Over the years the Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV) industry has seen significant changes. It started from simple mechanical systems, just basic machines and engine. But today we are witnessing modern fuel injection systems and an electronic system in these vehicles. These vehicles have evolved over the years to match pace with the increasing population, rapid increasing demands and the demands for faster transportation. All these factors have contributed to the changes in the technology in vehicles. Innovation has become a compulsion for every industry. Today, be it any business big or small, product or service, cannot survive in the market without innovation. If the business wants to survive in the tough market it has to continuously innovate its offerings to retain the customers. The Trucks and Heavy Commercial Vehicles have also evolved.
One of the biggest innovations in these vehicles has been the navigation and monitoring systems. Nowadays, most of these vehicles have a built in GPS and real time tracking systems to track the location of the vehicles, monitor the fuel usage and also monitor various aspects of the vehicle like battery, tyre condition, engine health and driving pattern of drivers. This helps the vehicle owners and transporters to track the real time position of the vehicle and identify areas where the vehicle is being mishandled and also helps them to take preventive actions and reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns of the vehicle.
Another major innovation in these vehicles has been the engine optimization and fuel mixing and injection systems. Earlier vehicles relied on mechanical injection through carburetors and mixing air fuel. But modern technology uses common rail systems and electronic direct injection techniques which increases fuel efficiency and also lowers power consumption thereby increasing mileage and lowering the carbon emissions. So, it has reduced the costs and is good for the environment.
Innovation in these vehicles now is more focused on drivers’ safety and improving the overall driving experience. Earlier vehicles were not very good with drivers’ safety and comfort, but now we see most vehicles with better safety, cabins equipped with Ac’s, better control panels and better seats. Features such as Anti- Lock Braking Systems (ABS), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and Power steering have been introduced in the new vehicles. All these features focus on improving the driving experience and reduce the chances of accidents.Innovation in these vehicles not just focuses on the technology aspect but also focuses on improving the stability and durability of the vehicle and its parts. Companies are now investing a lot on the Research & Development (R&D) to improve the quality of the materials that are used in manufacturing the parts, and ensure that their output produced is reliable and long lasting. This has improved the efficiency of vehicles and reduced the unnecessary costs.
Talking about innovation, countries like China, Japan, Korea, Germany, Norway and Sweden have already started planning for the future. These countries are already manufacturing Electric Trucks (E-Trucks) and other Electric Heavy Commercial Vehicles(E-HCV). China and Japan are global leaders in this market with China accounting for 70% of Global Sales in the Electric Trucks market and Japan 65%. Japan has also mentioned in its environmental policy that they aim for 100% electric trucks commitment by 2040. Companies like Toyota, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi are actively participating in fulfilling this goal. All these countries always emphasize the environmental responsibilities and take the climate and environment issues very seriously. These countries are taking steps to find the alternative options for diesel and petrol. They are committed to reduce the carbon emissions and protect the environment. Their aim is to reduce the dependency on the traditional fuels and make more sustainable vehicles for the future.
No matter how much innovation happens, the vehicle is EV or runs on traditional fuel, one thing that remains constant and should be always focused on is the proper care and regular maintenance of vehicle. The regular maintenance of vehicle ensures the efficiency is increased and chances of breakdown reduce. Even the most advanced technology vehicles need regular maintenance. So, focus should always be on routine maintenance and proper care.
Innovations in this industry have been constant, the agendas may differ every time like sustainability, finding alternatives or improving the technology, but the main focus has always been on how to make transportation more easy, accessible, efficient and safe.