Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard
It is a serial hybrid ... hmmm. No idling required. Maybe no shifting, either; given it is driven by an electric motor.
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It may be their "final design" more than the first production step but the choice of a gas turbine is interesting. But, choosing a serial hybrid does allow you to be agnostic towards your choice of power plant and does allow phasing in. The fist aero-unit may have an advanced diesel as the power plant allowing immediate production. A variety of fuels also can be used such as CNG or DME. The gas turbine is becoming more fuel efficient but would need more work to be competitive with current diesel tech. However, the power to weight ratio advantage of a turbine allows you to de-rate it's performance with fuel economy and emissions in mind with the ability to boost performance when needed.
As pointed out, the aerodynamic advantage may not be as great for this design as many may think as the large vortex drag behind the cargo box is not addressed. But, it is the next logical step to dealing with market needs and government mandates.
Green Car Congress: Obama directs EPA and DOT to develop and issue next phase of fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by March 2016