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See the Futuristic Concept Truck Walmart Wants to Use to Maximize Efficiency on the Road
The Blaze ^ | Feb. 18, 2014 | Elizabeth Kreft

Posted on 02/19/2014 4:53:43 AM PST by thackney

You’ve never seen a transport truck quite like this.

Walmart created a concept truck to maximize efficiency on the road, and the result is something that looks a little more spaceship than tractor-trailer.

Walmart Corporate announced the project Feb. 17 during a meeting to report on progress with reaching the company’s sustainability goals.

Chris Sultemeier, senior vice president and head of corporate transportation services for Wal-Mart, said the company also has agreed to buy 2,000 hydrogen-fueled forklift trucks for use in its U.S. and Canadian distribution centers, the Transport Times reported.

In 2005, Wal-Mart set a goal of doubling the efficiency of its truck fleet by 2015. Sultemeier said the company reached 80% of its goal by purchasing more fuel-efficient trucks and finding ways to ship more goods in less space and using fewer trucks.

The company uploaded a video of the truck on YouTube and described it as the “latest in (their) fleet efficiency program.”

The Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience, or WAVE, concept truck is … (a) one-of-a-kind prototype offers a whole package of firsts. The tractor has very advanced aerodynamics and is powered by a prototype advanced turbine-powered, range-extending series hybrid powertrain.

The trailer is made almost exclusively with carbon fiber, saving around 4,000 pounds which can then be used to carry more freight.


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: diesel; energy; walmart
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To: SeeSharp
Not to mention exhaust leaks. Speaking of which, where is the exhaust stack?

The exhaust coming out of diesel engines today is cleaner than the air going in in terms of pollutants and particulate matter. In this case, I'd guess they are exhausting under the chassis and using the exhaust to aerodynamic advantage.

41 posted on 02/19/2014 6:19:32 AM PST by IamConservative (There is no place like 127.0.0.1)
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To: thackney

“The trailer is made almost exclusively with carbon fiber, saving around 4,000 pounds which can then be used to carry more freight.”

OK, carbon fiber is great. How much more does the trailer cost vs. an aluminum trailer? So how long does it take to pay off the difference in cost, ROI?

I would think Walmart, like UPS & FED EX would be one of the first to calculate the cost savings of natural gas vs. diesel considering all their trucks return to their distribution center after delivery to the stores. There is a center here in Raymond, NH. It is 25 acres under roof. I believe it is the distribution center for all of New England. The reason they built it there was it central location in NE, the NH tax advantages for its employees and the demographic make up of the workers available.


42 posted on 02/19/2014 6:21:28 AM PST by woodbutcher1963
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To: thackney

Looks way too mean—should at least have friendlier colors.


43 posted on 02/19/2014 6:22:44 AM PST by 9YearLurker
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To: woodbutcher1963

In partnership with truck and component manufacturers, we have built a number of prototype tractors, including hybrid assist, wheel-end hybrid assist, full propulsion hybrid, and natural gas, with the goal of learning from testing in a real-life environment to improve the technology.

Like many emerging technologies, these trucks may never enter operation or may not remain in operation long as they go through multiple iterations before being cleared for commercialization. We are already working on next generations.

http://corporate.walmart.com/global-responsibility/environment-sustainability/truck-fleet

- - - - - -

Natural gas

Walmart has been testing five Westport Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) trucks in California for the past three years, and has just taken possession of a Westport/Cummins Alpha 12-liter natural gas engine. This new truck will run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and will also be tested in California. Although available fueling infrastructure is a challenge, the technology performance and potential sustainability benefits encourage further review.

http://www.walmartstores.com/sites/responsibility-report/2012/fleetImprovements.aspx


44 posted on 02/19/2014 6:32:49 AM PST by thackney (life is fragile, handle with prayer)
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To: C210N

My son was about four the first time he saw that movie. When the trucker pulled over and stuck his arm out the window to wave Dennis Weaver by, my son gasped and said, “It’s Bob Villa!”

What???? That movie has never been the same for me since. LOL


45 posted on 02/19/2014 6:33:43 AM PST by nodumbblonde ("I'm all for helping the helpless, but I don't give a rat's a** about the clueless." - Dennis Miller)
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To: thackney

The lower front section looks like it was taken from a Bugatti Veyron.


46 posted on 02/19/2014 6:42:35 AM PST by CommerceComet (Ignore the GOP-e. Cruz to victory in 2016.)
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To: thackney

It’s been done. It looks like the post WWII General Motors “motoramic” traveling display vehicles. These vehicles went town to town carrying on-board displays and dioramas of what cars would look like in the future (and promote the GM brand).

CC


47 posted on 02/19/2014 6:42:47 AM PST by Celtic Conservative (tease not the dragon for thou art crunchy when roasted and taste good with ketchup)
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To: thackney

Looks like Robo Cop on wheels.


48 posted on 02/19/2014 6:50:17 AM PST by ImJustAnotherOkie (zerogottago)
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To: al_c

Warning...Mirrors are smaller than they appear.


49 posted on 02/19/2014 6:51:58 AM PST by ImJustAnotherOkie (zerogottago)
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To: thackney

I like it, good ideas.


50 posted on 02/19/2014 6:54:36 AM PST by MHGinTN (Being deceived can be cured.)
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To: ImJustAnotherOkie

Warning, cameras may appear as mirrors...


51 posted on 02/19/2014 7:26:41 AM PST by thackney (life is fragile, handle with prayer)
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To: prisoner6
I haven't used windshield wipers in many years -- and, yet, I'm able to keep on driving with excellent visibility, even through downpours that force other drivers to pull off the road and even hide under overpasses.

The secret? I use a super-hydrophobic windshield coating, like "Rain-X".

The real secret is in maintenance of the coating. I have developed my own cleaner/restorer that removes the grime that such coatings absorb, and replenishes the base coating. When a vehicle has been driven a day or two, use of the cleaner will remove enough grime to turn the paper towel applicator a very grungy black'

I only replace the base coating every month or so...

52 posted on 02/19/2014 7:55:28 AM PST by TXnMA ("Allah": Satan's current alias... "Barack": Allah's current ally...)
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To: thackney

I am all for innovation but what is with the overhead windows. You will be cooked alive in that cab or at the least get one heck of a sunburn. When the DOT gets through with it it will look just like all the other rigs and weight twice as much.


53 posted on 02/19/2014 9:09:03 AM PST by Organic Panic
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To: Organic Panic
what is with the overhead windows

Tanning. Don't most Truck Operators drive in the nude?

54 posted on 02/19/2014 9:28:55 AM PST by thackney (life is fragile, handle with prayer)
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