The Department of Energy (DOE) teamed up with four major big rig manufacturers to develop trucks that were at least 50% more efficient than current models. One of the manufacturers that the DOE collaborated with was Freightliner, and the company created a truck that exceeded the DOE’s expectations by a significant margin.
Freightliner’s SuperTruck is 115% more efficient than current big rigs. When tested in Texas while pulling a full load, the truck tipped the scales at 65,000 pounds with the load. It was able to achieve 12.2 mpg at 65 mph with that load, making it 115% more efficient than normal trucks pulling similar loads. The truck uses advanced aerodynamics, including new skirts to block wind and a hybrid powertrain.
Innovative Technologies in the SuperTruck
Freightliner also captures exhaust heat to use in powering the vehicle and has installed a series of solar panels on top of the truck to gather electricity. This innovative approach to energy efficiency is part of what makes the SuperTruck so groundbreaking. The exhaust heat recovery system converts waste heat from the engine into usable energy, which can then be used to power auxiliary systems or even provide additional propulsion. This technology not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces the overall environmental impact of the truck.
The solar panels on the roof of the truck are another key feature. These panels can generate electricity to power various systems within the truck, reducing the load on the engine and further improving fuel efficiency. While solar panels are not a new technology, their integration into a commercial truck in this manner is a significant step forward.
Challenges and Future Prospects
However, there are challenges to the widespread adoption of the technologies used in the SuperTruck. One of the main issues is that some of the materials and techniques used in the truck are not commercially viable at this time. This means that the truck would be too expensive to build using current manufacturing processes, and the cost would offset any potential fuel savings for buyers.
For example, the lightweight materials used in the construction of the SuperTruck, such as advanced composites and high-strength steel, are more expensive than traditional materials. Additionally, the hybrid powertrain and exhaust heat recovery systems add complexity and cost to the vehicle. While these technologies offer significant benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions reductions, they also present challenges in terms of cost and manufacturability.
Despite these challenges, the SuperTruck project has demonstrated what is possible with current technology and has set a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in the trucking industry. The lessons learned from the SuperTruck project are likely to influence the design of future commercial trucks, even if the exact technologies used in the SuperTruck are not immediately adopted.
The DOE’s collaboration with Freightliner and other manufacturers is part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the transportation sector. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with current technology, projects like the SuperTruck are helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, Freightliner’s SuperTruck represents a significant leap forward in the quest for more efficient and environmentally friendly commercial trucks. While there are challenges to the widespread adoption of the technologies used in the SuperTruck, the project has demonstrated what is possible and has set a new standard for fuel efficiency in the industry. As technology continues to advance and manufacturing processes improve, it is likely that we will see more trucks incorporating these innovative features in the future.
SOURCE: IEEE
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