American brand Daimler Truck has launched its new Freightliner SuperTruck II in Las Vegas
Global heavy vehicle brand Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has launched its new and upgraded Freightliner SuperTruck II in Las Vegas.
The brand says the truck will include a wide array of technical changes to increase efficiency when it comes to freight.
The concept vehicle was developed as part of the SuperTruck program co-funded by the US Department of Energy, which aims to reduce emissions in road freight transport. As part of the SuperTruck program, DTNA engineers researched next-generation heavy-duty commercial truck technologies, technical ways for their development and ways to integrate them into series production.
DTNA says it is focused on developing new technologies for promising core components and systems to improve truck operating efficiency in the real world, increasing customer success and fleet efficiency.
Improved aerodynamics, low-rolling resistance tyres, powertrain improvements and energy management with advanced technologies were reportedly identified as areas for technology innovation that could potentially enter production for customers in the future.
Building on the success of SuperTruck I, which was introduced in 2015, DTNA says SuperTruck II surpassed expectations in aerodynamics, tyres, powertrain and energy management, while doubling the freight efficiency of the base vehicle from the start of the SuperTruck program.
Freightliner engineers were reportedly able to overachieve in aerodynamic improvements and reduce the aerodynamic drag of SuperTruck II by more than 12 per cent over SuperTruck I. Instead of radically changing the structure of the truck, the design goal for SuperTruck II was to redefine the existing shape of the market-leading Cascadia to maximise aerodynamic efficiency and simultaneously employ advanced design language to convey that efficiency.
Active side extenders and a roof spoiler system closes the trailer gap by up to four inches at highway speeds and an enhanced Aerodynamic Height Control lowers the truck just inches off the ground for additional aerodynamic improvements.
DTNA explains that by removing the exterior mirrors and integrating a mirrorless camera system the aerodynamic drag of SuperTruck II was significantly reduced.
SuperTruck II is said to feature the most efficient powertrain Freightliner has ever integrated into a truck, enabling a 5.7 percent fuel consumption reduction over SuperTruck I, achieving lower down speeding and greater fuel savings through reduced drag overdrive.
DTNA says an innovative 48-volt electrical system using lithium-ion batteries allows for decreased fuel consumption and increased driver comfort features like a new electric air conditioning system that consumes 50 per cent less energy than SuperTruck I and continues seamless operations while the engine is turned off.