Kenworth has showcased its SuperTruck 2 demonstrator vehicle at the ACT Expo, which has been going on in Las Vegas this week. The truck was developed over a six-year period as part of a collaboration with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) SuperTruck program, designed to challenge truck makers to improve freight efficiency using a diesel engine as the main power source. The project was the result of a joint investment by the DOE and PACCAR.
“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. We surpassed the performance of that model to improve efficiency by up to 136%,” said Jim Walenczak, general manager of Kenworth and PACCAR vice president. “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.”
The unique look of the Kenworth catches most of the attention, but the powertrain and driver amenities are just as impressive, Kenworth said in a statement about SuperTruck 2.
Kenworth
From an engine and transmission standpoint, Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 utilizes a PACCAR MX-11 engine, rated at 440 hp, which is driven through a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission. In addition, the truck features a 48-volt electric generator. This creates a “mild” hybrid system and leverages next generation lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are re-charged through regenerative braking. This allows Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 to operate electric fans, electric steering, and power for electric coolant and HVAC pumps, which were previously mechanically driven. The engine fan alone can draw up to 80 horsepower. The hybrid system also provides an overnight engine-off ‘hoteling’ solution. In addition, the 48V generator powers the exhaust heater in the in-house developed close coupled aftertreatment system which demonstrated CARB 2027 ultra-low NOx compliancy.
The unique look of Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 features a “center driver” cab, along with a new sleeper compartment. It’s a look that resembles a bullet train. “We wanted to push this beyond just a demonstrator truck,” said Jonathan Duncan, Kenworth’s design director. “We wanted to show something dynamic and what the future of Kenworth might look like. Our headlamps take up the entire front fender of the truck. It's striking -- you can't miss it as it's going down the road.”
The aerodynamic design was enabled thanks in part by the location of the powertrain content, which fits between the frame rails. This also allowed the engine to be lowered and placed behind the front axle. A reverse-splayed chassis allowed the engineering team to narrow the front of the truck and fully enclose the wheels within the bodywork. The entire hood and the chassis fairings were mounted directly to the cab, and they move with the entire cab as one unit. A variable suspension system was developed to customize ride height and optimize aerodynamics -- Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 can be raised over rough roads to avoid obstacles, then brought back down when running over smoother interstates. Combined, the sleekness means a 48% reduction in drag as compared to Kenworth’s baseline vehicle.
Enabling more payload was a critical element in the design for the Kenworth engineering team, which also utilized a design specific trailer to go with the tractor. The combination came in at 26,100 pounds – 7,100 pounds less than a typical tractor-trailer configuration (4,100-pound savings on the tractor; 3,000 on the trailer). “These savings would give a fleet the option of running lighter with the same amount of goods they’d normally put in a trailer, or they could add 7,100 more pounds of payload,” said Adams.
Kenworth
Once behind the wheel, drivers have a view. “We made the windshield very parabolic in plain view and smooth to the flow. We also went one step further and eliminated physical mirrors altogether, minimizing drag,” said Duncan. “The integrated digital mirror system enables enhanced rearview monitoring, with trailer tracking capability and night vision enhancements, technology currently available in Kenworth T680 models.”
For drivers off hours, Kenworth took the extra step to design a unique sleeper berth. “One of the features we’re trialing is a bed that folds down over the sofa,” said Duncan. “This provides a separate sleeping and sitting area. We also came up with a neat concept: having a tabletop that rotates down when you're sitting on the sofa. You can actually eat or work then move the table to a different location without moving anything off the tabletop.”
All told, Kenworth’s SuperTruck2 gives not only a potential glimpse of the future but new ideas for consideration. Said Adams: “Working in the trucking industry is very exciting. There are major challenges ahead as we continue to advance vehicle performance, all while keeping in mind the goal to be a carbon neutral society by 2050. This will require tremendous technology changes in the trucking industry and partnering with the DOE on the SuperTruck 2 program was a tremendous opportunity to consider what will be possible as we look toward the future.”
