Posted on 02/19/2014 4:53:43 AM PST by thackney
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.
“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.
Looks way too mean—should at least have friendlier colors.
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
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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
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
The lower front section looks like it was taken from a Bugatti Veyron.
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
Looks like Robo Cop on wheels.
Warning...Mirrors are smaller than they appear.
I like it, good ideas.
Warning, cameras may appear as mirrors...
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...
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.
Tanning. Don't most Truck Operators drive in the nude?
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