Transportation. A necessary evil. Products, and people, must all arrive at pre-determined destinations at a specific point in time. Business, leisure, frivolous mailed gift, life-saving organ shipment, they are all relevant and they all require the same thing. Precious fuel.
Much of America is transported over highways by the modern day cowboys who go by the handle of long-haul truckers. Not only do these seemingly tireless men and women bear the brunt of unstable fuel prices, they also bear the burden of guilt for their diesel polluting smoke stacks belching mile high black clouds into an otherwise serene uncluttered landscape. Yet, America depends upon them so it’s a catch 22 scenario.
Well aware of the rock and the hard place, one manufacturer of 18 wheeled vehicles has tackled the crisis head on. That company is Freightliner, with the introduction of their new SuperTruck.
When the Department of Energy challenged truck manufacturers to create something which would improve fuel efficiency is big rigs by 50%, Freightliner gladly and enthusiastically accepted, and 5 years and $115 million dollars later, the results are stunning. When loaded at 65,000 pounds, the SuperTruck improves fuel economy by a whopping 115%, boasting 12.2 mpg.
This new vehicle is powered by an 11-liter diesel engine, and an electric motor. Accessories, including AC, are powered straight from the battery in lieu of depending on series of belts attached to the motor. On a bright sunny day, solar panels, mounted to the roof, power the vehicles climate control system. Exhaust is recovered to generate additional electricity by boiling water, very similar to operations used in power plants.
A key role in the SuperTruck’s efficiency is a direct result of its aerodynamic design. A slanted windshield, extenders which close the gap between the cab and the trailer, and skirted wheels, all contribute greatly to reducing the air friction resulting in lower fuel economy. The grill only opens when its sensors relay the engine needs cooling, creating a much better streamline of air flow.
Lightweight materials were used throughout the interior cab and sleeping quarters to reduce weight in non-essential safety areas. The steering assist system will only draw power if the wheels are engaged in a turn.
On a steep incline, the electric motor will slow the truck down while it recharges the battery in the process. The transmission is computer controlled so it can plan shift changes according to upcoming changes in terrain.
Based upon average fuel consumption, the SuperTruck will burn 10,000 less gallons of fuel annually, for a substantial savings in the neighborhood of $30,000. Though not quite ready for production at this point in time, Freightliner has been proactive in incorporating some of the SuperTruck’s new features into their existing line-up, such as the computer controlled transmission and some of the aerodynamic frame work.
All in all, it is indeed refreshing to know that Freightliner is leading the pack in terms of environmental responsibility. Wouldn’t it be great if the rest of the world’s leading manufacturers followed suit?