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Bosch has created a 'truck of the future' in its new VisionX concept, unveiled at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 show in Hannover. It uses smart technology to save fuel and make life easier for truck drivers. Features such as platooning, internet connectivity and hybrid drive systems are all predicted to shape the future of road haulage.
Platooning allows a convoy of trucks to travel as a single 'road train' with 10 to 15 metres between vehicles. Thanks to vehicle-to-vehicle communication, all the trucks accelerate, steer and brake in synchronisation. By travelling in such close formation it is expected that fuel consumption for the trucks in the platoon could be cut by up to ten per cent. Bosch expects it to take between five and ten years for the platooning technology to reach maturity.
Other advantages of connected technology include the ability to locate and pre-book parking in secure locations. So-called Secure Truck Parking will be available in Germany this autumn with information shared via the Bosch IoT Cloud. Not only should this reduce driver stress at trying to find suitable parking, but with barriers, cameras and access control there should be reduced instances of theft or damage to the truck and its load.
Bosch is also promoting hybrid drive and its latest diesel engine technology with the VisionX. Adopting electrified auxiliary systems such as water and hydraulic pumps plus electric motors in the driveline could cut fuel usage by six per cent. Also on display at the show are a hybrid system for light commercial vehicles and an electric powertrain for construction machinery.
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Another fuel saving technology, which helps give the VisionX its futuristic look, are the door mirrors. Instead of traditional large mirrors that create drag and cause significant blind spots, the concept has cameras that relay images to screens inside the cab.