Daimler Trucks North America on Thursday, March 19, at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., previewed the latest technologies on a new Innovation Truck. The Innovation Truck features advanced technologies directly from DTNA’s development labs. It takes Freightliner Trucks’ most aerodynamic solution – the Cascadia – and adds a sampling of cutting-edge advancements designed to further enhance fuel economy.
“We’ve created the new Innovation Truck to highlight not only our existing technologies, but to show our customers what they can expect from us in the near future,” said Elmar Boeckenhoff, DTNA senior vice president of engineering and technology. “The Innovation Truck is part of our ongoing effort to shape future transportation by pushing the boundaries in engineering and technology.”
The Innovation Truck also replaces the mirrors with sideview cameras to further reduce drag. The camera system is designed to improve the field of view, eliminate blind spots and reduce the typical “fish-eye” effect. Together, these enhancements improve the airflow over, under and around the vehicle – resulting in further fuel savings, according to the company. “What makes the Innovation Truck so aerodynamic is not just its shape, but the entire package – from bumper to tail lights,” said Boeckenhoff.
The Innovation Truck is configured with a single drive axle that is complemented with a load management system that can transfer weight to the drive axle in low-traction situations, according to the company; this configuration also reduces weight and cost.
According to the company, the advantage of an electrically-driven HVAC system is that shorepower extends operating time while eliminating emissions; as showcased on the Innovation Truck, a fuel cell that produces 3-5 kilowatts of power is enough power to operate convenience items during a 34-hour reset period.
