Kenworth unveils SuperTruck 2

The truck was developed over a six-year period as part of a collaboration with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) SuperTruck program, designed to challenge truck makers to improve freight efficiency using a diesel engine as the main power source.

The project was the result of a joint investment by the DOE and PACCAR.

“The goal was a 100 per cent freight efficiency improvement over our 2009 Kenworth T660, which at the time was arguably the most fuel-efficient truck in the industry. We surpassed the performance of that model to improve efficiency by up to 136 per cent,” said Jim Walenczak, general manager of Kenworth and PACCAR vice president.

“This was realised through a combination of improving fuel efficiency up to 12.8 mpg (5.10 km/litre) while reducing our combination weight by more than 7000 pounds (3175kg). The result was the ability to haul more payload with an ultra-fuel-efficient combination.

SuperTruck 2 provided us with the opportunity to investigate new technologies in an early stage. We learned what worked and what didn’t. As a result, we are able to commercialise new technologies much quicker than we would have otherwise,” he said.

The unique look of the Kenworth catches most of the attention, but the powertrain and driver amenities are just as impressive. “We started with an ideal aerodynamic shape when we started the design of SuperTruck 2,” said Joe Adams, Kenworth’s chief engineer.

“At the start of the project, we asked ourselves, ‘What does the next generation vehicle for long haul transportation look like?’ What we produced pushes the limits in reducing aerodynamic drag while it also incorporates a new powertrain. But, with everything Kenworth, we wanted the SuperTruck 2 to embody ‘The Driver’s Truck’. The result was a systematic approach to developing a futuristic looking, yet relevant vehicle with technologies that have the potential to be refined and commercialised.”

From an engine and transmission standpoint, Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 uses a PACCAR MX-11 engine, rated at 440hp, which is driven through a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission. In addition, the truck features a 48-volt electric generator. This creates a “mild” hybrid system and leverages next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

The batteries are re-charged through regenerative braking. This allows Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 to operate electric fans, electric steering, and power for electric coolant and HVAC pumps, which were previously mechanically driven.

The hybrid system also provides an overnight engine-off ‘hoteling’ solution. In addition, the 48V generator powers the exhaust heater in the in-house developed close-coupled aftertreatment system which demonstrated CARB 2027 ultra-low NOx compliancy.

The SuperTruck 2 team managed a parallel project for energy efficiency testing by combining a PACCAR MX-11 based engine, the mild hybrid based 48-volt auxiliaries and energy waste recovery to bench test a program record 55.7% engine efficiency. “We did this while keeping in mind the technologies we developed needed to be commercially viable,” said Maarten Meijer, PACCAR’s senior engineering manager for advanced technology.

Today’s modern diesel engine demonstrates around 47% efficiency. Reaching 55.7% was a major step forward and could only be done by applying new technologies that had not been explored until today. To put that efficiency number into perspective, if this engine were to go into production, it would lead to a 10% fuel efficiency improvement. That’s an astonishing number.”

The unique look of Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 features a “centre driver” cab, along with a new sleeper compartment. It’s a look that resembles a bullet train. “We wanted to push this beyond just a demonstrator truck,” said Jonathan Duncan, Kenworth’s design director.

“We wanted to show something dynamic and what the future of Kenworth might look like. Our headlamps take up the entire front fender of the truck. It's striking – you can't miss it as it's going down the road,” he added.

Maybe this is the future of trucking rather than some of the ideas we have been fed lately…