autoevolution
 

Renewable Energy Solutions Make Their Way into Baja 1000 with Biofuel Trophy Truck

If there's anything more far away from the concept of fuel efficiency and environment friendliness than tractor pulling, it's got to be races like the Baja 1000.
Convergence TT 3 photos
Photo: Greenspeed Research
Convergence TTConvergence TT
Trophy trucks running on gas plow through the desert with only one thing on their minds - crossing the finish line first. Next year, a new kind of truck will be joining them with the same goal in mind, but there is something about the Convergence TT that sets it apart.

The truck is being built by Greenspeed Research to take part in the next Baja 1000 edition. What you see in the images are renderings of the machine, as actual building won't commence until 15 September.

For those interested in the development of biofuels, Greenspeed Research could be a familiar name. The non-profit team based in Idaho previously built a vegetable-oil-fueled Chevrolet S-10 that managed to grab a world record for speed in its class.

So these guys are not to be trifled with. Especially not since the Convergence TT they're working on has another ace up its sleeve. Europeans have proven time and time again diesel engines and motorsports go together very well with Audi's successes at Le Mans, and the SEAT Leon TDIs involved in WTCC. The Convergence Trophy Truck will also be using a turbodiesel engine, but this one will be running on biodiesel.

While they're in it mostly to promote the use of alternative fuel and renewable energy sources, can you think of a better way of doing that then actually winning at Baja 1000. According to their pilot, the Convergence TT does have an advantage, and it's something every diesel car driver knows: fuel economy.

The Convergence TT's fuel consumption is estimated at around 9 mpg (26.1 liters per 100 km), and while that might not sound like much, other trophy trucks manage around 2.5 mpg (94 liters per 100 km). It means the Convergence TT will be able to cover a lot more ground between refuelings, and these can take as much as ten minutes.

If you're interested, you can watch the project unfold by following Greenspeed Research on their social media channels. Also, they got some TV coverage that you can watch below.


If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Vlad Mitrache
Vlad Mitrache profile photo

"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories