Here is the latest big truck technology as seen at the 2024 ZF Commercial Vehicle Global Technology Day. Big Rigs are becoming easier to driver, safer, and more energy efficient. Here is how a big semi-truck will become more like your everyday car. Let’s dig in!
TFLtruck was invited to Hanover, Germany to attend a ZF Global Tech Day. ZF is tier-one vehicle component supplier to manufacturers around the world. You probably have components engineered and produced by ZF in the car or truck you are driving right now.
None of this coverage is sponsored by ZF.
Comfort
There is semi truck driver shortage in many regions around the world and the United States. If big rigs can be made a bit easier to drive, then more people may be inclined to become drivers. (Of course, we understand that are many other factors behind driver shortages. Nonetheless, let’s take a look some of the newest tech.)
Electric Power Steering
EPS is one of the technologies that is entering the market of big trucks. It makes the big rig easier to steer at low speeds. This type of steering can be made to have a variable ratio or variable effort. This can also make the big truck and trailer easier to handle at higher highway speed and during cross winds.
Electric power steering can also make the over truck a little more fuel efficient. EPS removes the burden of running the power steering pump from the engine. If there is a constant steering angle (such as going straight on a highway or following a gentle curve), the EPS does not have to be engaged. This saves energy. This type of system can run on 24-volt or 48-volt electrical system.
Smart Air Brake System
Semi trucks and trailers use compressed air to run their braking systems. The latest system includes an air compressor with a clutch that can disengage when maximum engine power is needed (when climbing a steep grade). Naturally, it’s designed to maintain optimal air pressure in the primary and secondary tanks. There is also a smart anti-lock brake system for the truck and the trailer. It adds to the overall confidence and comfort of driving a big truck.
Safety
Safety continues to be a major factor for truck drivers and the public in general. ZF came up with a complete truck and trailer 360-degree camera and sensor system that can offer several ADAS features that many of us are used to in our cars or pickup trucks. We have seen front accident collision avoidance features in big rigs before, but the newest technology includes: hands free driving assist at highway speeds, pedestrian detection and avoidance at low speeds, and cameras on the sides and the rear of the trailer for better visibility.
Part of the secret is a new data cable that connects the truck and trailer together. This connection can send camera views to the driver, and make sure that other systems are in sync. This new data cable is made to be durable with a secure connection. There may also be an SAE standard for the this data cable.
The new camera and radar system was demonstrated on a standard European semi truck and a box trailer. How does it work on trailers of various lengths and types remains to be seen.
There is an additional benefit to automated cruise control system on big rigs. It may help newer drivers achieve better overall efficiency, according to some studies.
Efficiency
Improving efficiency and reducing emissions is important to fleet operator and governments. If your trucks are burning less fuel, then you have lower operating costs. ZF has been making progress with their electric motor and eAxle designs. Here they show an Electrified Trailer. This is a semi-trailer with one of the trailer axles being an eAxle. The one that is being demonstrated here has a continuous power of up to 280 HP. A trailer like this can also carry a high-voltage battery that can be used to stored energy from the eAxle under braking or when descending grades.
Depending on the size of the battery and if the battery has its own built-in charger, the Electrified Trailer can decrease fuel usage by 16%-40%. When 1% or 2% efficiency gains are important to fleet operators, a trailer like this could be a game changer. In a way, it turns a diesel-powered semi truck into a diesel/electric hybrid. This eAxle-powered trailer is not in production yet, so we do not know exactly how much cost or weight it would add.
I drove this truck and trailer at the ZF test track, and I have to say that it drives normal. I could not tell when the trailer’s electric motor was providing acceleration assistance. This system does not require any additional data cable between the truck and trailer. The system’s software uses already existing air brake computer to understand what the truck is doing. The eAxle provides driving assist at speed above 30 KPH or 19 MPH. The prototype system is well tuned, and it provides noticeable brake assist using the eAxle.
Check out the TFLnow video for all the details.
