM TPPL construction of the battery also made it much less prone to damage due to shock and vibration. In addition, the electrolyte absorbed into the glass mat made the battery spill proof, and it could be mounted in any position, except upside down. Water within batteries gets converted into gasses during recharging; in conventional batteries those gasses vent into the atmosphere, so they must be watered periodically to compensate for water loss. In addition, overwatering and underwatering can cause impairment to the battery. AGM TPPL batteries recombine the gasses back into the liquid, making them virtually maintenance-free with no watering ever required.Other characteristics of ODYSSEY® batteries include better battery performance in extreme temperatures as low as -40 degrees F to as high as 176 degrees F—with higher Cold Cranking Amps (CCAs), faster recharging, and lower self-discharge rates. Furthermore, the TPPL design facilitates longer battery life—up to three times longer. It also features the highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead acid battery on the market; capable of 100% recharge in 4 to 6 hours.A HEAVY-DUTY CHOICEFast forward to today. Undoubtedly, the most important factor for a work truck battery is dependability. That’s a tall order when it comes to modern work trucks, considering the extra power needed to crank and start the vehicle as well as operate all of the onboard accessories required on the job. Let’s take a look at some of the demands placed upon work truck batteries to better understand all the ways that AGM TPPL technology provides solid advantages for heavy-duty work trucks. As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery Heavy-duty Work Truck Batteries ENERSYS BRINGS POWER INNOVATION TO THE MARKETheavy-duty feature

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 43care and handling and direct any questions to your battery professional.ACCESSORIESToday’s work trucks are typically equipped with a variety of essential accessories required on the job, such as day cabs, sleeper cabs, dump trucks, reefer trucks, line haul, mixers, and liftgates. Whether it’s a heavy-duty commercial truck, an earth mover, a bus, or other vehicle, the vehicle’s electronics may also rely on a steady source of power to provide valuable data, direction, and even safety features. This is especially true with newer accessory-loaded vehicles. Auxiliary power drain can shorten the life of a battery if it isn’t designed for cycle service and deeper discharge. Batteries must be up to the challenge—even when the vehicle is idling or the engine is turned off. Many states have adopted anti-idling laws in an effort to cut down on emissions and air pollution. AGM TPPL batteries feature impressive deep cycling capability that enables truckers to keep onboard accessories running even when the engine is turned off.EXTREME WEATHERWork trucks must answer the call of duty regardless of the weather conditions. AGM TPPL batteries perform in conditions well below freezing, with higher CCAs. As the temperature drops and voltage levels decline in a battery, the freezing point of the electrolyte comes into play. While all batteries can freeze and become damaged, the key to maintaining them in cold weather is to keep them fully charged. AGM TPPL batteries possess a slower self-discharge rate and recharge faster, which makes them less susceptible to the effects of temperature. DURABILITYHeavy-duty applications such as dump trucks undergo a lot of serious vibration on the job—and that vibration can influence the performance of the battery. Manufactured with a military inspired design, ODYSSEY® batteries are built to withstand heavy-duty environments and are very robust.MAINTENANCEConventional lead acid batteries require maintenance including regular watering. Virtually maintenance-free, non-spillable AGM TPPL batteries are sealed and do not require watering, saving manual labor and downtime. In addition, there are no worries regarding damage due to overwatering or underwatering. Longer expected life also means less battery replacements, which is less time and expense in maintenance.DOWNTIMEFor a commercial work truck, lost time is lost money. With less maintenance, high reliability, and longer life, less downtime is the result. AGM TPPL batteries offer deep cycling capabilities, impressive starting power, and rapid recovery rates, minimizing the need for field service calls.SAFETYUnlike conventional flooded lead acid batteries, AGM TPPL batteries do not leak electrolyte. They also feature built-in valves to allow safe dispersal of any excess gas generation in the unlikely event of errant charging.COST V. VALUEConventional lead acid batteries may appear to be less expensive until you calculate several factors that include battery life, maintenance, performance, and downtime. The truth is, there is never a good time for a battery to become damaged or reach its end life, so it pays to choose a battery that is reliable, durable, and offers longer battery life.25 YEARS & COUNTINGFor all the reasons mentioned in this article, you can see why AGM TPPL batteries are an excellent choice for heavy-duty work truck applications and should be strongly considered by operators and fleet managers alike.This year marks the 25th anniversary of ODYSSEY® batteries’ introduction into the market. Today, the EnerSys brand has grown to power some of the hardest working vehicles on the planet. As times change, so will the demands of vehicles that rely on reserve power for the tasks they’re required to perform—whatever those tasks may be.FOR MORE INFORMATIONEnerSys is a global leader in stored energy soluons for industrial applicaons. It manufactures and distributes energy systems soluons and move power baeries, specialty baeries, baery chargers, power equipment, baery accessories, and outdoor equipment enclosure soluons. Find out more, visit www.enersys.com and www.odysseybaery.com.

