Iveco, a brand of CNH Industrial, has presented its world premiere Iveco “Z Truck” concept yesterday at the IAA of Hannover, Germany. The IAA is the most important international rendez-vous for the commercial vehicles field, it is held each two years. The Iveco concept is the long-haul concept truck that breaks away from every constraint to be a zero–impact vehicle for a totally sustainable transport system.
Also it breaks away from current constraints with completely new thinking and ideas on energy efficiency and waste heat recovery, on ergonomics, on the way the vehicle and driver interact and communicate – new ideas that are protected by 29 patents.
Iveco “Z Truck” features a new generation LNG engine running on Bio-methane, which is derived from refined biogas. This fuel, which plays a key role in CNH Industrial’s quest to develop sustainable transport modes on its path to Zero emissions, ensures low CO2 and ultra low PM emission.
The Iveco “Z Truck”, designed by CNH Industrial Design Centre, makes a statement on how the future could be for truck drivers. It is shaped by its enhanced aerodynamics, by the improved safety and by the aim of creating a new living cab space. It imagines how automated driving will change the role of the driver, who will spend less time driving and more time doing office work. The concept enables the driver to reconfigure the cab layout according to the use he/she wishes to make of the truck at the time: driving in an urban context, highway or autonomous driving on motorways, taking care of office work, relaxing or sleeping overnight.
When the vehicle is parked, the driver can reconfigure the interior of the cab to fully exploit the living and sharing aspect. The sliding wall at the rear slides back automatically, adding 500 mm interior length and increasing the living space. This makes it possible to use all the features and amenities the driver may need, such as a foldable bed, shower, kitchen, fridge, sink and entertainment wall.
The HMI is designed to ensure the driver has full, all-round visibility and to provide adaptive information: this means exactly the right information, in the right place, at the right time. The information on the truck’s functions is projected on the smart windshield as it becomes necessary and changes according to what the driver needs at the time. This includes active connectivity with Michelin’s tyres, which provides real time data on tyre pressure, temperature and usage – information that can significantly improve the driver’s safety.
The seat, steering wheel system, pedals and controls console form a self-contained unit that is suspended independently from the cab for the smoothest ride. The air conditioning system provides ideal conditions around the driver’s seat, creating a “Climatic Bubble” that encloses the driving platform, so that the driver enjoys ideal temperature conditions with no disturbance from air flows.
