Top 5 Concept Trucks of the Future in 2022
The concept itself is a cluster of innovations in design and technical solutions, sometimes closely affecting the layout of the vehicle. With the concept trucks, manufacturers aim to explore and demonstrate different ground-breaking solutions for the future, evaluating the level of interest in the market and society. Overall, concept trucks never go into production directly, nonetheless most useful and disruptive features get necessarily adopted, becoming an integral part of trucks manufactured in the years ahead.
The appearance of each concept truck is a very noticeable phenomenon and, as a rule, attracts a lot of attention. These trucks not only look spectacular, but they have practical applications that might make you raise your eyebrows. Let us get the ball rolling and try to find out the cream of the crop of the top 5 concept trucks of the future.
1. IVECO Z Truck
The Italian manufacturer IVECO came up with the concept, which pays special attention to its environmental friendliness. The Z Truck concept has neither hydrogen fuel cells nor batteries. But IVECO equipped its concept with a bio-methane (liquefied natural gas) engine, which significantly reduces emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. This engine develops 460 hp and features a 16-gear automated transmission with Powershift in the upper gears. On top of that, enhanced aerodynamics, exhaust heat recovery, and tires with low rolling resistance reduce the Z Truck’s fuel consumption by 33%. It is designed to deliver long-haul transport with the autonomy of 2,200km.
Equipped with autonomous driving, as well as the latest security system, the Z Truck has a monitor on the windshield, where all the data of the vehicle’s operating systems are transmitted. In the cab, the driver’s seat is located in the center, and there is also a folding bed, a shower cabin, a sink, a refrigerator, and an interactive wall, as well as a sliding wall at the rear of the cabin that adds 500 mm more living space when required. The cab can be configured for driving, automated driving, office work, or resting. Therefore, the cab layout can be reconfigured according to the use the driver wishes to make of the truck at the time.
2. Volvo Vera
Volvo Vera’s electric vehicle concept combines the benefits of three key technological opportunities: automation, connectivity, and electromobility. Thus, creating optimal efficiency in transportation and logistics operations.
Without a driver and a cabin, The Volvo Vera is powered by lithium-ion batteries with a range of up to 300 km. It can operate with significantly lower exhaust emissions and low noise levels. This vehicle is designed to transport large volumes of goods over short distances, such as in ports, factory areas, mega-logistics centers, and anywhere else where goods are moved on a regular basis. The transport command center continuously monitors each vehicle’s position, battery charge, cargo content, service requirements, and other parameters to avoid unnecessary downtime and increase delivery precision. As it is an autonomous truck, it allows continuous round-the-clock operation with a more optimal flow and less stockpile. Indeed, Volvo Vera carries the best technology on board, but it is carefully blended into its calm exterior.
3. Scania AXL
The Scania AXL concept is a fully autonomous cabless truck. There is no even space for a driver to pilot the machine. While full technical specifications remain under wraps, it is known that the vehicle is powered by an internal combustion engine using renewable biofuel.
The Scania AXL is managed and controlled by an intelligent control environment. And when it is linked to the logistics system, the Scania AXL receives precise instructions on how much, where, and when to deliver so that the chain does not stop. A complete set of cameras, radars, and sensors allows the Scania AXL to navigate safely and quickly find the road by moving in a given direction. These vehicles are designed for operations in mines, large closed construction sites, and other well-controlled locations.
All in all, the use of such a Scania model allows streamlining the transportation of goods, increases the efficiency of the enterprise, and reduces the adverse impact on the environment.
4. Ford F-Vision
The Ford F-Vision concept was developed by Ford Otosan; a commercial vehicle division operated in Turkey. The company had a surprise up its sleeve – a Ford F-Vision truck, a sleek and silver concept meant to portray an autonomous commercial vehicle, looking like a million dollars. The company notes that the design of the Ford F-Vision is inspired by the heroes of the Marvel movies and the way they adapt to their environments.
Details are sparse about the F-Vision; however, it is pointed out that the F-Vision is an all-electric vehicle equipped with a level 4 autonomous control system. It means that this vehicle moves independently on roads with predictable traffic and requires almost no driver attention. Key features of the prototype are an aerodynamic body, a massive glass area, and C-shaped LED headlights. In autopilot mode, the glass line blends back into the bodywork to echo the streamlined shape of the truck. Ford F-Vision is equipped with an interactive front panel displaying messages for other road users. Essentially, the vehicle is a design study, though this concept is an eye-catcher pointing to the future style of heavy trucks.
5. Mercedes-Benz GenH2
The GenH2 Truck is a hydrogen-electric truck with zero emissions of harmful substances. It uses hydrogen to create electricity via a fuel-cell stack, which powers an electric drive system.
With a full tank of hydrogen stored in liquid form, a Mercedes truck will be able to cover a distance of more than 1,000 km. Generally, the motors will be powered by the fuel-cell stack, but during high-load situations, energy will also be drawn from a battery. This battery will have a relatively small 70kWh capacity since it will be used temporarily, like when the truck accelerates hard or climbs a steep hill.
And indeed, the vehicle is designed for long-haul transportation. More into details, GenH2 customer trials are expected to start in 2023 in Europe, while the start of series production is promised in the second half of this decade.
Which concept do you think will stay ahead of the curve? In fact, major vehicle shows are always good opportunities for manufacturers to present their visions of the future. So groups of colleagues, including designers, business- and technical experts, work together, united by a belief that the transport industry needs solutions that are more efficient, more cost-effective, and more sustainable; this is usually possible by daring to think differently. Furthermore, design is one of the key elements giving the new technology meaning and keeping it accepted. As different industries look to streamline transport assignments, autonomous and environmentally-friendly vehicles are increasingly being considered. The company’s engineers and technicians learn and develop future technologies to ensure they are ready when the market asks for them.