Call us today to get started at 205.795.0223 or email us at russell@mcsmag.comOur digital marketing campaigns can identify prospects interested specifically in your product, and then tell you exactly who they are! See what our customers are saying:You Need Leads!We Have the Solution!The reports are awesome! Thank you. If we can get that level of information from all of our suppliers, we will be very happy! We have already made one machine sale to a prospect from the eBlast and I am sure there will be more. Paul Gazik,Business Development/International Salesfor

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202146WORK TRUCK PRODUCTSINNOLIFT USAXXL STRADDLE LOADERInnoLIFT USA’s XXL Straddle Loader speeds and simplifies pallet-load deliveries. This loader lifts its load and itself into and out of virtually any delivery vehicle. The XXL Straddle Loader allows operators to easily and safely load and unload open and closed bottom pallets weighing up to 1,100 lbs, with other InnoLIFT models available for heavier weights. One person can deliver materials to a loading dock or a street-level facility, replacing liftgates, ramps, hoists, and conventional pallet jacks. InnoLIFT self-lifting loaders are ideal for virtually any last-mile delivery need, including food and beverage distributors, colleges, universities and schools, convenience store distributors, and more. www.innoliftusa.com HOT SHOT’S SECRETEVERYDAY DIESEL TREATMENT WITH LX4Low-quality fuel can lead to a lack of power, bad fuel economy, and breakdowns. The lack of lubricity is a major issue with today’s diesel fuel. Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) infused with LX4 Lubricity Extreme addresses the common issues with diesel, turning pump fuel into a "Premium Diesel." This six-in-one fuel additive keeps injectors clean and increases fuel lubricity up to 26% to protect against scoring and wear—all while boosting cetane up to seven points and neutralizing acids and dispersing moisture to reduce corrosion and stabilize fuel for long-term protection. One ounce treats 25 gallons of diesel fuel.www.hotshotsecret.comCURRY SUPPLYWATER TRUCKSCurry Supply Company’s full product line of equipment includes specialized product offerings to service a variety of industry needs. One of the company’s original and most successful builds lies within the hauling/delivery and dust control/environmental collections—the water truck. Standard specifications for an on-road Curry Supply water truck range from 2,000 to 6,000 US gallon tanks; however custom builds are available for order. Each water tank produced is treated with an interior tank coating to ensure superior protection and durability in the field. Curry Supply can also produce ship out tank kits for those looking to self-install. www.currysupply.comSNOWEXSnowEx Products announced a new line of all-weather storage containers designed to bring the storage of supplies, tools, and PPE closer to where they are used. The versatile containers will be available in four sizes, including 3, 6, 12, and 18 cu ft. Each container has a molded-in closure that can be secured with an extended shank padlock to keep the contents secure and protected from the elements. The 6, 12, and 18 cu ft models feature molded-in fork pockets that allow for easy placement, even when fully loaded.www.snowexproducts.com

