A battery-electric Tesla Semi model and several other commercial vehicles on display. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)
March 17, 2026 10:15 AM, EDT
Key Takeaways:
- Fleet leaders at TMC’s 2026 meeting in Nashville tested new technologies including the Tesla Semi, Cummins’ 2027 X15 engine and various efficiency and safety systems.
- The equipment highlights included Tesla’s lower-roof Semi, Cummins’ cleaner-burning X15 built for 2027 NOx rules and aerodynamic and visibility tools aimed at cutting fuel use amid rising diesel prices.
- Cummins plans limited X15 production in the fall as updated emissions standards take effect Jan. 1.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Whether climbing into the cab of a Tesla Semi or getting a feel for Cummins’ 2027 X15 diesel engine, fleet maintenance leaders have been gaining hands-on experience with some of the latest advances in trucking equipment here at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition.
The commercial trucks lined up alongside the Music City Center — for display purposes and ride-along opportunities for TMC attendees — are also providing passersby with a glimpse of the commercial vehicle technologies being discussed in the convention hall.
For a second straight year, Tesla Inc. brought one of its battery-electric Semis to TMC, this time showcasing a model with a lower roof fairing.
Tesla, which first introduced the Semi in late 2017, began larger-scale production of the vehicle in March at its new manufacturing plant near Reno, Nev., designed to support an annual capacity of up to 50,000 units.
The view from the cab of a Tesla Semi. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)
The long-range version of the zero-emission Class 8 tractor offers a range of up to 500 miles on a single charge, while a standard version provides about 325 miles of range.
Meanwhile, Cummins Inc. provided TMC attendees with an early look at its 2027 X15 diesel engine.
The company offered ride-along experiences around downtown Nashville in a Kenworth T680 tractor equipped with the new X15, designed to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s more stringent 2027 standards for nitrogen oxide emissions.
“It’s a chance for our customers, our fleets and those who work with the equipment to go around and see it, up close and personal,” said Mark Ulrich, Cummins’ director of customer support. “We’re really excited for folks to actually get in the truck and see what it’s like.”
A look under the hood at Cummins’ 2027 X15 diesel engine. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)
Much of the architecture of the next-generation X15 is the same as the current product, including familiar emission-reduction technologies such as selective catalytic reduction and exhaust gas recirculation.
What’s new, though, are heaters added to the aftertreatment system to improve its performance and manage the much lower NOx requirements, Ulrich said.
Cummins plans to begin limited production of the new X15 in the fall.
EPA’s tighter NOx standards will apply to new engines manufactured on or after Jan. 1.
Also outside the convention center, industry supplier ConMet showcased its aerodynamic TruckWings device, which closes the gap between the tractor and trailer to reduce drag and boost fuel economy by about 3%-6%.
ConMet showcases its TruckWings aerodynamic device on a Clean Energy demonstration truck. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)
The system was installed on a Clean Energy demonstration truck powered by renewable natural gas, but the product can enhance energy efficiency regardless of fuel type.
Lately, with the U.S. conflict with Iran driving a significant spike in diesel prices, aerodynamic improvements can deliver a stronger return on investment.
“The ROI was good to start with, but it’s really good now,” said Gordon Virginski, manager of national accounts for TruckWings.
Unlike some older aerodynamic devices, TruckWings deploys automatically when the vehicle reaches a speed of 52 mph.
“There’s no driver intervention,” Virginski said.
ConMet acquired TruckLabs, the creator of TruckWings, in 2023.
Safety technology supplier Stoneridge returned to TMC this year to once again provide ride-alongs demonstrating how its MirrorEye camera monitor system improves driver visibility and safety.
The system uses onboard cameras and digital displays in the cab to give drivers a more complete view of the vehicle’s surroundings than traditional side mirrors.
Aperia’s Halo tire management system installed on a Ryder tractor. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)
Aperia Technologies displayed its Halo automatic tire inflation system and Halo Connect predictive analytics installed on a Ryder System tractor. The Halo system prevents tire failures and enhances fuel efficiency by combining active inflation with intelligent alerts.
Rise Robotics exhibited a box truck outfitted with its Beltdraulic Railgate 5500, an all-electric liftgate designed to improve speed, reliability and safety. With no hydraulic components, the system eliminates common maintenance issues such as seasonal oil changes and cracked hoses.
