Electric semi-trucks are still a rarity, as the logistics world awaits the promised battery-powered trucks from companies like Tesla and Daimler. Geely Holdings Group, however, has joined the list of automakers promising non-zero emissions with an interesting twist.
The China-based company has unveiled the Homtruck, its smart new alternatively powered semi-truck. This truck offers different powertrain options, including a range extender, methanol hybrid, and pure electric. The last option can also be configured for battery swapping, which means the Homtruck can get a full battery in far lesser time than it would have taken to charge the battery.
The fascinating twist is what the name of the truck is based on. Geely wants to make a truck that feels like home for the drivers, hence, Homtruck. This is why the truck tries to meet the drivers’ emotional and living space needs with its extra features.
The Homtruck has a cockpit designed to blend driving and living areas. This includes amenities like a shower and toilet, a bed, refrigerator, and even a tea-maker for drivers that love to brew their own cup. There is also a cooking area for drivers to bring their culinary skills on the road. Geely thinks drivers are spending more and more time in their trucks and deserve to be as comfortable as possible.
Supporting the driver is a bevy of assist tech, like AI that works with 360-degree cameras to monitor the surrounding of the truck in real-time, whether stationary or in motion.
There is also autonomous driving, which Geely promised will attain Level 4. This will enable several Homtrucks to platoon and travel together by communicating and maintaining a safe distance from one another. Hardware on board, like lidar, will work with other technologies like 5G and V2X to make the feature happen.
The Homtruck will connect to a command center in real-time, helping the driver obtain orders, track deliveries, calculate operating costs, receive route recommendations, etc. The truck’s energy management technology will also help plan routes around public chargers.
Geely is looking to make the first deliveries in 2024.
Tesla also has its Semi electric truck in the works, although it has not mentioned if it will offer anything besides a day cabin. However, the truck has a similar tech that allows two or more trucks to travel in a close group.
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