Kenworth, the American manufacturer, has unveiled a low-pollution truck. The behemoth features a light diesel hybrid engine and prioritizes aerodynamics.
While some manufacturers believe that the future of trucks lies in electric motors, Kenworth disagrees. They have unveiled their future heavyweight, boasting a unique look.
The SuperTruck 2, as it is called, has a front end reminiscent of some high-speed trains. Kenworth designed it to be as aerodynamic as possible.
The manufacturer says they have “pushed the limits in reducing aerodynamic drag.” Besides the streamlined front end to guide airflow smoothly, its wheels are completely covered.
To reduce aerodynamic disruptions, the side mirrors are cameras. The suspension adjusts to adapt to the road and the necessary ground clearance. When no adjustment is needed, the truck is in a position that prioritizes efficiency. This model manages to improve the efficiency of this new truck by 48%.
A light diesel hybrid engine… for now
The engine is a 450-horsepower diesel power unit made by PACCAR. It includes a 48V mild hybrid system that operates with lithium-ion batteries. The hybrid system not only improves engine efficiency but also serves as a generator for some systems at night.
Maarten Meijer, PACCAR’s director of engineering, explains the challenge of this truck. The diesel engine achieves efficiency levels rarely seen for this technology.
“Today’s modern diesel engines have an efficiency of about 47%,” says Meijer. He details the progress made on the engine alone. “Achieving 55.7% is a significant step forward.”
“This could only be achieved by applying new technologies that had not been explored until now. To put this number in perspective, if this engine were put into production, it would improve energy efficiency by 10%.”
However, this diesel engine is a first draft of the Kenworth SuperTruck 2. The model has a structure that allows for fuel cells, hydrogen tanks, or even batteries to be accommodated without altering the cabin or its placement.