Volvo selected to participate in DOE’s SuperTruck II program

Sept. 7, 2016

Under a SuperTruck II award announced by the US Department of Energy (DOE), Volvo Group North America is scheduled to receive $20 million in federal funding that it will use to improve the freight-moving efficiency of heavy-duty trucks. The Volvo Group and its partners will match the development funds dollar-for-dollar.

The Volvo Group’s team of researchers and engineers will use alternative engine designs and an integrated system approach to build a lightweight tractor-trailer concept that exceeds the freight efficiency goal of 100% improvement on a ton-mile-per-gallon basis compared with a 2009 baseline. The team also will demonstrate a powertrain capable of 55% brake thermal efficiency.

The Group will leverage its industry-leading expertise in vehicle development, along with established partnerships with advanced technology and trailer equipment vendors. It will also draw from the company’s legacy of innovation in the areas of energy efficiency, safety and environmental solutions.

The Volvo Group’s partners include Michelin Americas Research Company (tires), Wabash National (trailer), Metalsa (lightweight frame), Johnson-Matthey Inc (exhaust aftertreatment system catalysts), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (exhaust aftertreatment system testing/analysis), Peloton Technology (connected vehicle/platooning), Pennsylvania State University (connected vehicle testing), Knight Transportation (longhaul fleet), and Wegmans Food Markets (regional-haul fleet).