Aerodynamic Converting Hybrid Semi Truck or the Atropos

What’s the use of turning our cars into eco-friendly fuel-saving machines if we can’t do that with our trucks, trains and airplanes? Today we’re looking at a truck which uses a diesel/electric hybrid setup and a converting sleeper cab.

The Atropos truck uses a steam generator to harvest thermal energy from the cooling system. The thermal energy is being used by a combustion turbine which is coupled with the electrical generator. The generator will charge the battery reservoir and that will power your engine. The steam generator will also get you more cooling and it will reduce the size of engine ventilation and overall body drag.

The sleeper cab is also quite innovative. It will get you a better visibility while driving and it will conveniently rotate to offer you a better sleeping position. When it rotates, the pedals will be hidden away which means you won’t push them by mistake, whatever you will be dreaming. Fold down the seats and enjoy a comfortable foam mattress. There’s also a storage compartment for personal stuff and a mini dresser.

Here’s what the designer, Peter Azzouni says about the truck:

Aerodynamic Converting Hybrid Semi. The hybrid truck utilizes its aerodynamics by eliminating the sleeper cab and rounding the body. Long haul truck drivers are the target market. The driving cab rotates to accommodate the driver for sleep and exposes a storage compartment for clothes and possessions. The wheelbase adjusts to provide optimum aerodynamics and ride comfort, while allowing parking to become an easier task. The rear portion of the cab is curved to form the radius of the trailer to allow for turns and additional aerodynamics. The top portion of the cab has an adjustable airfoil to allow air over the top of the trailer, thus reducing even more drag. In the cab the driver experiences a sense of openness and optimal vision, but when he or she needs privacy the Ionized windows will tint or even black out for sleep.

Will we see one of these Atropos trucks out on the streets soon?