The SuperTruck II is the most aerodynamic truck at any time developed by Freightliner
by Michael Gauthier
February 3, 2023 at 07:21
by Michael Gauthier
Hydrogen and electrical semis have been grabbing headlines, but the diesel period is far from around. That is not automatically a bad factor as the semi of the upcoming could be considerably extra fuel efficient.
Freightliner is generating that distinct with the SuperTruck II, which builds on the legacy of the first SuperTruck and was partially funded by the U.S. Division of Electrical power.
The focus on efficiency is instantly obvious as the SuperTruck II is the most aerodynamic truck at any time built by Freightliner. The design is primarily based on the Cascadia and has a new front stop that was ‘sculpted by air.’
Also: Electric powered Freightliner eCascadia Comes In 2022, Could Defeat Tesla Semi To Market place
Apart from an aerodynamic front bumper with flowing lines and new intakes, the model has a new hood, a revised grille, streamlined doors, and new chassis fairings. The National Highway Traffic Basic safety Administration also granted an exemption to allow for for the use of electronic facet mirrors and Freightliner observed they have shown wonderful guarantee in increasing visibility and safety, which “supports advocacy for upcoming regulatory changes that would permit the common adoption of this state-of-the-art technological innovation by manufacturers.”
That is just portion of the tale as the SuperTruck II has lively aerodynamics that support to lessen drag. When the truck reaches highway speeds, facet extenders and a roof spoiler increase to minimize the hole amongst the taxi and trailer. The model also sports activities an Aerodynamic Top Command process, which lowers the motor vehicle so that it sits “just inches off the ground for more aerodynamic enhancements.”
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Engineers and designers didn’t just target on aerodynamic performance as there have been other advancements to be experienced. One of the largest resides below the hood as the SuperTruck II has been outfitted with the most effective powertrain at any time mounted in a Freightliner.
The organization didn’t go into lots of details, but the model has a 13-liter Detroit turbodiesel motor that is related to a 13-velocity transmission. The powertrain also incorporates a break up cooling system that “consists of significant temperature and low temperature cooling circuits, operating in tandem with two-stage turbocharging and exhaust gasoline recirculation cooling on the motor.”
Other highlights include things like good lubrication and adaptive tandem axles, which quickly shift from 6×4 to 6×2 at freeway speeds. The product also athletics specially made small rolling resistance Michelin tires and a 48-volt electrical system that uses lithium-ion batteries. The latter authorized for a new electric powered steering system and an EcoSail function that can switch the engine off when not desired.
Many thanks to the a lot of new capabilities and improvements, aerodynamic drag was lowered by a lot more than 12 percent compared to SuperTruck I. Furthermore, there was a 5.7 percent reduction in fuel intake as properly as a 12 percent reduction in tractor rolling resistance.
Even though SuperTruck II is fundamentally a technologies demonstrator, Freightliner famous a range of its capabilities could probably go into creation. Daimler Truck North America also observed SuperTruck III is on the horizon and will be a “hydrogen fuel mobile electrical tractor that exceeds large-duty very long-haul sleeper overall performance, efficiency, and variety requirements without compromising payload.”
