DOE Launches SuperTruck II to Go Beyond New GHG Rule
The Department of Energy announced its SuperTruck II initiative to more than double the freight efficiency of Class 8 trucks and go beyond provisions in the new federal Phase 2 greenhouse-gas emissions rule affecting heavy- and medium-duty trucks, as well as trailers.
DOE awarded four grants of $20 million each to Cummins Inc., Daimler Trucks North America, Navistar Inc. and Volvo Technology of America to accomplish the goal.
DOE said the companies would match the federal contribution, which is subject to appropriations.
DOE in 2010 launched the first SuperTruck initiative to improve heavy-duty truck freight efficiency by 50%. It said three of the four competitively selected teams have exceeded the 50% mark and the fourth team is on track to exceed the target this year.
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In SuperTruck II, Columbus, Indiana-based Cummins will work on a new more efficient engine and advanced drivetrain and vehicle technologies, DOE said.
Portland, Oregon-based DTNA will develop and demonstrate a tractor-trailer combination using a suite of technologies including “active aerodynamics, cylinder deactivation, hybridization and the electrification of accessories,” according to the department.
Lisle, Illinois-based Navistar will focus on a vehicle and powertrain with electrified engine components to improve engine efficiency and a significantly more aerodynamically reengineered cab, DOE said.
Greensboro, North Carolina-based Volvo will demonstrate a tractor-trailer combination with “lightweight cab that achieves the freight efficiency goal using alternative engine designs and a variety of system technologies,” according to Volvo.
DOE also said a related initiative with 35 new projects was awarded $57 million to deploy “cutting-edge” vehicle technologies, including advanced batteries and electric drive systems, to reduce carbon emissions and petroleum consumption in passenger cars and light trucks.”
INFOGRAPHIC: Learn how #SuperTruck can help make big rigs more sustainable
??https://t.co/jZVgXshyV3 #ActOnClimate pic.twitter.com/Z1GJ55SbKT — Energy Department (@ENERGY) August 17, 2016
