Bosch showcases its innovations for moving freight more efficiently and enhances for driver experience

As freight and the need for drivers increases, technology is a key partner for the commercial vehicle (CV) industry. Bosch presented its innovations for commercial vehicles at the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) Show last week.

“We as an industry need to create technology that is for every fleet and every driver,” said Jason Roycht, vice president and regional business unit leader, Commercial Vehicles and Off-Road for Bosch in North America.

Moving freight more efficiently

The American Trucking Association (ATA) projects freight will increase by 25 percent from 2019 to 2030. And the revenue generated by the transportation of freight in the U.S. is set to grow more than 50 percent over that time, reaching $1.6 trillion over the next decade.

“What’s clear is that what trucks do – moving freight – is increasing. And that freight should be moved more efficiently,” Roycht said.

Bosch has been a go-to resource for powertrain efficiency in the CV industry for many years. The company continues to optimize the internal combustion engine while also providing new technologies for electrification.

The new Bosch modular 700V drive can be integrated into multiple vehicle architectures. Comprised of a separate-motor-generator, an inverter and a vehicle control unit (VCU), the solution supports various transmission formats, including inline, wheel near and electric axle. The unique approach also allows CV manufacturers to electrify already-existing vehicle platforms.

At NACV, Bosch showcased its portfolio of solutions to develop fuel cells for CVs. The Bosch portfolio consists of essential components needed to implement fuel-cell technology, such as hydrogen gas injector (HGI), Anode recirculation blower (ARB), electric air compressor (EAC) and fuel cell stacks.

Bosch is also bringing electrification to medium-range delivery applications. The Deliver-E hybrid concept vehicle is the result of project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The goal is to design and integrate an advanced dual-planetary gear transmission featuring multiple clutches that reduces fuel consumption by up to 50 percent on a real-world drive cycle.

Focus on the driver

Attracting and retaining drivers is a key challenge for the industry. The ATA projects the industry will need to hire 1.1 million new drivers over the next decade. In order to hit this number, it will take 110,000 new drivers every year. At the end of 2018, the driver shortage in the U.S. was estimated at around 60,000.

“Technology is our ally in this challenge,” Roycht said. “When we utilize new technology to enhance the driver experience, we are able to make a stronger case for recruiting and retaining drivers.”

Sensors, like radar and video, assist drivers by providing more visibility to help prevent accidents. The Bosch portfolio of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) includes front and corner radar for light commercial vehicles as well as multiple-purpose cameras for both light and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. These enable a number of safety features, like automatic emergency braking, turn assistant and blind-spot recognition.

The Bosch Servotwin is an electrohydraulic steering system that provides steering support to the driver, enhancing driving comfort and improving safety. It enables driver assistance functions, such as lane-keeping assistance, side wind compensation and traffic jam assist. The system also provides a key building block for the rollout of automated features in the future.

Bosch is actively involved in the study of how automated technology can support the CV industry – particularly drivers – in the future. As part of a grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation to DriveOhio and the Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC), Bosch will provide technology to help study highway truck automation and coordinated platooning.

Innovations on board

Bosch displayed two vehicles in its booth at NACV. A Bosch-branded demonstration vehicle that featured numerous Bosch innovations including a new generation of infotainment, Electronic Horizon, and 360 Surround View.

The Nikola Two from Nikola Motor Company was also on display. Bosch has been an innovation partner to Nikola throughout the development process, and the truck features a number of Bosch innovations, such as a jointly developed fuel cell system, Digital Vision System, and Perfectly Keyless.