For this second part of our IAA Hanover commercial vehicles event review (TE, October 2016 page 12 for part one) we focus on new trucks, vans and buses – mostly powered by alternative fuels – that grabbed our reporters’ attention. Taking systems first, however, astute observers were impressed with VW’s launch of the first ‘open’, cloud-based connectivity platform – apparently designed for the entire industry, including competitors – promising barrier-free supply chain logistics information flows.
Dubbed RIO, the system is far more than a telematics package, instead combining information from tractors, trailers, bodies, drivers, orders, scheduling systems, etc, as well as traffic, weather and navigation data. Algorithms currently being developed will then offer analysis, forecasting and transport re-optimisation.
“RIO will fundamentally change the world of transportation as we know it,” stated Andreas Renschler, CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus. “For the first time, our unified platform enables the registration, management, and integrated use of all data available in the transportation system. That is beneficial for our customers because it makes their business more profitable. And it is good for the environment, because we will see fewer empty trucks.”
VW-owned MAN was announced as the first sponsor, and is now developing the brand. “What we can see emerging here is a platform where each user will benefit individually – regardless of the fleet [composition], which vehicle with which body is carrying the sales order, and which logistics software is used,” said Joachim Drees, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus.
As of spring next year, he said, new MAN trucks, will all be equipped with RIO as standard, while Scania operators will be invited to connect on request. Indeed, using a retrofit box, any vehicle might be integrated into the network, said Drees. “Logistics 4.0 can only succeed if artificial barriers and data islands are overcome. That is why we are making every effort to support the development of RIO,” he explained.
Moving on to concept trucks, there were several. Iveco’s Z Truck was among the most striking billed as a ‘totally sustainable transport system’ and the subject of 29 patents. Designed to minimise operators’ carbon footprints, it harnesses a 460bhp, 2,000Nm LNG (liquefied natural gas) engine that can run on biomethane stored in new SAG-built conformable tanks, delivering a claimed 2,200km range. What’s more, it sports a Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system and completing the driveline is a 16-ratio AMT (automated manual transmission).
Z Truck is not specifically designed for fully-autonomous driving. Instead, all round sensors provide the foundation for the whole raft of driver assistance. As for driver cofort, the seat, steering wheel, pedals and control console are suspended independently from the cab, while driver information is projected onto the windscreen. Meanwhile, the cab interior can also be quickly reconfigured, automatically, with the back wall sliding back 500mm to increase the living space when relaxing or using the cab as an office.
One observation: while packed with innovative ideas, not all of them are practical. Drivers enter and exit the cab by means of a pop-out staircase, which is good for safety, but would be impossible to deploy were Z Truck to pull up on a ferry or at a tightly-packed truck stop.
Moving on, while Iveco emphasised the benefits of LNG, Mercedes-Benz extolled the virtues of battery power for local distribution, with its 26-tonne concept Urban eTruck. This can achieve a 125-mile range between recharges thanks to a 212kWh, three-module lithium-ion battery pack. Regenerative braking helps keep the latter topped up. A smaller battery pack can be fitted to increase payload at the expense of range.
Fancy having your parcels delivered by drone? That might be feasible if you live at the top of a narrow, twisting road that is difficult to negotiate. So said Volker Mornhinweg, global head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. He was announcing Vision Van, an electric Sprinter-sized concept light commercial with a 75kW drive package, a docking station for a pair of drones on the roof and space in the load area for small, wheeled automatic delivery robots. “Our vans will become mother ships with drones and robots swarming out,” he explained. Vision Van offers a range between recharges of 70 miles and is controlled by the driver using a joystick.
Ascending the weight scale, MAN displayed a concept battery-powered urban tractor unit based on its TGS 4x2 and intended for environmentally-aware operators. Three 35kWh lithium-ion batteries sit above the front axle, powering a 250kW electric motor. Projected ranges between battery recharges are 30—95 miles, depending on the application.
Elsewhere, DAF’s Innovation truck was again about illustrating next-generation technologies such as hybridisation and electrification. “Additional features under development include waste heat recovery and predictive, connected and collaborative driving, as demonstrated during the European Truck Platooning challenge earlier this year,” said product development director, Ron Borsboom.
Turning to semi-trailers, Mercedes and Krone jointly debuted the latter’s aerodynamic Profi Liner Efficiency curtainsider. Side skirts, a four-part rear wing that projects 500mm and low-rolling-resistance tyres have helped cut fuel usage by more than 5% in trials with German hauliers. Marry this to an Actros OM 471 with similar tyres and PPC (Predictive Powertrain Control) and the saving could be nearer 20%, insisted Mercedes.
Helping drivers without turfing them out was well illustrated by Mercedes-Benz’s Future Bus. Based on the Citaro, this is a 12m single-decker fitted with CityPilot, which includes GPS, short- and long-range radar and a dozen cameras sweeping both the road and the surrounding area. If pedestrians wander in front, CityPilot brakes Future Bus automatically. It also communicates with traffic lights while bringing the bus to a halt at stops, automatically opening and closing the doors.
While Daimler is developing battery buses (an all-electric Citaro looks set to break cover in 2018), it is not neglecting other alternative fuels. It chose Hanover to launch a Citaro driven by a 7.7-litre CNG (compressed natural gas) engine, capable of running on landfill gas too. Its gas tanks are mounted on the roof.
