With a focus on safety, innovation, efficiency, and electrification, more than 100 new products, including vehicles, truck equipment, and accessories, were introduced at Work Truck Week 2020. Three were named Work Truck Show Innovation Award winners.
Morgan Olson’s Storm Class 2 step van prototype won in the Body Concept category, Truck Safety USA LLC’s Cab Brace won in the Safety category, and Workhorse’s C-Series lightweight step van won in the Green category.
Innovation Award winners were selected by a panel of editors and fleet managers from 92 eligible products entered through the Show’s New Product Spotlight program. Judges noted this year’s winning products addressed important industry issues such as improving safety, the need for greener solutions, and increased efficiency in last-mile delivery.
Storm, Morgan Olson’s new Class 2 walk-in step van, was designed as a less than 10,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) commercial-grade delivery solution for ecommerce and parcel package delivery companies facing driver shortages. It features new advanced driver safety technologies, including an ergonomic-friendly driver’s seat with a higher seated position to make it easier on delivery drivers constantly entering and exiting the vehicle during shifts. Storm’s design is so adaptable that Morgan Olson introduced two prototypes at the Show — one built on a Ford F-150 chassis and the Electric Storm powered by BMWi technology. Morgan Olson is also exploring additional Class 2 chassis partners.Workhorse’s C-Series all-electric step vans are designed with lightweight composite bodies to significantly decrease vehicle curb weight, are 100 percent electric and available in 650, 1,000 and 1,200 cubic-foot sizes. Vehicles are 12,800 pounds GVWR with modular battery packs that provide expected range of 100–150 miles on a single charge, while achieving approximately 53 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent. Workhorse currently has the only patent approved for a delivery-truck-mounted drone system, shown to further increase last-mile efficiency.
“Exhibitors continue to unveil the most innovative products in the industry here at The Work Truck Show,” said Steve Carey, NTEA president and CEO. “That was the case again in 2020, as the event provided the industry a showcase for the newest and most innovative offerings in vehicles, technology, and equipment. These products will have a lasting impact on the efficiency and productivity of commercial vehicles and fleet operations.”