Get FinancingKenworth’s SuperTruck 2 Provides A Glimpse Of The Future At ACT Expo
Kenworth showcased its SuperTruck 2 demonstrator vehicle in May at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas. The Expo brings hundreds of exhibitors from all over the world to showcase the latest low- and zero-emission transportation technologies. In addition to the SuperTruck 2, Kenworth displayed its lineup of emissions-free trucks, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric models.
Designed over six years, the SuperTruck 2 is part of a challenge from the Department of Energy and Paccar issued to truck manufacturers to enhance the fuel efficiency of diesel engines.
“The goal was a 100% freight efficiency improvement over our 2009 Kenworth T660, which at the time was arguably the most fuel-efficient truck in the industry,” says Jim Walenczak, general manager of Kenworth and Paccar vice president. “We surpassed the performance of that model to improve efficiency by up to 136%. This was realized through a combination of improving fuel efficiency up to 12.8 mpg while reducing our combination weight by more than 7,000 pounds. The result was the ability to haul more payload with an ultra-fuel-efficient tractor-trailer combination. SuperTruck 2 provided us with the opportunity to investigate new technologies in an early stage. We learned what worked and what didn’t. As a result, we are able to commercialize new technologies much quicker than we would have otherwise.”
Kenworth SuperTruck 2 Details
The radical redesign of the truck is eye-catching and aerodynamic, but that was only the beginning. The SuperTruck 2 has a Paccar MX-11 engine with 440 horsepower (328 kilowatts), a Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and a 48-volt electric generator. The addition of the generator gives the truck what Kenworth refers to as “mild” hybrid power, combining a diesel engine with lithium-ion batteries that recharge through regenerative braking.
The batteries run electric fans, steering, and power for coolant and HVAC pumps, which previously had to be mechanically driven. The engine fan alone can use up to 80 HP (60 kW), so the generator improves overall efficiency by maintaining the heat or air conditioning a sleeping driver needs to be comfortable overnight without help from the engine. The generator also powers the exhaust heater for the aftertreatment system, which complies with CARB 2027 ultra-low NOx standards.
With an eye to the future, Kenworth designed the SuperTruck 2 to be powertrain agnostic, meaning it’s compatible with a diesel engine, fuel cells, hydrogen tanks, natural gas tanks, or a battery-electric motor without needing structural changes that would affect the cab.
Radical Redesign
The bullet train-like SuperTruck has a cab with a central driver station and a unique sleeper compartment. The aerodynamic design was made possible by the powertrain content location between the frame rails, which allowed the engine to be lower and behind the front axle. The truck has a narrow front end, wheels that are enclosed in the bodywork, and a hood and chassis fairings mounted directly to the cab.
Drivers can adjust the variable suspension system, raising it for rough roads and obstacles and lowering it on smooth roads. In short, the SuperTruck 2 is like nothing currently on the road. This new design delivers a 48% drag reduction compared to Kenworth’s baseline truck.
“We started with an ideal aerodynamic shape when we started the design of SuperTruck 2,” says Kenworth Chief Engineer Joe Adams. “At the start of the project, we asked ourselves, ‘What does the next generation vehicle for long-haul transportation look like?’ What we produced pushes the limits in reducing aerodynamic drag while it also incorporates a new powertrain. But, with everything Kenworth, we wanted the SuperTruck 2 to embody ‘The Driver’s Truck.’ The result was a systematic approach to developing a futuristic-looking yet relevant vehicle with technologies that have the potential to be refined and commercialized.”
Inside The Cab
Drivers enter through a large door after ascending an extendable bottom step. A Paccar 15-inch digital display provides a configurable gauge layout, advanced driver notifications, and easy menu navigation. The digital mirror system reduces drag and enhances rearview monitoring with trailer tracking and night vision improvements.
When it’s time to stop for the night, drivers can relax on the sofa or crawl into the fold-down bed that separates the sitting and sleeping areas in its default position. The tabletop rotates down from the couch and can be moved to a different location without clearing the table.
Source: Kenworth