Automotive

Ford unveils electric autonomous F-Vision semi concept

Ford unveils electric autonomous F-Vision semi concept
The design inspiration for the F-Vision truck, Ford’s designers say, comes from comic book characters
The design inspiration for the F-Vision truck, Ford’s designers say, comes from comic book characters
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The F-Vision is a level 4 autonomous truck, compliant with the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council’s autonomous drive road plan for heavy commercial vehicles
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The F-Vision is a level 4 autonomous truck, compliant with the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council’s autonomous drive road plan for heavy commercial vehicles
The design inspiration for the F-Vision truck, Ford’s designers say, comes from comic book characters
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The design inspiration for the F-Vision truck, Ford’s designers say, comes from comic book characters
The F-Vision is made to adapt to its environment through smart materials
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The F-Vision is made to adapt to its environment through smart materials
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Ford has unveiled a new concept heavy-duty truck at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 show in Hannover, Germany. The F-Vision concept is a large commercial truck that combines future propulsion and clean energy with autonomous driving. The F-Vision was designed and prototyped by Ford's Turkish design center.

The F-Vision is a level 4 autonomous truck – meaning it can drive itself without any human interaction – and is compliant with the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council's autonomous drive road plan for heavy commercial vehicles. It's designed to be self-driving as needed (it can also be controlled by an onboard human driver) as well as zero-emissions, with a battery-electric drivetrain.

The design inspiration for the F-Vision truck, Ford's designers say, comes from comic book characters. It's made to adapt to its environment through smart materials. For instance, windows can automatically tint to counteract the sun's brightness, plus they can raise and lower to maximize or minimize the driver's view of their surroundings. Window tint colors are matched to the body, giving the truck a "machine-like" look.

The F-Vision is a level 4 autonomous truck, compliant with the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council’s autonomous drive road plan for heavy commercial vehicles
The F-Vision is a level 4 autonomous truck, compliant with the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council’s autonomous drive road plan for heavy commercial vehicles

The design of the front of the F-Vision can be altered as well. This creates an illusion of infinite design options for the truck, fitting the user's (or owner's) mood. A single door on the curb side of the truck allows entry and egress, plus the F-Vision has an automated link to its trailer for communication and interaction.

The active aerodynamic structure of the F-Vision concept and its patented trailer hitching system allows a close connection and minimal gap between cab and trailer when at highway speeds. This creates a more streamlined, integrated structure that's also quieter on the road. The driver can additionally choose to "platoon" with other trucks, adding even more safety to the autonomous drive.

Ford Trucks states that it is envisioning a future where humans and machines interact closely, and autonomous trucks work with their drivers rather than instead of them.

Source: Ford

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10 comments
10 comments
*Joe*
Someone at Ford likes the look of the Cylon Raider.
-dphiBbydt
It's a Stig Truck!
ChairmanLMAO
why are we not seeing these cool designs on the road. all we get are plain old LAST CENTURY designs powered by gasoline and deisel. Tesla still has to design a good battery. China is getting them first from the looks of things. Come on America, you can do it.
Mr T
My first thought was "Cylon raider" as Joe said. They could have done better...
andy68
It would be interesting to see some direct comparison of specifications compared with the Tesla semi-truck, which is already hauling goods on the road. That has a range, fully loaded, of 300 to 500 miles depending on the battery pack installed.
EZ
Why do they say they are "autonomously driven" instead of "no driver?"
peter26
How will the current style shipping containers be placed into these aerodynamically shaped units? Millions of new containers will need to be made.
Derek Howe
Calm down Peter, this is just a concept. Nothing more. It's just Ford trying to stay relevant with more vaporware news.
ljaques
PROOF that the Turkish design center has been taken over by Pod Peeps.
Gregory
Have not seen anyone take advantage of the large roof area of the trailer for photo cells to boost mileage. Everyone seems to be considering them as two components instead of one.