Volvo was challenged by the Division of Vitality to make a truck that is 100% extra environment friendly than others on the street. It got here again with a truck that is 134% extra environment friendly
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In 2016, the U.S. Division of Vitality challenged Volvo Vehicles to design a tractor trailer that was 100% extra environment friendly than a baseline, equal car. In the present day, the automaker introduced that not solely has it achieved that objective, it has surpassed it.
The automaker claims that, because of aerodynamic and materials enhancements, its SuperTruck 2 is 134 % extra environment friendly than an equal tractor trailer from 2009, which it selected as its baseline.
“Partnering with the DOE for the SuperTruck program supplies an thrilling alternative to push the know-how envelope to see what’s technically attainable for heavy-duty transportation,” mentioned Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Vehicles North America. “We’re extraordinarily happy with the accomplishments of our superior engineering staff who labored on SuperTruck 2.”
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Volvo says that a lot of the effectivity beneficial properties made by the SuperTruck 2 come from its improved aerodynamics. It describes the cab as being completely wedge shapes, with a wraparound windshield. As well as, the fairings and the boat tail on the trailer assist it create 50 % much less drag than the automaker’s 2009 baseline truck.
Nonetheless, the way in which it cuts by way of the wind isn’t the one purpose it’s extra environment friendly. Volvo additionally lightened the truck by utilizing issues like a composite driveshaft and decreasing the variety of axles as in comparison with different American vans. The cab can also be simply shorter than others, which means that much less materials needs to be utilized in its development.
Volvo actually thought concerning the challenge holistically, too. Along with being extra environment friendly on the street, SuperTruck 2 additionally has a 48-volt gentle hybrid system that acts as a generator with an built-in starter. That enables drivers to run all of their consolation options with out having to idle the engine for lengthy durations of time.
Though this was designed purely as an idea, Volvo says that the teachings it discovered in the course of the improvement course of are already being put into its manufacturing vans. As well as, it says that it wished the effectivity beneficial properties of this challenge to be examined in the true world, not simply the wind tunnel.
“The challenge staff intentionally targeted on driving in actual world circumstances for testing,” mentioned Voorhoeve. “Information wasn’t simply gathered in a lab or on flat, empty roads with optimum circumstances and a lightweight load. As an alternative, our SuperTruck 2 was examined in real-world situations on roads with visitors and elevation adjustments with a GCVW of 65,000 lbs.”
Volvo plans to indicate the SuperTruck 2 to the general public for the primary time on the American Trucking Associations’ 2023 Administration Convention & Exhibition, which takes place from October 14-17 in Austin, Texas.
On high of the SuperTruck 2, it additionally plans to indicate the all-electric VNR Electrical 6×2 Day Cab Tractor, which has as much as 275 miles (442 km) of vary, because of a 565 kWh battery. Its electrical motor may kick out 455 hp (339 kW/461 PS) and 4,051 lb-ft (5,492 Nm) of torque.