Electric, hybrid, alternative power commercial trucks to be unveiled at Work Truck Show in March

Commercial truck manufacturers are set to unleash a dozen or so electric, hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles March 4-6 at the Work Truck Show in Chicago's McCormick Center.

It's great to see so many U.S. manufacturers joining in. Making these vehicles available for businesses is a huge benefit. Instead of loud diesel-belching delivery trucks clogging the roadways, you might be seeing quiet, efficient electric delivery trucks bringing produce to local restaurants, delivering parcels and whatnot.

Here's a list of the manufacturers and truck types that will participate in the green pavillion at the show:

Ford to announce electric cargo van for U.S. market

Responding to my earlier post, Detroit Auto Show buzz? Electrifying, reader Stan Wellaway left a comment about Ford partnering with UK-based Smith Electric Vehicles to introduce an electric cargo van to the U.S. market.

This is great news. Vehicles that make limited routes within a metropolitan area are prime candidates to go electric. Ford is set to make an announcement March 4-6 at the Work Truck Show in Chicago. This follows an announcement in April to partner in making electric F-series commercial trucks for the U.S. market.

Smith Electric Vehicles offers a number of variations. A small cargo van can go up to 60 miles an hour and has a 100-mile range per charge.