“The trailer is made almost exclusively with carbon fiber, saving around 4,000 pounds which can then be used to carry more freight.”
OK, carbon fiber is great. How much more does the trailer cost vs. an aluminum trailer? So how long does it take to pay off the difference in cost, ROI?
I would think Walmart, like UPS & FED EX would be one of the first to calculate the cost savings of natural gas vs. diesel considering all their trucks return to their distribution center after delivery to the stores. There is a center here in Raymond, NH. It is 25 acres under roof. I believe it is the distribution center for all of New England. The reason they built it there was it central location in NE, the NH tax advantages for its employees and the demographic make up of the workers available.
In partnership with truck and component manufacturers, we have built a number of prototype tractors, including hybrid assist, wheel-end hybrid assist, full propulsion hybrid, and natural gas, with the goal of learning from testing in a real-life environment to improve the technology.
Like many emerging technologies, these trucks may never enter operation or may not remain in operation long as they go through multiple iterations before being cleared for commercialization. We are already working on next generations.
http://corporate.walmart.com/global-responsibility/environment-sustainability/truck-fleet
- - - - - -
Natural gas
Walmart has been testing five Westport Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) trucks in California for the past three years, and has just taken possession of a Westport/Cummins Alpha 12-liter natural gas engine. This new truck will run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and will also be tested in California. Although available fueling infrastructure is a challenge, the technology performance and potential sustainability benefits encourage further review.
http://www.walmartstores.com/sites/responsibility-report/2012/fleetImprovements.aspx