The Fleet Business Authority
Issue link: http://heavydutytrucking.epubxp.com/i/307131
the batteries and extending the range. That range is 100 miles or more, ac- cording to the company. Several hotels are now using the Zenith passenger vans, and drivers plug them in between runs so that advertised range hasn't really been tested, said Christine Smith, Zenith's vice president of sales and marketing. She was along for the ride in downtown Indianapolis. The cargo compartment was empty, but I imagine the electric drivetrain would authoritatively move a load. Smith pointed out that what looks like a tachometer, next to the speed- ometer, was actually an ammeter that showed how many amperes were being drawn by the motor. The needle went to 270 amps, and I managed to peg it once or twice during fast getaways from traffic lights. Other trucks and cars quickly re- ceded in our mirrors, their drivers maybe not believing that a cargo van could blow their doors off (or maybe not caring). A wise Zenith driver will try to keep the ammeter's needle from swinging too far, because the fewer amps he uses, the farther the truck will go. The prescribed route for the NTEA's Green Truck Ride-and-Drive was like going around a long block – about a mile and a half. It was sufficient to show that the Zenith makes serious power, has fairly serious cargo-carrying abilities and is a well-finished and pleasant van to drive. Boulder Electric Vehicle Odd yet purposeful in appearance, the Boulder is a walk-in delivery van (designated DV) that also comes as cab-and-chassis versions with a flatbed (designated FB) or service body (SB). Or customers can buy a bare chassis and mount other bodies. The one at the NTEA show was an FB-500 with a stake-side flatbed behind its long cab with a 4,000-pound payload. A longer- wheelbase 1000 series can carry up to 6,500 pounds. Lightweight composite panels are used throughout, including for the alternating-current motor. The bulbous cab, designed and made by Boulder in its Colorado plant, is smoothly rounded for easy air flow, the company says. The driver sits relatively close to the big windshield for good outward visibility that's aided by huge side glass. But he's slightly ahead of the sliding side doors, so to exit the truck he has to pivot to the right- or left-rear. I found it a little awkward, but a tall ceiling made it easier, and most guys would get accustomed to it pretty quickly. In the cab's rear there's room for at least two passengers. Bryan Bliss, vice president of sales, showed me how to operate the truck. A rotary switch on the dash lets the driver choose R, N or D; there's no P, so a handbrake is used for parking. When in Drive, the Boulder was no rock. It scooted more quickly than its bulky cab would suggest, enough to easily beat out other traffic from a standstill (there I go again). There was no load aboard, but I'm guessing the motor would labor less hard than a gasoline or diesel engine if the flatbed were loaded to the gills. That motor is supplied by Borg War- ner and makes 134 continuous horsepow- er and 188 peak horsepower. Maximum torque is claimed to be 664 pounds-feet. 30 HDT • MAY 2014 www.truckinginfo.com FuelSmarts Electricity itself is far cheaper than any petroleum or gaseous fuel, and the motors it powers have many advantages for propulsion – high efficiency, tremendous torque, quietness and cleanliness. ©2014 Federal-Mogul Corporation. All rights reserved. Visit FMe-cat.com for application look-up! EXCLUSIVE ML 7 ™ HEAD GASKET TECHNOLOGY NOW AVAILABLE FOR MORE REPLACEMENT APPLICATIONS! ML 7 ™ Head Gaskets Caterpillar C15 Engine Cummins ISX/QSX Engine Detroit Diesel Series 50 Engine Cummins M11 Engine Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engine F u e l s m a r t s _ M a y . i n d d 3 0 Fuel smarts_May.indd 30 4 / 3 0 / 1 4 1 2 : 2 9 P M 4/30/14 12:29 PM