Industry members are the key motivation to the AMTA Research and Innovation program. We desire to accelerating technologies that enhance safety, extend operational efficiencies or support environmental stewardship for the commercial transportation industry.
With our members by our side we are currently advancing the following projects:
AZETEC
Alberta Zero Emission Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC)
Supported by Emissions Reduction Alberta, this $17.2 million project will design and demonstrate two hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks on Alberta’s highways for daily operations between Edmonton and Calgary. This industry led project will support the design efforts of Ballard, Dana and HTEC as commercial carriers Bison and Trimac demonstrate the opportunities for the world hydrogen network in year round Canadian operational conditions. Project collaborators include University of Calgary CESAR, Zen Clean Energy Solutions, Freightliner and many other industry supporters.
EVID
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration (EVID)
AMTA has been awarded $2,340,500 by Natural Energy Canada to develop Canada’s first commercial vehicle hydrogen fueling station. This fueling station is being developed by project partners HTEC to support the AZETEC heavy duty fuel cell electric vehicles as they operate in real world trails between Edmonton to Calgary. This stations will also be a key factor in the development of a commercial vehicle hydrogen network in Alberta.
VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING
VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING
Virtual Reality training simulators are described as leading edge tools that will support the classrooms of the future. Simulation training extends safe, unbiased training and evaluation as students learn through through immersive real world experiences.
AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS
COOPERATIVE TRUCK PLATOONING SYSTEM (CTPS)
AMTA (Alberta Motor Transport Association) and our project partners celebrated the successful completion of Canada’s first Cooperative Truck Platooning System (CTPS) trials in March 2022.
Truck platooning requires critical vehicle data to be continuously transmitted by a central computer system on a lead truck to a follower truck (or trucks). The electronic connection supports steering and braking/acceleration as the trucks respond to each other and interact with road traffic. Platooning allows multiple vehicles to follow closely, reduce air drag, and increase vehicle fuel efficiency.
Prior to on-road trials in Alberta, extensive track testing took place at Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Test Centre in Blainville, Que. Track testing validated the response of the automated vehicle system in a variety of situations including hard braking, vehicle cut-ins in front of the lead vehicle, and vehicle cut-ins between the platooning trucks. Following track testing, the two retrofit Peterbilt 579 Class 8 trucks were equipped with radar, cameras, GPS, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, and other data gathering sensors. On-road trials were conducted from October 2021 to February 2022 in Alberta on Highway 2 from Calgary to Edmonton return.
The goals of the trial were to:
- Validate vehicle safety
- Evaluate fuel consumption
- Review tailpipe emissions and air pollutants
- Examine traffic flow interactions
- Assess the driver experience
- Create awareness of automated and connected vehicle technologies
Upcoming Opportunities
AMTA is in a unique position to be able to connect the transportation industry with academia, entrepreneurs, businesses, policy regulators and funding opportunities. AMTA members – WE NEED YOU!