For China’s BYD, however, battery power is the only show in town. It gave what it says is the world’s first electric sightseeing coach its show debut. A 12 metre 51-seater, it offers a range just shy of 90 miles between recharges, operating in an urban area fully-laden and with the air-conditioning on. That rises to 125 miles with the aircon off. “City authorities across Europe are increasingly focusing on emissions from diesel-powered sightseeing coaches,” contends BYD Europe managing director Isbrand Ho. “Our new model addresses their concerns and provides them with a cost-effective and practical solution.”
BYD electric buses look set to become a more familiar sight on UK high streets. The company is working with ADL and the two recently announced that 51 BYD/ADL Enviro200EVs are now joining Go-Ahead’s London operation. These marry ADL’s Scottish-built aluminium E200 body with a BYD drivetrain and chassis.
Back on tractors, and tucked away in a corner of Volvo’s stand was one of the few new real-world vehicles on display – a lightweight Volvo FM for urban distribution and payload-critical operations. It wasn’t in the limelight: Volvo reserved that for its record-breaking Iron Knight race truck and its Volvo Concept Truck, claimed to reduce CO2 emissions of a conventionally powered heavy truck by 30%. Nevertheless, the new FM 4x2 tractor weighs in at 5,940kg. Powered by Volvo’s 10.8-litre Euro 6 (Step C) D11 engine, it features a new ultra-lightweight rear axle, lighter chassis and low height sleeper cab.
Engine enhancements include low friction pistons, a higher performance turbo and improved profile camshaft, as well as software updates and higher compression ratio that contribute to fuel reduction.
Meanwhile, sister company Renault Trucks highlighted improvements to its T range long-distance trucks around the chassis and driveline, resulting in fuel consumption reduced by a claimed 2%. Weight savings also increase payload by up to 114kg, while Renault’s Optivision GPS-based predictive cruise control offers further economy.
Also on the Renault stand was its OptiTrack hydraulic drive, now available on the C Range for 8x4s (with the DTI 11 and 13 engines) and 8x2*6 (with DTI 11 engine) configurations. Like others’ offerings, OptiTrack gives vehicles additional temporary traction via hydraulic motors in the wheel hubs of the second front axle. Could be useful where the drawbacks of conventional double-drive systems – fuel consumption, weight, loading height and maintenance costs – rule them out.
Renault also announced that its 2.8—4.5 tonne Renault Master van is now available with a Euro 6 engine range, with outputs of 110 or 170bhp. The 3.5—4.5-tonne Renault Maxity also gets a choice of two Euro 6 DTI 3 engines delivering 130 or 150bhp.
Engine developments
Cummins revealed its next generation Euro 6 X Series heavy-duty truck engines. With 15- and 12-litre displacements, these share a platform with the X15 and X12, recently launched for the North American Class 8 truck market to meet the US EPA 2017 greenhouse gas regulations. Euro 6 versions retain the same fuel efficiency and power outputs as their EPA counterparts.
X12 claims the highest power to weight ratio in its class. Rated from 350—500bhp, X12 provides up to 2,305Nm of torque at 1,000 rpm and uses Cummins XPI fuel system. Engine weight is below 930kg due largely to its sculptured block design. Further weight has been saved through the use of high-strength composites for the sump and valve cover.
As for the X15, there are two applications. For general haulage and regional work, the X15 Efficiency Series is offered with 400—500bhp optimised for fuel economy. Torque is up to 2,508Nm at 1,100rpm. Add the firm’s Adept SmartCoast and Predictive Cruise Control, and a 6% fuel economy uplift is claimed.
Meanwhile, the X15 Performance Series, rated from 485—605bhp, is aimed at heavy-duty and long-distance. Peak torque of 2,780Nm is delivered across a wide engine rpm range, reducing transmission shifts. Engine braking delivers over 450bhp of retardation at 1,500rpm and up to 600bhp at 2,100rpm. To meet Euro 6, X15 uses Cummins’ single module after-treatment technology, with a one-piece design claimed to be up to 40% lighter and 60% smaller than multi-module systems.
Cummins also announced Euro 6 engine compatibility with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) renewable diesel and other EN 15940 paraffinic fuels.
Finally, though, a word of warning from MAN concerning second-life Euro 6 DPFs (diesel particulate filters). MAN sales director Ian Mitchell warned that while these are not causing OBD (on board diagnostics, which constantly police compliance) issues on first-life trucks, second-life owners could catch a cold if the previous owner was not diligent.
“We believe that, over the next 18 months, we will start to see issues with DPFs on second life Euro 6 trucks. While the truck is operating normally, with regeneration occurring automatically, the condition of the DPF can be out of sight and out of mind. But for vehicles used mainly on regional work, with start-stop operation in heavy traffic, the toll on the DPF is far greater than on long-haul. Buyers of used Euro 6 trucks must bear this in mind and conduct due diligence – or face a potentially hefty bill [replacement DPFs cost £4,000—5,000] for a new DPF,” he advised.
Mitchell said that MAN’s Top Used vehicles will be inspected to ensure the DPF is cleaned, and will be supplied with a 12 month DPF warranty and recommended preventative maintenance regime.