The Trucks of the (Near) Future Are Here And No They Aren’t Driverless.

Concept trucks isn’t a new concept but it is one that has been getting a lot of attention since MATs when Freightliner presented their SuperTruck concept truck. Many companies have realized that concept trucks are the future. We aren’t capitalizing on the technology in such an important industry and we have to stop making simple changes to our current trucks.  We at LoadSmart are obviously huge advocates on improving this industry with technology and now the automotive section is starting to get with the program. No more slight changes year by year, when you focus on concept trucks these are the results you get.

Freightliner’s SuperTruck

• 115% boost in vehicle freight efficiency.
• 50.2% increase in engine brake.
• 54% reduction in overall aerodynamic drag
• 12.2 mpg at 65mph.
• 10.7 liter engine that optimizes the trucks hybrid and waster heat recovery systems.

(Freightliner received a $40 million government grant to build the supertruck, which was matched by Daimer)

Peterbilt’s Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience (WAVE)

• Powered by a fuel neutral turbine engine that can run on diesel, gasoline, natural gas, DME, hydrogen and other biofuel.
• Improved aerodynamic by 20% over conventional models.
• Walmart uses a single driver model and with their turbine engine that does not need a radiator they were able to move the driver to the middle and create a unique shape that improves aerodynamics.
• Trailer body is made by almost entirely carbon fiber making it 4,000 pounds lighter.

For more go to CCJ>>