[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Walmart was quick to offer support to the Tesla Semi, saying it would order 15 of the trucks to add to its fleet of around 6,000. But, you may remember that Walmart previously launched its own truck design efforts.
In 2014, Walmart introduced a concept truck called the WAVE – short for Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience. The prototype was built with collaboration between Walmart and many vendors, including Peterbilt, Roush Engineering, Great Dane Trailers and Capstone Turbine. The design applied aggressive aerodynamics, a mictroturbine-hybrid powertrain and electric motor, advanced control systems, and weight-reducing materials like carbon fiber.
Walmart never actually intended to get into the business of building trucks, but it hoped to explore ways to improve the overall fuel efficiency of its fleet, lower the company’s carbon footprint, and encourage innovation in truck design.
The Tesla Semi seems to achieve much of what Walmart set out to accomplish with the WAVE. Interestingly, both trucks place the driver in the center of the cab and have steering wheels flanked by LCD screens.
Check out Walmart’s video on the concept truck below.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTTgxqZqTaA” video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]