UPS partners with Kenworth on SuperTruck II program

One of the world’s largest carriers, UPS, is joining Kenworth’s SuperTruck II program.

Funded by the Vehicle Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the $8 million program requires truck-makers and their partners to push the limits of Class 8 truck aerodynamics, engine and powertrain efficiencies. Goals for the program include the demonstration of greater than 100 percent improvement in freight efficiency over 2009 equivalent product, and a 55 percent engine increase in brake thermal efficiency performance.

Kenworth‘s project truck will be a T680 tractor equipped with an MX engine. UPS will provide guidance on their drive and duty cycles to drive SuperTruck II performance.

“UPS will also offer advice on the commercial feasibility and driver acceptance of technologies developed under SuperTruck II,” says Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president.

Up to $12 million in additional funding could be awarded for the Kenworth project over the next three years, subject to annual appropriations by Congress, which to date has been supportive of the SuperTruck initiative.

Kenworth also is working closely with the Paccar Technical Center and Paccar subsidiary DAF Trucks NV, Eaton, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Mississippi State University and AVL.