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Peterbilt Showcases Advanced Technologies at ATA MCE Show

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eterbilt Motors Company showcased its advanced technology vehicles at the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Management Conference and Exhibition (MCE) show in San Diego, CA in late October 2022. 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 longhaul Class 8 vehicle freight efficiency. The program focuses on advanced and highly efficient powertrain systems and vehicle technologies that meet prevailing emissions and Class 8 tractortrailer 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 features an innovative, aerodynamic shape with a center drive position that improves overall visibility, a right-hand entry stand-up door, popout 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” 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 at 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 powerful high-resolution custom cameras with nearly 360-degree field of view, FirstLight lidar that 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 continues to refine its hardware kit for commercialization. Rounding out Peterbilt’s ATA display was the battery-electric Model 579EV, delivering zero-emissions performance for regional haul, drayage, pickup and delivery and last mile operations. The 579EV features a battery-electric drive system with a 150-mile range that can be recharged in as little as 3 hours. Peterbilt 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.