The truck is as much a part of the American culture as any other factor. There are millions of them on the road, from pickups to big rigs. Yet, their impact is leading to real problems. The Union of Concerned Scientists have found trucks to be one of the biggest polluters in the country, and assessed that their cumulative impact must change in order to help combat climate change. Technologists have responded; through the use of modern tools and techniques, the truck is being brought away from gas guzzling and into the modern day.
Safety tools
To make a compelling case to car buyers that they should opt for a modern vehicle, there must be incentives in abundance. One area in which drivers would love to see progress is safety. According to insurance researchers Policy Advice, there has been a 52% increase in truck accidents since 2009. This represents the biggest increase for any one vehicle class. One of the deadliest states, Texas, has received the brunt of these increases, with the Fort Worth-Dallas metro creating a lot of work for Fort Worth truck accident lawyer firms. Through smart technology and assistive tech to help keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, safety has ever increased. Indeed, Tesla’s Cybertruck has staked its reputation on safety, as its CES demonstration showed.
Act of convenience
One of the reasons trucks are so popular is their versatility. They can fit equipment in for pretty much any background, recreation or vocation, and are durable, fit for long trips on the road. Truck drivers prize this resilience – the idea of relying on scant charging points across the country is something they don’t like to consider. As USA Today reported, this is starting to become an easier take for truckers, too. 500,000 new charging points are set to be produced across the country, with EV manufacturers creating greater levels of adaptability within trucks to be compatible with the new generation of powerful trucks.
Brawn and bite
Power is a big part of the truck mythology. They’re the all-American ride – big, powerful, loud and strong. Electric vehicles, by contrast, are often small, sleek, and quiet – in direct contrast to what truck owners prize. This is where Hummer step in. Through their novel engineering, Digital Trends report that the truck manufacturers have managed to create a truck with a huge 1,000 horsepower. It can tow 7,500 pounds, putting it up there with the big boys, and is a good sight, too – far away from the futurism of certain designs. Engineers have created something here that really will appeal to the masculinity of the truck crowd, and that’s important.
Showing proud truckers that electric models of their favorite vehicles are not only feasible but will fit the lifestyle, too, is crucial. Climate change is as much about cultural change as anything else. Through smart engineering, a compelling story is being told.