These five burly trucks work for a living
Indianapolis auto show trades prototypes and show cars for much more practical vehicles
Ford sold more of its biggest work trucks in 2019 than it has since 1997. Sales of F-650 and F-750 are up 37 per cent yearover-year, with total volume of 16,510 trucks in 2019.
Not all auto shows are dominated by million-dollar hypercars and the latest in luxury. Some, like the Indianapolis Work Truck Show, are far more practical.
If you’re a fleet manager, or simply make your living with a pickup truck, the WTS has a lot to offer. In fact, this is the show’s 20th year.
RAM 1500 PLOW PACKAGE
Available on the 2021 Ram 1500, this new package includes a 220-amp alternator and wiring for a snow plow. With plenty of folks in this country appending a snow plow to the nose of their pickup during winter months, this option gives Ram one more arrow in its quiver when competing for truck sales.
A rear power sliding window with defroster, an option available on its own, is tossed in with the deal. The actual plow, mounts and controller are all sold separately and are available through several third-party manufacturers. This package will be available later in 2020.
ELECTRIC FORD TRANSIT
The boffins in Dearborn are making a significant jump into the EV market, choosing to add an all-electric zero-emissions version to the Transit van lineup.
Built on North American soil, it will debut in the U.S. and Canada for the 2022 model year.
Ford is making a big deal about the van’s connectivity and how it uses features like geo-fencing and vehicle diagnostics to identify key performance indicators. If you’re thinking this sounds like a way for shop owners to keep tabs on their delivery drivers, well, you’re not wrong.
Power, battery size and range will all be announced at a later time.
RAM PROMASTER
Occupying the cargo and service van end of the industry, the Ram Promaster drew heavily from the third-gen Fiat Ducato when it appeared in North America in 2013.
The 2021 version does nothing to address its terrifying front end, which looks like a faceless Dr. Who monster designed to scare small children. It does, however, deploy a class-exclusive digital rearview mirror, an option that’s such a great fit one wonders why it took so long to offer it.
A raft of optional safety kit shows up for 2021, including forward-collision warning and emergency brake assist.
XL FLEET OFFERS HYBRID-ELECTRIC UPFIT
This company is a provider of vehicle electrification kits for commercial and other fleets. At the show, it debuted two new hybrid-electric options for Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD pickup trucks. The hybrid electric system works in parallel with the OEM powertrain and uses a high-efficiency lithium-ion battery and inverter near the back of the truck and an electric traction motor placed about halfway down the driveshaft. Marketed as the “XLH,” the system requires no external power or charging infrastructure to operate, and all OEM factory warranties remain intact.
FORD F-650, F-750 AND E-SERIES
Yes, the Blue Oval still makes the Econoline van — except now it’s called the E-Series and is available only as a cutaway model.
For 2021, the workhorse is fitted with the brand’s new (and excellent) 7.3L V8 engine as standard equipment, binning the old mill which had all the get-up-and-go of a winded asthmatic.
The van does stick with the six-speed transmission, though, and the engine is slightly detuned to 350 horsepower. It also receives some sorely needed interior upgrades.
The mighty F-650 and F-750 get the 7.3L as well.