AUTONEWS

VW Meteor Hybrid: the brand's first hybrid concept truck

A highlight of the space dedicated to sustainability at the Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus stand during Fenatran 2024, the VW Meteor Hybrid concept truck with an intelligent traction system was developed in partnership with Suspensys to study a solution aimed at road transport tailored to Brazilian infrastructure. Equipped with a diesel engine and an electric auxiliary axle, this prototype comes with onboard technology to manage the use of each powertrain automatically, according to the route and battery availability, even anticipating topography ahead on the road.

The set provides greater traction capacity since the third axle becomes a traction axle, transforming the model into a 6x4 whenever necessary. This translates into more torque for hills or starting power, when the concept vehicle tows a loaded trailer. Preliminary studies indicate that this configuration can reduce travel time thanks to the additional power. On hill climbs, for example, the model gains up to 20% speed thanks to its additional 35% of traction force on the wheels.

On the other hand, it also has a system to raise the auxiliary axle when it is not driving, resulting in less tire wear. The operating cost also benefits from the lower demand on the diesel engine and the braking system. In addition, the regeneration system recovers energy during deceleration, increasing efficiency and saving battery power. The increase in its autonomy varies depending on the operation and route.

This concept is in line with the cutting-edge decarbonization strategy of Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, the first automaker to develop and produce a 100% electric truck in Latin America. This time, the concept adds solutions for electrification while also making infrastructure requirements more flexible, since the model can run solely on the diesel engine if there is no possibility of charging on long-distance trips or even receive a recharge on a low-voltage system (with 220V). The vehicle also has a high-voltage fast-charging system, with the standard CCS2 system.

Cutting-edge aerodynamics. To further increase environmental and efficiency gains, the Meteor Hybrid concept features an aerodynamic package consisting of a sophisticated set of deflectors, which extend from the roof, through the sides of the cabin and chassis, also incorporating extenders to consider the battery pack, to ensure greater aerodynamics, together with rubber protection on the entire lower part. The hubcaps have a special design to reduce drag.

Inside the cabin, the driver enjoys a greater field of vision, with a range of more than two kilometers, provided by the camera and monitor system that eliminates blind spots and allows better nighttime visibility due to infrared sensors, in addition to contributing to a lower coefficient of aerodynamic drag. No adjustments are necessary during maneuvers and there is also greater control of obstacles when reversing.

Solution favors the environment... Initial tests estimate that the Meteor Hybrid concept can reduce diesel consumption by up to 10%, depending on the topography of its operation. This has a direct impact on CO2e emissions, which could correspond to more than 25 tons avoided per year. And the potential could be even greater: the reduction exceeds 90% if fueled with HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), also known as green diesel, as is the case with the model being presented at this 2024 Fenatran. In this scenario, 230 tons would be avoided.