Hydrogen and electrical semis have been grabbing headlines, however the diesel period is way from over.  That isn’t essentially a nasty factor because the semi of the long run may very well be much more gasoline environment friendly.

Freightliner is making that clear with the SuperTruck II, which builds on the legacy of the unique SuperTruck and was partially funded by the U.S. Division of Power.

The deal with effectivity is instantly obvious because the SuperTruck II is essentially the most aerodynamic truck ever constructed by Freightliner.  The mannequin relies on the Cascadia and has a brand new entrance finish that was ‘sculpted by air.’

Additionally: Electrical Freightliner eCascadia Arrives In 2022, Might Beat Tesla Semi To Market

Apart from an aerodynamic entrance bumper with flowing traces and new intakes, the mannequin has a brand new hood, a revised grille, streamlined doorways, and new chassis fairings.  The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration additionally granted an exemption to permit for using digital facet mirrors and Freightliner famous they’ve proven nice promise in bettering visibility and security, which “helps advocacy for future regulatory modifications that might allow the widespread adoption of this superior know-how by producers.”

That’s simply a part of the story because the SuperTruck II has lively aerodynamics that assist to scale back drag.  When the truck reaches freeway speeds, facet extenders and a roof spoiler lengthen to reduce the hole between the cab and trailer.  The mannequin additionally sports activities an Aerodynamic Peak Management system, which lowers the automobile in order that it sits “simply inches off the bottom for extra aerodynamic enhancements.”

Engineers and designers didn’t simply deal with aerodynamic effectivity as there have been different enhancements available.  One of many greatest resides underneath the hood because the SuperTruck II has been geared up with essentially the most environment friendly powertrain ever put in in a Freightliner.

The corporate didn’t go into many specifics, however the mannequin has a 13-liter Detroit turbodiesel engine that’s related to a 13-speed transmission. The powertrain additionally incorporates a cut up cooling system that “consists of excessive temperature and low temperature cooling circuits, working in tandem with two-stage turbocharging and exhaust gasoline recirculation cooling on the engine.”

Different highlights embody sensible lubrication and adaptive tandem axles, which robotically shift from 6×4 to six×2 at freeway speeds.  The mannequin additionally sports activities specifically developed low rolling resistance Michelin tires and a 48-volt electrical system that makes use of lithium-ion batteries.  The latter allowed for a brand new electrical steering system and an EcoSail function that may flip the engine off when not wanted.

Due to the quite a few new options and enhancements, aerodynamic drag was decreased by greater than 12 p.c in comparison with SuperTruck I.  Likewise, there was a 5.7 p.c discount in gasoline consumption in addition to a 12 p.c discount in tractor rolling resistance.

Whereas SuperTruck II is actually a know-how demonstrator, Freightliner famous plenty of its options may doubtlessly go into manufacturing.  Daimler Truck North America additionally famous SuperTruck III is on the horizon and can be a “hydrogen gasoline cell electrical tractor that exceeds heavy-duty long-haul sleeper efficiency, effectivity, and vary necessities with out compromising payload.”