Truck-Lite Parent Firm Details Lighting-Based Efficiency Solutions for Electric Trucks

Clarience Technologies introduced A2Z for e-Mobility, a company-wide initiative to develop more energy-efficient lighting solutions to extend the range of electric vehicles by reducing battery amp draw. The initiative was detailed at a press briefing held on Sept. 14 at the Technology & Maintenance Fall Meeting in Cleveland.

“We expect fleets to seek every opportunity possible to extend the range of electric vehicles,” said Paul Sniegocki, Clarience Technologies’ executive vice president and chief technology officer. “A2Z for e-Mobility represents how we are delivering more efficient solutions by applying modern-day technologies to help extend vehicle range.”

Clarience Technologies is a leading provider of electronic advanced telematics, LED lighting, and safety components and is the parent of several firms that serve the commercial transportation market, including Truck-Lite, Ecco, Road Ready telematics, and Davco filtration systems.

Although the first electric-powered commercial trucks arriving next year are expected to have an average range of around 250-300 miles per charge, the degree to which outside factors will impact range remains uncertain, stated Clarience. Many factors reduce vehicle range, including temperature, cargo weight, and the power draw required by the vehicle body or trailer.  

“Amps to zero”

A2Z for e-Mobility was designed to reduce parasitic loads that draw power from an electric vehicle battery. Getting to as close to zero as possible inspired the name of this initiative – A2Z is short for “Amps to Zero” – and has driven focus on its product development. 

Through advanced power management strategies company engineers developed improved lighting electronics that reduced energy waste, while optics engineers looked at ways to improve photometric performance though reflector design and lens optics.

In the end, A2Z for e-Mobility has already led to new designs that deliver a 50% or greater reduction in current amp draw, according to Clarience. 

Efficiency improvements from the initative have been introduced first at Truck-Lite, which is now offering a series of more energy-efficient trailer and step van body lighting packages optimized for EVs.'

Each A2Z-optimized lighting packages being offered by Truck-Lite features the familiar Super 44 4' round LED light known by its signature “pentastar” light pattern. Lamps are redesigned for multi-volt systems and feature 10-60VDC input which provides trailer manufacturers and walk-in van upfitters with application flexibility. These lighting packages will deliver a current draw reduction of 50% or greater without sacrificing performance, stated Clarience.

Though A2Z for e-Mobility is already delivering results, Clarience Technologies sees this initiative as only in its infancy as its engineers continue exploring further efficiency opportunities.  

“What’s next for A2Z? We’re looking at ways to optimize the entire electric system, which not only includes lighting, but sensory devices as well as harnessing,” said Sniegocki. “We’re using our expertise in connected technologies to develop smart lighting solutions designed to better integrate with the OEMs.

“Smart solutions through connectivity integration with the OEMS could enable two-way communication, and more automated controls adjusting LED amp draw to preserve battery,” he added.