Kenworth invented the aero truck with the T600 and the trend continues to the most aerodynamic production truck yet, the T680. The SuperTruck 2 was developed over a 6-year period as part of a collaboration with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) SuperTruck program, designed to challenge truck makers with improving freight efficiency using a diesel engine as the main power source.
source.image: Kenworth
The Kenworth SuperTruck 2 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 powertrain is based on a diesel platform utilizing the PACCAR MX-11 engine combined with the TX-12 transmission and a 48 volt electric motor for an efficient heavy-duty mild hybrid system. The Kenworth SuperTruck 2 achieved a record engine efficiency of 55.7% Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE).
source.image: Kenworth
The SuperTruck 2’s powertrain combines the PACCAR MX-11 engine with the TX-12 transmission and a 48-volt hybrid motor. This setup allows for a mild-hybrid system that optimizes fuel efficiency by driving ancillary systems like the engine fan, power steering, HVAC pumps, and exhaust heater. Notably, the engine fan alone can drain up to 80 horsepower,
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The goal was a 100% 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%. This was realized through a combination of improving fuel efficiency up to 12.8 mpg while reducing our combination weight by more than 7,000 pounds.
The result was the ability to haul more payload with an ultra-fuel-efficient tractor-trailer 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 commercialize new technologies much quicker than we would have otherwise. Jim Walenczak, general manager of Kenworth and PACCAR vice president.
