Tag Archives: Trucks

Culture/Politics: Harper’s Magazine – February 2024

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HARPER’S MAGAZINE – FEBRUARY 2024: This issue features ‘Israel’s War Within’ – The battle for a country’s soul; The Trials of Trucking School; Marilynne Robinson Reads Genesis…

Israel’s War Within

An Israeli paratrooper at the Western Wall, 1967 © Micha Bar-Am/Magnum Photos

On the ruinous history of Religious Zionism

by Bernard Avishai

In August 1975, I stood outside the Knesset, in Jerusalem, witnessing a fevered demonstration against Henry Kissinger, then the American secretary of state. Thousands of young men in knitted kippahs chanted and danced in circles, their arms wrapped around one another, their voices echoing off the stone building. They were mainly West Bank settlers, I was informed, part of a fledgling movement called Gush Emunim—in effect, the Young Guard of the National Religious Party (NRP).

Lost Highway

The trials of trucking school

by Emily Gogolak

“If you have to change friends, that’s what you gotta do,” our instructor, Johnny, told the twelve of us sitting in a makeshift classroom in a strip mall outside Austin. “They’re gonna be so jealous, because you’re gonna be bringing home so much money. Encourage them to get their CDL, too.”

A CDL is a commercial driver’s license, and if you pay attention, you’ll find variations on the phrase cdl drivers wanted everywhere: across interstate billboards, in small-town newspapers, on diner bulletin boards, on TV, and, most often, on the backs of semitrucks. Each of us had come to the Changing Lanes CDL School to answer that call.

Design: ‘Thundertruck’ Solar Batwing EV Truck

Creative agency wolfgang LA has unveiled the thundertruck, an electric offroader with futuristic looks. Although just a proposal for now, the multipurpose EV promises ‘superior on and off-road performance’ and ‘an entirely new level of versatility and functionality’, all with zero emissions.

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Analysis: How Amazon Is Taking On Fedex & UPS

Amazon is on a spending spree to grow its fleet of planes, vans, semitrucks and drivers in its latest move to compete with FedEx and UPS. Now, it’s using the added capacity to move cargo for outside customers, betting big on the business of third-party shipping while also shipping 72% of its own packages. CNBC talks to former Amazon executives and current customers using the shipping services to find out all about the behemoth’s next big move.

Top New Camper Shells: “GEHOcab Findus & Fiete” – “All-Terrain Mini RVs” (2020)

The extremely compact, ultra-light cabin is designed for the new generation of all-terrain SUVs such as the new Defender or Mercedes-G as well as the Wrangler or Bronco. With the very short floor length, the body blends in harmoniously with the driver’s cab, which is opened behind the C-pillar.

With a width of 1.80 m and length of 3.95 m, it weighs only 460 kg. The weight can be reduced even further through an interior construction made of carbon. It offers full living comfort for two people with toilet, shower and lengthways beds in the alcove, as well as a complete kitchen in the rear.

FIETE SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Total weight 460 kg dry
  • Body made of aerospace CARBON (110 kg)
  • Wide luggage flap over the entire rear
  • Frost-proof inner tanks, 90 liters of fresh water
  • 100 Ah LiFePO4 battery and 100 WP solar
  • Compressor cooler 29 liters, gas cooker,
  • 124 cm wide kitchen unit with two drawers
  • Cassette toilet
  • Openable shower
  • Sleeper lengthways on 12 cm comfort mattress
  • 2 persons

FINDUS SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Total weight 527 kg dry
  • Body made of aerospace CARBON (125 kg)
  • Vibration-dampened cabin mounting
  • Wide luggage flap over the entire rear
  • Frost-proof inner tanks, 150 liters of fresh water
  • Outside shower, outside light
  • 160 Ah LiFePO4 battery and 300 WP solar
  • CERAN induction hob 1500 watts 220 volts
  • Compressor cool box 55 liters
  • 134 cm wide kitchen unit with three drawers
  • SLIDE-Cross WC comfort bathroom, spacious wet room
  • Compost toilet
  • Sleeper lengthways with 12 cm comfort mattress, wardrobe
  • Two sleeping places on converted bench

The headroom is 1.95 m. On request, a lower roof shape can also be selected, which reduces the overall height of the vehicle to less than 2.75 m. Container loading is possible with special wheels.

Website

Top New Campers: “Scout Yoho” – “Lightweight, Off-Grid” Camper For Trucks

Scout Yoho Interior LayoutThe Scout Yoho is the lightest hardwall camper in the truck camping industry today, weighing a base weight of 913 lbs* dry, sleeping up to 4, and built for mid-size trucks. 

It was developed for individuals and families who want an exceptionally lightweight, highly-durable, and versatile adventure vehicle. This camper is like a backpack for your truck – inside it contains all the camping equipment you need for off-grid adventures and the portability to take out and use the components outside.  

