Eaton Corp. announced Friday, Jan. 22, that Cummins Inc. has chose Eaton to participate in its SuperTruck program to develop a next generation automated transmission that improves fuel efficiency in heavy-duty trucks. Cummins recently received $39 million in funding from the Department of Energy to develop its SuperTruck project in conjunction with Peterbilt Motors Co.
The goal of the SuperTruck program initiated by DOE is to improve long-haul Class 8 vehicle freight efficiency. The program focuses on advanced and highly efficient engine systems and vehicle technologies that meet prevailing emissions and Class 8 tractor-trailer vehicle safety and regulatory requirements.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to push forward with developing and testing our next automated transmission and proving that we have the ability to help Class 8 trucks achieve very high levels of fuel efficiency,” says Joe Palchak, president – Eaton’s Vehicle Group.
The SuperTruck project will develop and demonstrate a highly efficient and clean diesel engine, an advanced waste heat recovery system and a fuel cell auxiliary power unit to reduce engine idling on an aerodynamic Peterbilt tractor and trailer combination. The SuperTruck will result in a fuel-efficient low-emissions diesel engine with an Eaton automated transmission that achieves a significant fuel economy improvement over current diesel technology.
“We appreciate the funding provided by the DOE for the Cummins SuperTruck, which will create jobs, help address climate change and reduce oil consumption.” said Cummins President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Linebarger. “This public-private partnership is a win for our economy, a win for the environment and a win for energy challenges. We are looking forward to working closely with Peterbilt and all of the leading suppliers on this important technology project.”
“We believe our track record of purposeful innovation, leading quality and fuel-efficient engineering provides Peterbilt and Cummins the best opportunity to make the SuperTruck project a commercially viable reality,” says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. “We are proud to partner with companies such as Eaton that are dedicated to advancing technologies to meet future energy needs.”
