LCV Concept Fleshes Out Iveco’s Dual Energy System

HANNOVER, Germany – Iveco unveiled its innovative Dual Energy powertrain at the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show here, but only on a chassis.

Now, the commercial-vehicle brand belonging to Fiat subsidiary CNH Industrial has completed the picture by revealing a fully developed concept LCV, the Vision, at this year’s show.

Designed for door-to-door delivery services, the Vision is designed for minimal environmental impact. The first step toward achieving that goal is the Dual Energy system, which comprises an electric motor and a gasoline-electric hybrid engine.

In this architecture, a transfer unit couples the electric motor to the transmission shafts, giving the hybrid engine an adaptive traction system with real-time energy management.

The hybrid mode improves speed and range on intercity routes, while the electric mode allows zero-emissions mobility in metropolitan areas.

The Vision concept advances the Dual Energy technology by incorporating a redesigned frame, body, interior and user interface and improving visibility using ample glazed surfaces and “see-through” A-pillars with window cut-outs. The view from the rear-facing camera is displayed on a panoramic screen on top of the windshield.

Notably, the concept features fully automated load management. The system is based on a series of sensors which identify the goods and then indicate the correct positioning of the different packages within the vehicle interior, triggering containment devices to prevent the movement of larger packages. The system also makes loading and unloading faster.

The Vision’s human-machine interface is based on a high-integration tablet that communicates with the on-board electronics.

Iveco’s partners in the Dual Energy chassis project include Arcelor Mittal, Bosch, Brembo, Denso, Fiat Powertrain and ZF.