America's construction sites will be looking a bit greener in 2014 thanks to Via Motors X-Truck. The company has signed a $20 million contract to provide its hybrid electric trucks to several commercial truck companies. Via Motors doesn't produce its own trucks; the company takes gas-powered trucks and inserts hybrid powerplants into them.
The result is a hybrid truck that can use its engine to charge its electric batteries along with a traditional power plug. The electric engine provided by Via Motors can power the truck by itself for up to 40 miles. Hybrid trucks are nothing new, but getting casual drivers to accept them (much less commercial companies) has been a hassle. With more and more businesses adding eco-friendly heavy-duty vehicles, it may only be a matter of time before people make the switch to hybrid trucks.
Eco-Friendly Construction Vehicles
Via Motors Set to Make Worksites Greener with the Hybrid V-Trux
Trend Themes
1. Hybrid Electric Vehicles - There is a growing trend in the use of hybrid electric vehicles in the construction industry, presenting an opportunity for disruptive innovation in vehicle manufacturing and technology.
2. Eco-friendly Worksites - Businesses are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices in worksite operations, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in sustainable construction and green building materials.
3. Transition to Hybrid Technology - The gradual transition to hybrid technology in commercial truck fleets is a trend to watch, offering opportunities for disruptive innovation in fuel efficiency and electric charging infrastructure.
Industry Implications
1. Vehicle Manufacturing - The increasing demand for hybrid electric vehicles in the construction industry presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for vehicle manufacturers to develop more efficient, eco-friendly vehicles.
2. Construction - The adoption of eco-friendly practices in worksites drives the need for disruptive innovation in the construction sector, particularly in sustainable building methods and materials.
3. Electric Charging Infrastructure - The rise in hybrid technology adoption creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the development of electric charging infrastructure to support the growing use of hybrid electric vehicles.