Peterbilt Motors Co. showcased advanced technologies, including the SuperTruck developed to optimize commercial vehicle fuel efficiency during the annual Energy Summit & Fair held on the campus of the University of North Texas, home of the Paccar Technology Institute.
           

The SuperTruck was on display at the event for attendees to see and learn about firsthand. It features technologies integrated throughout the tractor and trailer that have surpassed goals by achieving more than 10 miles per gallon during real-condition testing. Average, industry-wide fuel economy for an on-highway tractor-trailer is approximately six miles per gallon.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour the university’s Zero Energy Research Laboratory, designed and managed by Dr. Yong X Tao, University of North Texas Professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical Energy Engineering, UNT Distinguished Research Professor and director of the Paccar Technology Institute. 

The 1,200-square-foot lab is used by students and faculty to test present and future sustainable technologies such as structure-integrated insulation, building-integrated solar panels, energy-efficient windows and energy storage and monitoring systems.

The Energy Summit & Fair was attended by approximately 200 people and also featured a federal keynote address from Ron Curry, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s South Central Region, and a state keynote address from Dr. Bryan Shaw, Chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.