How Does Kenworth SuperTruck 2 Compare to Industry Standards in Fuel Efficiency?

With advancements in technology, truck manufacturers are striving to develop more fuel-efficient rigs to meet the growing demands of the industry. One notable example is the Kenworth SuperTruck 2, which has achieved an impressive average of 12.8 miles per gallon (mpg). This performance stands in stark contrast to the current average fuel efficiency of over-the-road (OTR) rigs.

To illustrate, consider my 2015 Volvo 730, equipped with the D13 engine, which outputs 500 horsepower (hp) through a 13-speed manual transmission. Depending on the type of trailer hauled and the load weight, my average fuel economy can vary widely. For instance, a load of lightweight roofing panels with minimal wind resistance resulted in an average of upper-7s mpg, whereas a heavily loaded stepdeck rig, acting like a brick cutting through the air, resulted in an average of mid-6s mpg throughout the year.

Implications for Truck Fleet Operators

The experimental rigs being developed by various manufacturers, such as the Supertruck 2 by International, achieve an even higher fuel efficiency of 16 mpg. This is a significant improvement over both the SuperTruck 2's performance and the current industry standards, leading one to question whether Kenworth has some catching up to do.

As technology evolves, it's fascinating to observe how these advancements will impact the industry. In the coming decade or two, many of the technologies currently seen in these experimental rigs will become standard, even if some of the more extreme design elements are phased out due to impracticality or high costs.

Maintenance Considerations

One critical aspect to consider as these advanced rigs become commonplace is the maintenance costs. A double-decker from the 1999 Argosy, despite being over twice as old as my 2015 Volvo, remains more cost-effective due to its simpler design and fewer electronic components. The Argosy incurs less than half the annual maintenance cost of the Volvo, a machine with numerous computers and sensors.

However, the question remains: what will the maintenance costs be for a SuperTruck 2 rig after several years and hundreds of thousands of miles of use? The high-tech components are likely to become increasingly costly to maintain. Balancing the financial benefits of lower fuel costs against the ongoing expenses of advanced technology is a crucial factor for truck fleet operators.

Future of Fuel Efficiency in OTR Operations

A fascinating aspect to consider is the future cost comparison between diesel-powered and electrically powered OTR operations. Using current national averages, at 12.8 mpg, the Kenworth SuperTruck 2 operates at a cost of 0.30 per mile in fuel. In contrast, the Tesla tractor, with a consumption of 1.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per mile at 55 mph, results in a cost of 0.42 per mile in electricity.

These figures demonstrate that, in OTR operations, the SuperTruck 2 rigs are likely to be more cost-effective and profitable due to their higher payload capacity and reduced operational costs. The savings in fuel and electricity can significantly offset the higher initial costs of the advanced technology.

As technology continues to evolve, the fuel efficiency and operational costs of these advanced rigs are expected to become more accessible to a broader range of truck fleet operators. The long-term financial benefits of adopting these technologies are undeniable, making them a critical consideration in the future of the trucking industry.