The Peterbilt SuperTruck II, showcasing at the (Consumer Electronics Show) CES in Las Vegas has created a buzz in the trucker circles.
I’ve seen my fair share of rigs, but this one’s a real head-turner… and not necessarily for the right reasons.
First up, let’s give credit where it’s due.
The SuperTruck II is a beast when it comes to efficiency. Peterbilt, under the U.S. Department of Energy’s SuperTruck II initiative, aimed to double the freight efficiency of long-haul Class 8 trucks.
And boy, did they deliver! This rig hit a 132% improvement, blowing past the original goal. With its aerodynamic shape and center drive position, it sure looks like a spaceship out of a sci-fi movie.
But here’s the rub, the SuperTruck II, while innovative, feels like a classic case of “reinventing the wheel.”
Sure, the right-hand entry stand-up door, pop-out windows, and camera-instead-of-mirrors setup are neat, but do they really make a trucker’s life easier? Or are they just flashy add-ons that look good on a showroom floor?
Then, there’s the design. I gotta say, it’s a bit of an eyesore. The futuristic look might appeal to some, but for many of us who love the classic rig aesthetic, this truck feels like it’s trying too hard.
It’s like putting racing stripes on a bulldozer – unnecessary and a tad gaudy.
Under the hood, there’s a mild hybrid powertrain and a waste heat recovery system, along with a lightweight chassis. These are impressive features for fuel economy, no doubt. But let’s not forget the heart and soul of trucking – the power and the grunt.
Does all this newfangled tech measure up to the raw, unbridled power we’re used to?
Inside, it’s like stepping into a mini spaceship. The split-level integral cab and sleeper have all the bells and whistles – a 15″ digital dash display, additional display for HVAC, infotainment, navigation controls, and even a rotating articulated seat with a pull-out desk.
High-tech and cozy, but maybe a bit too plush for the gritty reality of long-haul trucking.
Peterbilt’s general manager, Jason Skoog, says the SuperTruck II “represents Peterbilt’s commitment to advancing technology and driving innovation.” No doubt, it’s a leap forward. But let’s remember, trucking isn’t just about flashy gadgets and futuristic designs. It’s about getting the job done efficiently, reliably, and comfortably.
While the Peterbilt SuperTruck II is an impressive feat of engineering, it may be a little too much sizzle and not enough steak for the traditional trucker. It’s cool to see companies pushing the envelope, but sometimes, a straightforward, powerful rig is all we really need.
What do you think, fellow truckers? Is the SuperTruck II the future of trucking, or just a high-tech novelty? Let’s keep those wheels rolling and the conversation going!
