Cummins, Peterbilt Debut 10 MPG ‘SuperTruck’

Cummins Inc. and Peterbilt Motors Co. said they have developed a demonstration “SuperTruck” capable of averaging 10 miles per gallon in real-world conditions, a 54% increase in fuel economy.

The two said Thursday that the truck features a higher-efficiency engine and an aerodynamic tractor-trailer that significantly reduces drag.

The higher fuel economy would save about $25,000 annually based on current diesel prices for a longhaul truck traveling 120,000 miles per year, Cummins said.

The Department of Energy’s SuperTruck program is a collaborative research and development effort with original equipment manufacturers to create a truck capable of 50% better fuel economy.

Other advances in the vehicle include a system that converts exhaust heat into power delivered to the crankshaft as well as the use of lighter-weight material throughout the truck, the manufacturers said.

The SuperTruck is powered by a Cummins ISX15 engine and was tested on a 312-mile route between Fort Worth and Vernon, Texas, last fall, the companies said.