Innotruck, The Truck of the Future, Can Be Yours Today

Unveiled back in 2012 at the MobiliTec international trade fair in Germany, the Innotruck represented a partnership between Siemens and designer Luigi Colani, and more importantly, a study into the possibilities of tomorrow in terms of digitalization and electrification. Only two Innotrucks were ever made, and one of them is now for sale with James Edition.

Innotruck, an easy play on the words innovation and truck, was entirely built by hand, using a jet-fighter-like nose, an eco-friendly drivetrain and a luxurious trailer that connects directly to the cabin. The result is a visually arresting truck that looks right at home in futuristic movies.

Of course, the goal with the Innotruck was never to just impress by aesthetics. The idea was to use this tractor trailer as a testbed for a variety of technologies, so in the following years, it was used as a teaching prop at various universities and in different programs.

Of the two Innotrucks built, this one for sale is listed as the 2019 model year. James Edition says it’s not the one designer Colani kept in his possession until his recent passing, but the listing doesn’t explain where it came from. Because of its proportions and unique drivetrain, it is not road-legal in the European Union. Whoever buys it can add it to their collection or use it as a show piece for a variety of businesses and educational programs.

And you’d better believe it, there is a lot to show off in this tractor trailer of the future.

The eco-friendly drivetrain translates into a theoretical 50 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to a regular truck. It has Drive by Wire control for easy integration of the trailer, and has been actually road-tested. The unique cabin sits on top of the drivetrain and is separated from it, with the sharp nose serving for improved aerodynamics. Admittedly, turn-taking can be a challenge in this thing, but the all-glass nose guarantees maximum visibility.

A diesel engine converted into range extender and electric motors used to power the tractor trailer over long distances, which could render it viable as a cargo hauling solution. Unfortunately, it is not currently drivable because it was supposed to be converted from hybrid drive to full-electric drive, but the work was not completed.

As is, the Innotruck is more of a VIP / luxury vehicle, with a massive VIP / conference room in the back. Access is done through a generous side entrance, and the seller says the interior space can be further customized according to the future owner’s wishes or preferences. It was initially designed with a long lounge-like sofa, a couple of circular tables and side cabinetry. The space is generous and could have potential for a more RV-like / traditional layout, with living and sleeping areas.

The Innotruck, as its name suggests, packs a lot of innovations and this is where it truly, really stands out. An advanced energy management system, which includes solar cells, regenerative brakes and wind turbines, turns it into a “smart grid,” which means it can act as a power bank for other vehicles. The cabin features adaptive technologies: displays and controls that adapt both to the driver’s abilities and ever-changing behavior, and to the changing conditions (such as weather and traffic).

The communications architecture was designed as extendable, so as to allow centralized computing and plug-and-play applications and, ultimately, integrating new capabilities that would serve to optimize traffic flow and safety.

The listing comes with a “Price on request” note, which is always fancy-speak for “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.” But considering this is one of two vehicles of this type ever made, and keeping in mind how well ahead of its time it was when first revealed, it’s a true collector’s piece.

Here is a video of how the Innotruck was born, including a decent look of how it drives on the road.