Cummins and Peterbilt claim 54 per cent fuel economy 21 March 2013

Cummins and Peterbilt have released test results in the US suggesting that their demonstration tractor-trailer has achieved a 54% increase in fuel economy, averaging nearly 10mpg under real world driving conditions.

The SuperTruck, developed by the two companies, involves what they describe as a higher-efficiency engine and an aerodynamic tractor-trailer.

The truck includes a system that recovers exhaust heat and converts it into power, delivered to the crankshaft. There are also electronic controls that use route information to optimise fuel, lower rolling resistance tyres and lighter-weight materials have been used throughout.

The Class 8 Peterbilt 587, powered by a Cummins ISX15 engine, averaged 9.9mpg during testing with a tractor-trailer combined gross weight of 65,000lb.

"Many of the technologies we are testing on the engine and truck will be integral parts of the trucks of tomorrow," believes David Koeberlein, principal investigator for the SuperTruck program at Cummins.

"We are focused on developing innovations that meet and exceed the needs of our customers, while helping to create a cleaner, healthier and safer environment."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Cummins Turbo Technologies

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