It's no secret that massive commercial vehicles barreling down the road churn out a great deal of road pollution, and the Siemens eHighway initiative is testing a new type of truck that would run on electricity -- but not in the way one would think.
Using the overhead electrical power line system that works successfully in trams and railway cars, the company has come up with a half-electric, half-diesel hybrid vehicle that can easily switch between the two power sources.
When driving along on a roadway where power lines exist, the truck automatically expels a pantograph from the roof and links up to the overhead wires. When the truck shifts onto a highway where no lines are available for use, the vehicle's internal system retracts the connector and switches to an efficient, low-emission motor.
This truck is really redefining the term "smart car."
High-Voltage Hybrid Vehicles
Siemens eHighway Trucks are Powered by Overhead Electrical Wires
Trend Themes
1. Electric-diesel Vehicle Hybrids - There is an opportunity to develop more eco-friendly hybrid vehicles that can switch between internal combustion engines and electrical power sources.
2. Infrastructure-integrated Transportation - There is an opportunity to integrate existing infrastructure, such as overhead power lines, into transportation systems to increase their efficiency and decrease their environmental impact.
3. Intelligent Transportation Systems - There is an opportunity to use technology to create more advanced and efficient transportation systems, including vehicles that can automatically connect to overhead power lines.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The transportation industry can explore the development and implementation of hybrid vehicles with infrastructure integration for more eco-friendly and efficient transport options.
2. Energy - The energy industry can examine ways to repurpose existing power grid infrastructure, such as overhead power lines, to be used in intelligent transportation systems.
3. Automotive - The automotive industry can explore the development of hybrid vehicles with advanced features, including the ability to automatically connect to overhead power lines for a more efficient and eco-friendly driving experience.