Great Dane Provides a Glimpse into the Future of Trucking

Visitors to Great Dane’s booth at the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) will be among the first to explore the Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience, the latest in tractor and trailer technology.
The project is the result of a multi-year collaboration between a team of vendor partners including Walmart, Peterbilt, Great Dane and Capstone Turbine. Almost every component on this vehicle is cutting edge and showcases innovations of the future that will drive increased efficiencies.

The vehicle’s tractor, built by Peterbilt, includes advanced aerodynamics; a Capstone prototype advanced turbine-powered range-extending series hybrid powertrain, combined with an electric motor and battery storage system; a sliding driver’s door; a centered driver’s seat; electronic dashboard with customizable gauges and performance data; and a comfortable full-size sleeper.

The vehicle’s trailer, manufactured by Great Dane, offers a host of fuel-saving features. The trailer body is built almost exclusively with carbon fiber, including one-piece carbon fiber panels for roof and sidewalls, saving nearly 4000 lbs. compared to traditional designs. The trailer’s convex nose also enhances aerodynamics while maintaining storage space inside the trailer.

Walmart’s U.S. trucks log millions of miles every year, so when it comes to sustainability and fleet efficiency its goal is simple: Deliver more while driving fewer miles on efficient equipment. It’s the driving principle behind the company’s commitment to double fleet
efficiency by 2015.