The Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience (WAVE) is a concept vehicle by Walmart that is part of the company´s sustainability program. The truck which will be 20 percent more aerodynamic than the standard rig has been designed in partnership with Peterbilt, Great Dane Trailers and Capstone Turbine. The WAVE uses a turbine-powered battery-electric hybrid drivetrain, and the engine can run on natural gas, diesel and biodiesel. In addition to that, the trucks towing is the world´s first 53-foot (ca.16metres) fiber trailer.
In the prototype version, the driver sits F1-racing style in the middle of the cabin with LCD panels. In the back of the cabin there is a full-size sleeper section. Unfortunately, the truck is unlikely to hit the road anytime soon. However, Walmart plans to add over 1,000 new vehicles that are 12 percent more efficient than existing trucks this year, to save over $40 million.
“It may never make it to the road, but it will allow us to test new technologies and new approaches,” says Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon.
Below you can see the video of the futuristic prototype:
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