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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
DECEMBER 2016
13
distribution is the first to connect the
telematics system with the drive control.
It starts with the scheduling; instead of
the conventional fixed delivery runs, there
is a flexible system. It ensures that all the
planned haulage work can be completed
by the vehicle fleet without overextending
or underutilising the range of the trucks.
The variables used include the pallet
spaces in the trucks, the weight, the range
and the driving times. Virtual monitoring
intervenes if unforeseen events to force
the truck to the limits of its range.
The Urban eTruck can operate in three
TRANSPORT
different modes, which optimise the
way in which it is driven and the use of
energy available. On a standard journey,
it is set to ‘auto’. For special cases there
is a power mode called ‘agile’ and ‘eco’
mode for maximum range. It automatically
adapts the ‘auto’, ‘agile’ and ‘eco’ settings
to conditions within a certain target range.
Zero-impact with Z Truck
Another stand-out vision of future trucking
was Iveco’s Z Truck, a zero-impact concept
truck that anticipates the shift to green
energy and autonomous driving in long-
distance haulage. The company believes
it has positioned itself as an alternative
fuels leader, with its Concept Z powered
by a combination of liquefied natural gas
and bio-methane, giving it zero-emissions
capability.
The concept is based on a heavy truck
running on Bio-LNG with conformable
tanks, enhanced aerodynamics and a waste
heat recovery system, to deliver long-haul
transport with autonomy of 2 200 km and
virtually zero carbon emissions.
Iveco also claims a zero accident rate is
possible, thanks to new collision avoidance
technology through its autonomous
systems. The Z Truck is also said to define
how new technologies and autonomous
driving will change the role of the driver,
who will become an on-board logistics
Iveco’s Z Truck concept is based on
a heavy truck running on Bio-LNG
with conformable tanks, enhanced
aerodynamics and a waste heat
recovery system.
Mercedez Benz Urban eTruck
• Fully electric truck
• Admissible total weight of 26 t
• Zero emissions
• Might go into production by 2020
Iveco Z Truck concept
• Long-haul concept truck
• Powered by LNG engine running on
bio-methane
• Zero-emissions capability
• Autonomy of 2 200 km
MAN eTruck concept
• Electric TGS semitrailer tractor
• Emission-free
• 250 kW motor delivering 2 700 Nm of
torque
• Powered by three 35,3 kWh lithium-ion
batteries
• Probable launch date of 2021
QUICK TAKE
Engine power of 460
hp and 2 000 Nm of
torque
18 t permissible
total weight
Ranges up to
200 km
Zero accidents
Battery capacity
permits daily
range between
50 and 150 km
Powered by lithium-ion
batteries with total
capacity of 212 kWh
t