Designer : Kioko Muthui
Vehicle type : semi-trailer truck
Designed for : tree-hugger



According to Muthui : "The HST is a vision for future long-distance road haulage. Designed to transport a high volume of cargo units, the concept features a proposed overall length of 29 metres with a proposed maximum gross combination weight (GCW) of 65 tonnes. Although the HST is considerably larger than contemporary articulated trucks, the concept would be no more difficult to manoeuvre."

Okay, since it is huge, i mean SUPER huge, where is the green / tree-hugging concept? i don't see any green elements in this ULTRA slick, ENORMOUS yet MASSIVE-sized trailer. He, Muthui said :

"With reference to contemporary trucks, the HST would feature extraordinary fuel efficiency, a significantly improved driving experience, a higher level of active and passive safety, and enhanced environmental and infrastructural considerations."

so, what we can find out from the statement above is that the green a.k.a tree-hugging a.k.a environmental-friendly elements are :
- extraordinary fuel efficiency
(miles per gallon = ??)
- significantly improved driving experience
(hmmm...let see...)
- higher level of active and passive safety
(how high is it? only way to find out is wait for this concept vehicle tested)
- enhanced environmental and infrastructural considerations
(i wonder what kind of enhancements..)

So how is he going to make this tree-hugging concept happens?

i) A diesel fueled internal combustion engine would power an electric generator, which would channel power to the motors on two axles--and since the ICE wouldn't directly drive the truck, it would run continuously on the most efficient speed at the most efficient power output.
ii) It would also feature a variable power output system that could disable cylinders when unnecessary; like on long flat stretches of road.



Electric motors = act as regenerative brakes
Stores energy into the battery



Solar panels on the roof. See image below.



Extremely aerodynamic
"slippery" surfaces (windscreen)
NO windshield wipers + mirrors = reduce drag
See image below.



its extremely great size = more goods distributed per trip
if the energy projected were saved = emissions would be reduced across the entire delivery and distribution industry
if it ever came to fruition, it could be a good way to increase the efficiency of one of the least green vehicles on the road--so here's to hoping for a bigger, greener future of trucking.