No, it's not a transformer in the traditional sense, but the W.A.V.E, or Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience, is certainly capable of transforming Walmart's (WMT 0.46%) fleet fuel efficiency. Using advanced materials and design, the truck is supposedly 20 percent more aerodynamic than its current choices.
Using a hybrid engine designed by both Capstone Turbine (CPST) and Peterbilt, and Great Dane Trailers, it can run on diesel, natural gas and biodiesel. 4,000 pounds were also shed by designing the 53-foot trailer out of carbon fiber. While all components are unlikely to be factored into the actual build-out of the future fleet, just the idea that trucks of the future could resemble the W.A.V.E in both appearance and engineering is pretty inspiring.
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This segment is from Tuesday's edition of "Digging for Value," in which sector analysts Joel South and Taylor Muckerman discuss energy and materials news with host Alison Southwick. The twice-weekly show can be viewed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It can also be found on Twitter, along with our extended coverage of the energy & materials sectors @TMFEnergy.
