On the fourth edition of the Sustainable Truck of the Year, the three categories’
winners were: the Mercedes Actros among the Tractor, the Scania Hybrid for
Distribution, the Volkswagen e-Crafter for the Van category.
Three models that are much different in layout, architecture and features (just
think about the engines: diesel for the Mercedes Actros, hybrid for Scania and,
100 percent electric for the Volkswagen e-Crafter).
Three road transport models that are different also by intended use, nevertheless,
these three different vehicles have in common digitalization, which represents
the new frontier of sustainability. Through the implementation of this artificial
intelligence – that still has some unexplored potential – there was a growth in
quality, efficiency and performance while reducing consumption, increasing the
safety level, limiting the impact on the environment like never before, improving
the vehicle management through prevention, which allows, among others, to
significantly reduce downtime.
The Sustainable Truck of the Year award was established and promoted
by Vado e Torno, a specialized monthly magazine of Vado e Torno Edizioni.
It focuses on news from the world of trucks that are actually available on the
market. The award for the three categories (Tractor, Distribution, Van) is assigned
according to sustainability and efficiency criteria that are not only focused on
the emissions reduction, but also embraces every single aspect concerning the
whole impact of the vehicle on the environment, on people’s quality of life and,
more in general, on society; considering also the consequences of the entire
production cycle in terms of sustainability.
Sustainable Truck of the Year 2020 TRACTOR: Mercedes Actros
The fifth generation of Mercedes Actors, looks to the future like never before.
It is a model that represents a huge turning point that will change trucks
forever, as well as the perception of trucks and the way to approach and make
transportation. The Actros traces a road that will be impossible to ignore. It
is not just technology, it is the new that is progressing. It is the first truck that
bans conventional rear view mirrors, focusing on the Mirror cams, with all the
advantages that derives from that in terms of safety and lower consumption. It
is also the first truck that, thanks to the Active drive assist, the intelligent system
able to brake accelerate and steer, makes it possible to become familiar, even
with a 44 ton heavy vehicle, with that autonomous driving, of which we much talk and that represents an ever closer reality with the Actros.
Sustainable Truck of the Year 2020 DISTRIBUTION: Scania Hybrid
With the new hybrid generation, Scania improves the performance by proposing
a technology – of the two engines in combination (diesel five-cylinder and
electric) – which does not pretend to be the solution to everything but represents
an alternative with very low environmental impact and proven efficiency in terms
of performance.
Scania firmly believes in the potential of hybrid as a valid alternative to diesel,
especially for city transport and distribution activities, to the point of having set
up a range of models and versions, available with four different types of cabs (all
those provided, excluding the flat-floor S) and different frame heights.
Above all, considering its use in urban centers and areas subjected to transit
restrictions, Scania has significantly improved the performance, bringing the
gear in full electric mode to ten kilometers (instead of the two kilometers of the
previous).
Sustainable Truck of the Year 2020 VAN: Volkswagen e-Crafter
The Volkswagen e-Crafter is a true tailor-made model. It is not in fact the
electrified version of the van with diesel engine, but rather a product that
Volkswagen has designed, and developed ad hoc, based on the real needs of
those who transport and distribute goods in the city. And that naturally resumes
the know-how and qualities of the most popular conventional engine model.
This explains why, for example, according to a study that indicates between
70 and 100 kilometers, with frequent stop-and-go’s and the average distance
covered every day by the users, the designers focused on the necessary
autonomy rather than the maximum possible. That also explains the choice to
limit the maximum speed allowed to 90Kph. Despite a tare weight of about 2,5
ton, and almost 6 meters of total length, eCafter is capable to load more than
900 Kilos, proving in any condition a significant maneuverability and agility.
