The Iveco Z Truck is billed as a “totally sustainable transport system” and anticipates the way alternative power, new technologies and automated driving will change the role of the driver.
The vehicle has 29 patents and is shaped by enhanced aerodynamics, improved safety and the aim of creating a new living cab space.
It is based on a heavy truck running on Bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas) with conformable tanks, enhanced aerodynamics and a waste heat recovery system, to deliver long-haul transport with autonomy of 2,200km and virtually zero CO2 emissions.
The LNG-fuelled engine produces 460bhp and 2,000 Nm torque, and features a 16-gear automated transmission with Powershift in the upper gears.
The ‘zero’ concept carries through to other elements of the truck including zero accidents through the advanced use of automated driving technologies, which defines how new technologies and autonomous driving will change the role of the driver into an on-board logistics operator.
The driver-centred design also aims to achieve zero stress and zero waste of time. The cab reconfigured according to the different uses (driving, automated driving, office work, rest) and the HMI (Human Machine Interface) can adapt the way it provides information as needed – the right information, at the right time, in the right place.
Pierre Lahutte, Iveco brand president, says: “With Iveco Z Truck and its 29 patents, we are defining where our efforts could lead us in the future: a vehicle with a human dimension, designed to accommodate comfortably and safely the work and leisure activities of the driver, adapting each time to his needs.
“We are defining a future of long-haul freight transport that is totally sustainable – a vehicle that has zero impact on its environment, with zero emissions and zero accidents.”
The vehicle is fitted with Michelin X Line Energy tyres, the first range to be awarded the AAA grade for rolling resistance, said to save one litre of fuel per 100km on long-haul operations.
A new concept fuel tank, developed with SAG, is made of aluminium and insulated with a new reflective foil system to protect from heat radiation. It features a technology that allows for a squared shape, which makes it possible to maximise space and accommodate two tanks with a single recharge. The two tanks have a total capacity of 1200 litres, resulting in autonomy of 2,200 km – 60% more than the current Stralis NP, and more than a diesel vehicle.
An on-board Rankine Cycle Waste Heat Recovery system exploits exhaust gas as a heat source to recover energy, improving fuel efficiency still further while driving.
The interior has radical features, designed to meet the needs of a driver who is spending less time driving and more time doing administrative work.
The driver can reconfigure the cab layout according to use: driving in an urban context, highway or autonomous driving on motorways, taking care of office work, relaxing or sleeping overnight.
When the vehicle is parked, the driver can reconfigure the interior of the cab to fully exploit the living and sharing aspect. A rear wall slides back automatically, adding 500 mm interior length and increasing the living space. This makes it possible to use all the features and amenities the driver may need, such as a foldable bed, shower, kitchen, fridge, sink and entertainment wall.
The HMI is designed to ensure the driver has full, all-round visibility and to provide adaptive information: truck function information is projected on the smart windshield when necessary and changes according to what the driver needs at the time. This includes active connectivity with Michelin’s tyres, which provides real-time data on tyre pressure, temperature and usage.
The seat, steering wheel system, pedals and controls console form a self-contained unit that is suspended independently from the cab for the smoothest ride.