
The Peterbilt-Cummins SuperTruck project achieved almost-unheard-of gains of 68% in freight efficiency over a 24-hour duty-cycle, a 50% improvement in freight efficiency on an 11-hour drive-cycle and a 20% improvement in the thermal efficiency of the engine. How did they do it, and what does that mean?
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By the time the Cummins/Peterbilt SuperTruck made its public debut in February boasting 10.7 mpg, some contemporary trucks were achieving better than 8 mpg, and some super-fuel-conscious fleets boast even higher. While that may make the SuperTruck accomplishment seem slightly diminished, that 10.7-mpg milestone is only a small part of the story.
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This series of photos reveals most of the secrets behind the effectiveness of the SuperTruck, particularly its aerodynamic enhancements. No stone was left unturned by engineers who were looking for every possible aero advantage. Some of what you see here will soon make its way onto production vehicles, while other enhancement may still be a few years off. (Photos: Jim Park)
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Daimler Trucks North America said Thursday it has realized the objectives of its SuperTruck program one year ahead of schedule. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the SuperTruck program is an ambitious five-year research and development initiative focused on improving freight efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of Class 8 trucks.
Read More →Truck and engine manufacturers report significant efficiency gains as a result of the public-private “SuperTruck” program. An interim assessment of the Energy Department’s collaborative effort says that the concept vehicles are closing in on a 50% improvement in freight efficiency and a 20% improvement in engine efficiency.
Read More →Except for highway wrecks, it isn’t often that the general news media get interested in big rigs. But one online outlet, www.fool.com, now has a story about the SuperTruck project, specifically the Peterbilt-Cummins vehicle recently displayed in Washington, D.C., for President Obama’s announcement about fuel economy standards for commercial trucks.
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Cummins and Peterbilt announced Tuesday their latest version of their SuperTruck demonstration tractor-trailer achieved 10.7 mpg last month under real-world driving conditions.
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In some ways, the truck of the future is here today. What would a truck driver from decades ago think if he were suddenly transported from his own time into one of today’s state-of-the-art rigs?
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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.
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There aren’t many things less aerodynamic than a box. And a dry van trailer is basically a 53-foot box on wheels. The drag caused by that box and its effect on fuel economy is a challenge that has been taken up by the SuperTruck program.
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