Peterbilt shows advanced technology at ATA event

Peterbilt showcased its advanced technology trucks, including the SuperTruck II demonstrator vehicle, at the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Management Conference and Exhibition show in San Diego, Calif., in October. (Photo: Peterbilt)

Peterbilt Motors Co. showcased its advanced technology vehicles at the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Management Conference and Exhibition (MCE) show in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 22-25.

For the first time, Peterbilt displayed the new SuperTruck II demonstrator vehicle. The goal of the SuperTruck II program, initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is to improve long-haul Class 8 vehicle freight efficiency. The program focuses on advanced and efficient powertrain systems and vehicle technologies that meet prevailing emissions and Class 8 tractor-trailer vehicle safety and regulatory requirements. In addition to the benefits of reduced fuel consumption and petroleum usage, the improvements in engine system efficiency will deliver a significant reduction in GHG emissions.

SuperTruck II has an aerodynamic shape with a center drive position that improves overall visibility, a right-hand entry stand-up door, pop-out windows, cameras in place of mirrors and custom tires and wheels. Other features include a mild hybrid powertrain, a waste heat recovery system and a lightweight chassis for improved fuel economy. The split-level integral cab and sleeper features a large, wrap-around dash, 15 in. digital dash display for virtual gauges and critical vehicle data, an additional display for HVAC, infotainment and navigation controls, an articulated seat that rotates left and right and a pull-out desk.

“SuperTruck II is a perfect example of how Purposeful Innovation is at the center of Peterbilt’s development of advanced technologies and products in order to provide meaningful, tangible benefits to our customers,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. “The collaboration with our partners on this program has been incredibly successful and we are pleased to show this truck to the industry and customers for the first time at ATA.”

The Peterbilt Model 579, equipped with the L4 advanced autonomous Aurora Driver, was also on display during ATA. Aurora is testing and validating the fourth beta software generation of the Aurora Driver with customers in Texas. Aurora’s next-generation sensor suite features high-resolution custom cameras with nearly 360-degree field of view, FirstLight lidar that Peterbilt said can instantly track and measure the velocity of moving objects seven seconds faster than traditional lidar, and imaging radar that provides full coverage in challenging weather conditions. The company said it continues to refine its hardware kit for commercialization.

Rounding out Peterbilt’s ATA display was the battery-electric Model 579EV for regional haul, drayage, pickup and delivery and last mile operations. The 579EV has a battery-electric drive system with a 150-mile range that can be recharged in as little as three hours, said Peterbilt.

Peterbilt said it “leads the commercial EV industry with the widest lineup of electric vehicles,” with three configurations available for regional haul, pickup and delivery and refuse applications. Peterbilt also said it provides leading services and support for customers adding EVs to their fleets, including a dedicated team to help identify the best configuration for their operations, locate available incentives and choose from the wide selection of PACCAR chargers and infrastructure solutions.