JULY 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 47THE ALL-NEW ISUZU NPR-HD WITH XL HYBRID ELECTRIC UPFITfeatured productThe Isuzu NPR-HD is now available with a hybrid electric upfit solution that provides a simple and cost-effective way to improve fuel economy and decrease CO2 emissions. XL Fleet’s XLH™ hybrid electric drive system transforms traditional NPR-HDs into hybrid-electric vehicles, combining the versatility of the Isuzu work truck with the sustainability of an XL hybrid system for your most demanding routes and applications. It’s a seamless and immediate path toward sustainability for a wide range of fleet types.THE XL FLEET MISSIONWith over 150 million cleaner, greener customer miles driven to date, XL Fleet is passionate about driving the transition to fleet electrification for commercial and municipal customers throughout North America.XL Fleet is focused on delivering Fleet-Ready™ solutions that can help fleets overcome many of today’s most daunting challenges in their road to electrification. Its hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric drive systems can help you:• Immediately electrify your favorite work trucks• Increase fuel economy while reducing emissions• Continue to leverage proven, time-tested OEM vehicles• Increase driver satisfaction while reducing maintenance costs• Promote your commitment to environmental protection and sustainability goalsThe XL Hybrid system installs quickly and easily onto factory vehicles, either as a ship-thru upfit or a retrofit of an in-service vehicle. The Isuzu NPR-HD equipped with the XL Hybrid system is ready to fit right into your existing fleet with: • No driver training• No charging infrastructure• No additional maintenance• No electric range concernsToday’s fleet managers are motivated to pursue electrification, but are often held back by the many challenges associated with that effort. XL Fleet eliminates those challenges and helps fleets move toward their sustainability goals right away with an upfitting process that’s operationally frictionless and complete within hours. DESIGNED WITH PURPOSEThe Isuzu NPR-HD is often used for applications requiring frequent acceleration and deceleration, such as utility service, food and beverage distribution, and last-mile delivery—making it an ideal fit for XL Fleet’s hybrid electric drive system upfit. Drivers can get their jobs done while driving cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles that require fewer trips to the gas station and offer a reduced carbon footprint.ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY XL Fleet’s electrified drivetrain solutions are immediately available on new as well as in-service vehicles. If you’re looking to begin electrifying your fleet this year—whether it’s a new or existing vehicle in your fleet—XL Fleet offers a flexible and immediate path to sustainability. For a closer look at the Isuzu NPR and other vehicles equipped with XL Fleet’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric systems, visit www.xlfleet.com, email sales@xlfleet.com, or call 1-833-XL-FLEET.XL Fleet

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM JULY 202148Hope Zvara and Phil Knucky created Mother Trucker Yoga because they saw a void: yoga and fitness for everyone but truckers. Now, as the sole owner of Mother Trucker Yoga, Hope, a yoga veteran of 18 years, strives to help truckers achieve a healthier lifestyle with the tools they’re given—an air ride seat in the cab of their truck.FITNESS MADE SIMPLEMother Trucker Yoga videos are accessible through a smartphone or a tablet. In the videos, Hope instructs drivers through several seated yoga positions with 3- to 5-minute videos. The yoga poses are simple and effective—great even for those with limited mobility. Mother Trucker Yoga’s videos are for everyone, but they were designed with the professional driver in mind. The poses and Hope's advice help lay the foundation to help drivers achieve realistic goals.Hope shows drivers exactly what to do in each video and shows them how to do it in their cab—no yoga mat or yoga pants necessary! FOR THE DAY CABModern WorkTruck Solutions reached out to Hope Zvara to ask her about yoga specifically for day cab drivers and all our readers in the vocational segment. In response, Hope graciously went out of her way to create a video just for you—the vocational truck driver.Hope also shared with us a short video explaining the benefits yoga gives to drivers. Later this month, we’ll release those videos on our website for you to view completely free. In the yoga video, Hope shares steps and moves you can take to improve your health and wellness whether you’re parked at a worksite, stopped at a red light in the city, or even while driving on the road.Hope says these videos are perfect for drivers who are like most of her trucker clients who step out of their cabs with a stiff back and aching hips due to the prolonged amount of time spent on their bottoms throughout the workday. “When you think about yoga, I don’t want you to think about sitting and ‘OM-ing,’ or ‘Namaste-ing’ or feeling like you have to wear clothing that is not your style or uncomfortable, or even ever have to own a yoga mat,” Hope says. “The yoga that I teach and promote, the fitness and wellness tools and techniques that I am teaching thousands of drivers coast to coast, are things that you can adapt to your everyday life.”Talk soon! JadeFOR MORE INFORMATION Be looking for Mother Trucker Yoga’s "Benets of Yoga for Truck Drivers" video to drop on our website on August 2. Look for the "Yoga in the Driver’s Seat, Day Cab Edion" video on our website on August 16. Find out more about Mother Trucker Yoga, visit www.mothertruckeryoga.com. Yoga for Truck Drivers FROM MOTHER TRUCKER YOGA Fitness for truckers doesn’t have to look like Sylvester Stallone’s weight system in the cab of his long-haul truck in the film “Over the Top.” In fact, trucker fitness can be as simple as a few yoga stretches. Yoga veteran Hope Zvara has helped thousands of truckers across the country through Mother Trucker Yoga. Mother Trucker Yoga helps truckers achieve a healthy lifestyle—all without stepping a foot out of the cab.