SAN DIEGO—For the first time, Peterbilt displayed its SuperTruck 2 demonstrator vehicle at American Trucking Associations' Management Conference & Exhibition.
The goal of the SuperTruck 2 program, initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is to improve long-haul Class 8 vehicle freight efficiency. The program focuses on advanced and highly efficient powertrain systems and vehicle technologies that meet prevailing emissions and Class 8 tractor-trailer vehicle safety and regulatory requirements. In addition to the benefits of reduced fuel consumption and petroleum usage, the improvements in engine system efficiency will deliver a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Peterbilt’s SuperTruck 2 features an aerodynamic shape with a center drive position to improve overall visibility, a right-hand entry stand-up door, pop-out windows, cameras in place of mirrors, and custom tires and wheels. Other features include a mild hybrid powertrain, a waste heat recovery system, and a lightweight chassis for improved fuel economy.
The split-level integral cab and sleeper features a large, wrap-around dash, 15-inch digital dash display for virtual gauges and critical vehicle data, an additional display for HVAC, infotainment and navigation controls, an articulated seat that rotates left and right, and a pull-out desk.
See also: With gratitude to the SuperTruck program
“SuperTruck 2 is a perfect example of how purposeful innovation is at the center of Peterbilt’s development of advanced technologies and products in order to provide meaningful, tangible benefits to our customers,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar VP. “The collaboration with our partners on this program has been incredibly successful, and we are pleased to show this truck to the industry and customers for the first time at ATA.”
DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy initially launched the SuperTruck Initiative in 2009 to improve heavy-duty truck freight efficiency by 50%. The second iteration, SuperTruck 2, seeks to double fuel efficiency for tractor-trailers. Late last year, DOE announced its third SuperTruck initiative, setting its sights on electric vehicles.
DOE has awarded $199 million to fund 25 projects aimed at putting cleaner cars and trucks on America’s roads. Of that nearly $200 million, $127 million has been dedicated to the SuperTruck 3 program, which will provide five heavy-vehicle manufacturers with funds to pioneer electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks and freight-system concepts to achieve higher efficiency and zero emissions.
