Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - October 2022 - 18

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
Toyota's hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain
provides an electrifying ride
The hydrogen-fueled electrified Class 8 road tractor doesn't
move or sound like a diesel-fueled behemoth. " This advanced
prototype is production-intent for shape, power, virtually everything,
and its performance is much more capable than the
previous prototypes, " Luke Rippelmeyer, Toyota's senior program
manager responsible for developing a heavy-duty hydrogen
fuel cell electric powertrain, told SAE Media as we settled
into the passenger seat of the prototype Kenworth T680.
The effectiveness of Active Brake Assist was demonstrated when our M2
Plus truck traveling at 35 mph (56 km/h) came to a complete stop on its
own just shy of a static obstacle.
electrical connections will be common between our products.
That's a huge improvement in upfit efficiency. "
" You can also imagine the potential here that we can now
host TEM software and really make their connections to our
vehicles, and the way that they program our vehicles, plug
and play, " Scates added. " That [plug-and-play] potential can't
be overstated. "
Quieter, more comfortable interior
A marked move to " automotive style " interior features stem
from customer feedback, according to Treinen, with the goal of
helping to attract and maintain drivers. Standard LED lighting
and upgraded seat materials that take ergonomic cues from
the Cascadia are examples of this update. The seats also recline
further and have an additional couple of inches of travel.
NVH reduction was another focus for engineers. More-robust
plastic materials and better fit and finish for the door panel and
dash help to reduce squeaks and rattles. Standard insulation in
the roof and backwall insulation on the premium package help
to reduce cab noise by 1 dB. The NVH enhancements were especially
noticeable when driving on ACM's off-road course.
Controls placement plays a big role in improved ergonomics
for operators. Electric door and lock switches were moved
from the B-panel to the doors, as is customary in passenger
vehicles. Speakers also were relocated from the dash to the
doors to improve audio quality, which was a " key piece " of
customer feedback, according to Treinen. The steering wheel
now features integrated multifunction buttons.
The 5-inch display used in other DTNA models is now found in
the M2 and SD Plus trucks. The display shows trip information,
fault codes, Detroit Assurance safety information and warnings,
Adaptive Cruise Control, and PTO control logic. The highly-configurable
dash panel increases the amount of space by 2.5 times
that TEMs can utilize for programmable-switch integration.
Production of the Plus series is expected to begin Q3 2023
at the DTNA Mount Holly (North Carolina) and Santiago
Tianguistenco (Mexico) truck manufacturing plants.
Ryan Gehm
18 October 2022
Toyota communications specialist Aaron Fowles stands next to the
cabinet where hydrogen tanks and other related components are stored.
TRUCK & OFF-HIGHWAY ENGINEERING
Toyota's Luke Rippelmeyer points to the fuel-cell module and related
components located in the engine compartment.
FROM TOP: SAE/RYAN GEHM; SAE/KAMI BUCHHOLZ; SAE/KAMI BUCHHOLZ
Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - October 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - October 2022
