Highlighting the space dedicated to sustainability at the Volkswagen Truck & Bus booth during Fenatran 2024, the VW Meteor Hybrid concept truck with intelligent traction system was developed in partnership with Suspensys to study a solution aimed at road transport tailored to the Brazilian infrastructure. Equipped with a diesel engine and an electric auxiliary axle, this prototype comes with embedded technology to manage the use of each powertrain automatically, according to the route and battery availability, even anticipating topographies ahead on the road.
The combination provides more traction capacity as the third axle becomes tractive, transforming the model into a 6x4 whenever necessary. This translates into more torque when going uphill or starting power when the concept vehicle is towing a loaded trailer. Preliminary studies indicate that this configuration can reduce travel time thanks to the additional power. On hills, for example, the model gains up to 20% speed dueto its additional 35% tractive force at the wheels.
On the other hand, it also has a system to raise the auxiliary axle when it is not towing, causing less wear on the tires. Operating costs also benefit from lower demands on the diesel engine and braking system. In addition, the regeneration system recovers energy in decelerations, increasing efficiency and battery economy. The extension of its autonomy varies depending on the operation and the route.
This concept is in line with Volkswagen Truck & Bus' strategy of leading the way in decarbonization, the first automaker to develop and produce a 100% electric truck in Latin America. This time, the concept adds solutions for electrification while at the same time making the need for infrastructure more flexible, since the model can run solely on the diesel engine if there is no possibility of charging for long-distance journeys or even receive a recharge on a low-voltage system (with 220V). The model also features the high-voltage fast charging system, with the standard CCS2 system.
Cutting-edge aerodynamics
To further increase environmental and efficiency gains, the Meteor Hybrid concept features an aerodynamic package with a sophisticated set of deflectors, ranging from the roof to the sides of the cab and chassis, also incorporating extenders to take account of the battery pack, to ensure greater aerodynamics, along with rubber protection all over the underside. The hubcaps have a special design to reduce drag.
On board the cab, the driver enjoys a greater field of vision, with a range of more than two kilometers, thanks to the system of cameras and monitors that eliminates blind spots and allows better visibility at night thanks to infrared sensors, as well as contributing to a lower aerodynamic drag coefficient. Adjustments are not required during maneuvering of the vehicle, and operators are offered greater control in avoiding obstacles while in reverse.
Solution favors the environment
Initial tests estimate that the Meteor Hybrid concept can reduce diesel consumption by up to 10%, depending on the topography of its operation. This reflects directly on CO2e emissions, which can correspond to more than 25 tons avoided per year. And the potential may be even greater: the reduction exceeds 90% if supplied with HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), also known as renewable diesel, as is the case of the model being presented at this Fenatran 2024. In this scenario, 230 tons would be avoided.