Wisconsin students win FutureTruck challenge

With a bio-diesel hybrid electric powertrain, a team of students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison won the 2002 FutureTruck competition, sponsored by the Ford Motor Co. and the Department of Energy (DOE). The Wisconsin team won the FutureTruck title by lowering emissions and achieving a 25% increase in over-the-road fuel economy in a 2002 Ford Explorer, while maintaining the safety, performance

Sean Kilcarr

June 25, 2002

The Wisconsin team won the FutureTruck title by lowering emissions and achieving a 25% increase in over-the-road fuel economy in a 2002 Ford Explorer, while maintaining the safety, performance and comfort levels of a consumer-grade SUV.

The Wisconsin students reduced the vehicle's greenhouse gas index by 50% and increased over-the-road fuel economy by 45%. The team reengineered components and used advanced materials such as an aluminum/steel hybrid frame and a titanium exhaust system.

Ford said seven of the 15 teams achieved better overall over-the-road fuel economy compared to the base 2002 Ford Explorer and two teams managed to exceed the base Explorers performance, while still using environmentally friendly powertrain systems.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr

Editor in Chief

Sean Kilcarr is a former longtime FleetOwner senior editor who wrote for the publication from 2000 to 2018. He served as editor-in-chief from 2017 to 2018.