Yolo Scout Camper Interior

Powered by the Sun

The Renogy 160W Monocrystalline Solar Panel is capable, durable, and reliable. Built-in standard to every camper, this solar panel can withstand the elements from heavy snow to strong winds. It’s high-quality construction and multi-layered sheet laminations enhance cell performance and ensure a long-lasting solar system. 

Website

Truck Tech: “2020 Nikola Badger” Electric Pickup Will Have 600 Mile Range

Nikola Badger LogoThe Badger was designed to handle 0-100 mph launches with minimal loss of performance and to operate on grades up to 40% through advanced software blending of batteries and fuel-cell. With a fully loaded trailer and combined vehicle weight of 18,000 lbs., the Badger will be able to launch from a standstill on a 30% grade without motor stall.

PHOENIX, AZ (February 10, 2020) — Nikola Corporation is excited to announce the product launch of the Nikola Badger electric pickup truck with an estimated range of 600 miles.

Unlike anything on the market, the advanced electric pickup is designed to target and exceed every electric or petrol pickup in its class. The Badger is engineered to deliver 980 ft. lbs. of torque, 906 peak HP and 455 continuous HP. The Badger will be built in conjunction with another OEM utilizing their certified parts and manufacturing facilities.

Nikola Badger Electric Hydrogen Truck Specifications February 10 2020

The electric pickup is designed to handle what a construction company could throw at it and is engineered to outperform all electric pickup trucks on the market in both continuous towing, HP and range. The Badger will be outfitted with a 15-kilowatt power outlet for tools, lights and compressors, which is enough power to assist a construction site for approximately 12 hours without a generator.

“Nikola has billions worth of technology in our semi-truck program, so why not build it into a pickup truck?” said Trevor Milton, CEO, Nikola Corporation. “I have been working on this pickup program for years and believe the market is now ready for something that can handle a full day’s worth of work without running out of energy. This electric truck can be used for work, weekend getaways, towing, off-roading or to hit the ski slopes without performance loss. No other electric pickup can operate in these temperatures and conditions.”

Nikola Badger Hydrogen and Electric Truck Interior February 10 2020

Heavy D, a reality TV star from the “Diesel Brothers,” has partnered with Nikola to design, build and test the Badger in real world environments, which is anticipated to attract millions of viewers and followers through the process. The partnership will follow the Badger build from concept through production.

“My audience, hard-core truck enthusiasts, has expected me to push the limits of truck power and capabilities since my beginnings,” said Heavy D, AKA Dave Sparks. “Being able to pull back the curtain of a production truck build is a rare opportunity where we can include the everyday truck owner to participate in the final outcome of design, exterior choices and performance specs. I wanted to be part of that story and now I have the opportunity with Nikola.”

“The Nikola Badger is a game changer. The program will help drive down the cost of the fuel-cell components on our semi-truck while accelerating the hydrogen station rollout. Giving customers the option to order a fuel-cell or battery electric version will ensure we drive the cost down for everyone across our lineup,” said Mark Russell, president of Nikola Corporation.

The Nikola Badger will make its first appearance at Nikola World 2020 in Phoenix. Prototypes will be available for select customers and media to ride in at Nikola World.

You can see more details at www.nikolamotor.com/badger.

Future Of Trucks: The “GMC Hummer EV” Will Be Revealed In May 2020

GMC Hummer LogoThe all-electric First Ever GMC HUMMER EV leads a quiet revolution – with zero emissions and zero limits. It earns its super truck status with up to:

  • 1000 HORSEPOWER

  • 11,500 LB.-FT OF TORQUE

  • 0-60 MPH IN 3 SECONDS

Website

Automotive Trends: Tesla Unveils “Cybertruck” With “Ultra-Hard 30X Stainless Steel”, 500+ Mile Range

From the Tesla website:

  • Cybertruck is built with an exterior shell made for ultimate durability and passenger protection. Starting with a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton, every component is designed for superior strength and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin to Tesla armor glass.

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  • With up to 3,500 pounds of payload capacity and adjustable air suspension, Cybertruck is the most powerful tool we have ever built, engineered with 100 cubic feet of exterior, lockable storage — including a magic tonneau cover that is strong enough to stand on.
  • Space for your toolbox, tire and Cyberquad, with room to spare. Utilize 100 cubic feet of exterior, lockable storage — including the under-bed, frunk and sail pillars.
  • Seat six comfortably with additional storage under the second-row seats. Complete with an advanced 17” touchscreen with an all-new customized user interface.

Tesla Cybertruck
From rugged to refined, Cybertruck is completely adaptable for your needs. Prepare for every experience with a versatile utilitarian design — including on-board power and compressed air.

It’ll do 0-60 mph (0-98 km/h) in 2.9 seconds, and a quarter mile in a ridiculous 10.8 seconds in its highest performance variant. In top spec, it’ll go as far as 500 miles (800 km) on a charge, making it a genuine option for multi-day off-road adventures, and its 250-plus kilowatt charging capability means fast top-ups are on the cards, too. Towing capacity is over 7,500 lb (3,400 kg), which Musk happily demonstrated in an uphill tug of war against a hapless F150.

Website: https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck