Truck Tech

Hosted by Alan Adler, FreightWaves

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Episodes

122

Latest episode

Jan 2026

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About the show

Thomas Wasson discusses all things commercial trucking and technology.

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60 recent

January 21, 202627 min

Building the Battery Belt: Proterra’s Dave Rubin on BABA, Friendshoring, and the Push for Domestic Manufacturing

The battery landscape is shifting, and the stakes for domestic manufacturing have never been higher. In this episode of Truck Tech, host Thomas Wasson sits down with Dave Rubin, Head of Policy at Proterra, to unpack the complex realities of building commercial EV batteries in the U.S. From strict "Build America, Buy America" (BABA) compliance rules to the strategic use of friendshoring with allies like Japan and South Korea, they explore how federal mandates and tax incentives are reshaping the supply chain. Tune in as they discuss: BABA Explained: What does "Build America, Buy America" actually require for battery manufacturers? Supply Chain Realities: Can the U.S. move from buying "cookies" to making them from scratch, and where do we currently stand on raw material processing? Strategic Friendshoring: How partnerships with allied nations are helping bridge the gap while domestic capacity ramps up. Policy Impacts: The role of the 45X tax credit and trade policies in driving investment toward the U.S. "Battery Belt." Proterra’s Latest Moves: An update on Proterra’s integration with the Volvo Group and their new H223 high-energy density battery pack. Whether you're tracking the EV revolution or navigating the new rules of American manufacturing, this episode offers a deep dive into the policies powering the future of commercial transportation. Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 10, 202528 min

Harbinger's $160 million Series C with a hefty Fedex Order

In this episode of Truck Tech, we catch up with John Harris, co-founder and CEO of Harbinger to dive into their recent Series C round, their big order with Fedex, and what's been going on in the medium duty EV truck space. Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 7, 202526 min

Sleeper Test & Proving Ground Thrills: Driving the New Volvo VNL

Join Thomas Wasson on this special episode of Truck Tech as he travels to the Michelin Proving Ground to put the all-new Volvo VNL to the ultimate test!We explore every angle of this cutting-edge tractor, from its revolutionary aerodynamic design (including that slick, wedge-shaped nose!) to the advanced safety and driver-assist technologies.What's in the Video: Track Test Drive: Thomas takes the VNL out on two different tracks to experience the smooth ride and test the performance of the Volvo 13-speed transmission while pulling a heavy load. Adaptive Cruise Control Demo: Watch as we test the smart, Level 2 safety features, including the camera-radar fusion system and the incredible stop-and-go functionality in a simulated traffic scenario. Deep Dive on Fuel Efficiency: We interview Volvo team members about the design philosophy and the impact of features like the 6x2 configuration with a liftable axle, which can save up to 3% in fuel costs! Real-World Driver Review: Get insights from Joel Morrow of Alpha Drivers Trucking, a long-time Volvo customer who is hitting 12+ MPG in his custom "Purple Haze II" VNL. The Ultimate Sleeper Review: Thomas spends the night in the premium cab, giving a full tour of the spacious living environment, including the mini-fridge, microwave, storage nooks, and testing the quiet, battery-powered AC unit. This is a must-watch for fleet managers, owner-operators, and anyone interested in the future of trucking technology!Don't forget to like and subscribe for more Truck Tech!#VolvoVNL #TruckReview #SemiTruck #FuelEfficiency #AdaptiveCruiseControl #TruckTech #MichelinProvingGround #SleeperCab #TruckingLife Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 30, 202527 min

Squeezing Out the Watts: Optigrid's Orange Juicer Tackles EV Fleet Gridlock

The push for fleet electrification is running into a massive roadblock: the grid. Thomas Wasson is joined by Tyler Phillipi, CEO of Optigrid, to discuss the immense challenges of infrastructure, grid strain, and the costly delays facing fleets trying to go electric. Tyler dives into the technology behind their new all-in-one charging solution, the Orange Juicer, a battery-integrated DC fast charger that avoids massive construction projects and long waits for utility upgrades. They explore how this "best in a box" approach is helping fleets get the juice they need, stay online, and make the transition to electric a reality. Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 8, 202527 min

The Future is Now: Silent Reefers and Self-Aware Trailers

What if your reefer unit was completely silent and produced zero emissions? What if your trailer could tell you it needed a repair weeks before a breakdown ever happened? The future of transport refrigeration is here, and it's quieter, smarter, and more efficient than ever before.In this episode, Thomas Wasson sits down with a team from Thermo King to pull back the curtain on the groundbreaking technologies changing the game for fleets. We're talking about the shift to all-electric power and the incredible rise of intelligent, connected trailers that offer a 360-degree view of your assets. How can this technology prevent costly downtime, protect valuable cargo, and improve your bottom line? Tune in to find out how the industry is getting a massive upgrade. Follow the Truck Tech PodcastOther FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 24, 202526 min

Bollinger Motors’ Big EV Move: What’s Next After the Mullen Merger?

Thomas Wasson sits down with Jim Connelly, Chief Revenue Officer of Bollinger Motors, to explore the company’s recent rebrand following its consolidation with Mullen Automotive. They discuss Bollinger’s pivot into the medium-duty EV market, the role of incentives like California’s HVIP in fleet adoption, and the challenges of scaling infrastructure. Connelly also shares insights into Bollinger’s upcoming B5 and B6 models, the move to a new production facility in Mississippi, and how startups can compete with legacy OEMs in the rapidly evolving commercial EV space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 20, 202525 min

Volvo’s Next-Gen Safety Features

On this episode of Truck Tech, Thomas Wasson sits down with Maddie Sullivan, Product Marketing Manager at Volvo Trucks, to explore the cutting-edge safety technology built into Volvo’s latest Class 8 models. From industry-first side curtain airbags and the eCall automatic emergency system to electronic parking brakes, ultra-high-strength steel cabs, and advanced driver assist features, Maddie explains how Volvo is setting new safety benchmarks for heavy-duty trucks. Discover how these innovations protect drivers, reduce accidents, and shape the future of trucking safety. Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 6, 202527 min

Fast charging, EV infrastructure and what you need to know ABB E-mobility

In today’s episode Brandt Hastings, ABB E-mobility’s Chief Commercial Officer joins us to talk about the case for megawatt charging and why it’s different than CCS and why it’s critical for electrified long haul, last-mile and 24/7 operations Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 24, 202544 min

Bot Auto's Autonomous Truck Ride-Along: In-Cab View of an AI Navigating Houston Traffic

What's it really like to ride in a self-driving semi-truck? We go beyond the press releases for an exclusive, in-cab look at Bot Auto's autonomous truck navigating the real-world challenges of Houston, from complex overpasses to busy traffic. Join Thomas Wasson for this special episode of Track Tech Live as he rides along to see the technology in action. The conversation covers more than just the impressive driving; we cover the business philosophy that could define the future of autonomous freight. Discover why Bot Auto's "trucking first" approach, relentless focus on cost-per-mile (CPM), and lean operational strategy set it apart. A huge thank you to the entire team for the access and the insightful conversation! Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 16, 202532 min

The Future of Trucking? Inside Bot Auto's Level 4 Autonomous Fleet

We're on location in Katy, Texas for an exclusive look at Bot Auto, a company that's not just building self-driving technology—they're building an entire autonomous trucking fleet from the ground up.First, we sit down with the CEO to discuss their unique "transportation as a service" business model. Unlike many tech companies, Bot Auto operates its own trucks, focusing on the most important metric that others often ignore: cost per mile. We dive into how they leverage the latest AI innovations (while avoiding the hype) to create a profitable and efficient operation.Then, we go outside for a hands-on walkaround of one of their Level 4 autonomous trucks with their Director of Fleet and Operational Safety, a 26-year veteran of the Texas Highway Patrol. He explains the critical importance of safety, breaks down the advanced LiDAR, camera, and radar sensor suite, and discusses how this technology is poised to make our roads safer. We also talk about the future of trucking jobs and how autonomy is creating new opportunities for technicians, inspectors, and local drivers.Is this the future of logistics and supply chain? Join us for a deep dive into the practical reality of self-driving trucks. Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices