Plainly not all semi-truck producers agree that the way forward for long-distance hauling must be battery-electric, at the very least not but. Certain, Tesla do get pleasure from getting forward of issues and setting developments, however that doesn’t essentially imply that its opponents can be left behind, not when their merchandise are so extremely fashionable.
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Picture: Newspress/autoevolution
Kenworth use an identical colorway for his or her badge, however it’s a very totally different form and it could possibly typically get mistaken for one thing else. So, in need of Mack Vans, Peterbilt has arguably the second most recognizable badge.
Anyway, we’re not right here to speak about badges, however slightly the semi-truck that Peterbilt is at present exhibiting at CES 2024, within the West Corridor of the Las Vegas Conference Heart. It’s their SuperTruck II demonstrator car, and it was initially unveiled again in 2022 as a design train into how one may enhance long-haul Class 8 car freight ton effectivity by 100%.
The truck incorporates a extra aerodynamic form with a centered driving place, which in flip improves total visibility – though some drivers nonetheless assume it’s not very best to sit down within the middle of the cab throughout sure maneuvers.
Different highlights embody the right-hand entry stand-up door, pop-out home windows, cameras as an alternative of mirrors, customized tires and wheels, plus a split-level integral cab and sleeper with a big, wrap-around sprint, 15” digital sprint show, an articulated seat and a pull-out desk. The dashboard additionally has a further show for HVAC, infotainment and navigation controls.
When it comes to powertrain, we’re coping with a mild-hybrid unit, boasting a waste warmth restoration system. Along with the light-weight chassis, Peterbilt feels this truck isn’t just 100% extra environment friendly, however slightly 132%, in comparison with your common long-haul Class 8 car.
Picture: Peterbilt
“SuperTruck II represents Peterbilt’s dedication to advancing expertise and driving innovation,” stated firm normal supervisor and PACCAR vp, Jason Skoog. “We’re excited to leverage our success and insights from this program to boost our product choices and to strategically form future product improvement initiatives to satisfy the wants of our clients.”
Personally, I’m not loopy about these new semi-truck designs. I do know the purpose is to enhance aerodynamic effectivity, which suggests sleeker designs and fewer panel gaps, however what this implies is that in some unspecified time in the future, just about all semis are going to look the identical – a shorter nostril, wheel covers for the rear wheels, digital camera mirrors (not a foul factor), and an total standardized aesthetic.
As for whether or not the likes of Peterbilt, Mack Vans, Freightliner and Kenworth can nonetheless keep on with business-as-usual regardless of the incoming menace from Tesla, the reply is, most likely? Take Peterbilt for instance. They’ve already launched a Class 8 battery-electric truck within the 579EV. It’s a good “strive”, however it’s nowhere close to nearly as good because the Tesla Semi.
However, regardless of the 579EV’s shortcomings, Peterbilt stays one of many best-selling truck manufacturers in the USA, and I actually do not see that altering.
