With STEMCO’s help, Shell and the AirFlow Truck Company aim to use the Starship’s innovative aerodynamic design to change how efficiency is measured and addressed in the commercial trucking industry, the company says.
The Starship concept vehicle is a complete tractor-trailer Class 8 integrated system. It features a 400-hp Cummins X15 engine running on specially formulated Shell ROTELLA T6 Ultra 5W-30 low-viscosity API FA-4 engine oil. It also has a solar array on top of the trailer to power interior electronic accessories.
Shell and the AirFlow Truck Company have been designing and building the prototype since 2015, and it made its debut at the ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting in March in Atlanta. In May this year, the Starship truck conducted a coast-to-coast trip with a full load of real cargo. The California-to-Florida drive showcased the real-world application of the rig and set initial fuel economy numbers.
“The Starship vehicle looks to reach new heights when it comes to fuel economy, and we are honored to help them achieve those results,” says Drake Piper, category director for ITMS at STEMCO. “Our innovative aerodynamic technology matches their vision, and together we’ve created a glimpse into the future of commercial trucking, a future that many fleets can begin to achieve today by utilizing the STEMCO TrailerTail.”
