Peloton Technology
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automated and connected vehicle technologies |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Defunct | 2021 |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, California , United States |
| Products | Truck platooning system |
Peloton Technology was a U.S.-based company specializing in automated and connected vehicle technologies, established in 2011 and headquartered in Mountain View, California. The firm engineered a platooning solution that enabled pairs of trucks to travel at reduced following distances, aiming to enhance both safety and fuel efficiency. Peloton was the pioneer in deploying a commercial truck platooning system on public highways within the United States and initially targeted a commercial fleet rollout by 2017, which was subsequently postponed until late 2018.
The company halted operations and proceeded with liquidation in 2021.
Platooning system
Peloton’s technology utilized 5.9 GHz DSRC for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) data exchange between trucks. This communication, integrated with radar-based collision avoidance systems, facilitated maintaining shorter yet safe gaps between vehicles while optimizing aerodynamics to lower fuel usage through platooning. The approach adhered to the principles of Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control.
Each truck was linked to a cloud-hosted Network Operations Center (NOC), which oversaw safety protocols and managed platoon formations by authorizing truck pairings on appropriate routes under favorable conditions.
The platooning solution operated at SAE Automation Level 1, where drivers retained steering control over both trucks, while the trailing vehicle automatically synchronized its acceleration and braking with the lead truck’s maneuvers.
Testing
Peloton’s platooning technology underwent testing over roughly 15,000 miles across multiple states such as Nevada, Texas, Utah, Michigan, and California. Distinct from governmental or academic initiatives, Peloton’s commercial system was uniquely trialed on public roadways with intentions for fleet integration. CEO Josh Switkes announced plans for market availability in 2017.
A notable 2013 trial on Utah’s I-80, validated by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency under the SAE J1321 Type II fuel consumption methodology, demonstrated fuel savings of 10% for the following truck and 4.5% for the lead vehicle when traveling at 64 mph with a 36-foot gap.
Further evaluation in 2014 by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory took place at Continental Tire’s Uvalde Proving Grounds in Texas. Tests involving various truck weights and spacing revealed combined fuel efficiency improvements of 6.4% at 55 mph using a 30-foot gap for tractor trailers weighing 65,000 lb GVW. Fuel savings exceeding 5% were maintained even with gaps extended to 75 feet.
Funding
In April 2015, Peloton completed a $16 million Series A financing round led by Denso International America and Intel Capital. Additional investors included Magna International, Castrol innoVentures, Volvo Group Venture Capital, UPS Strategic Enterprise Fund, Sand Hill Angels, Band of Angels, and Birchmere Ventures. Later funding rounds attracted contributions from Nokia Growth Partners and Lockheed Martin.
Board of directors
Peloton’s board comprised prominent figures such as Larry Burns, former General Motors Corporate VP of R&D; Rodney E. Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Ralph Eschenbach, Trimble CTO representing Sand Hill Angels; Mark Lydon from Intel Capital; and Ken Arnold of Band of Angels, providing strategic guidance backed by extensive industry expertise.
Government-funded research and technology implementation initiatives
Peloton has collaborated on several federally supported research projects centered on truck platooning technology. Among these is the "Partial Automation for Truck Platooning" effort, backed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and led by Auburn University, with partners such as the American Transportation Research Institute, Meritor WABCO, and Peterbilt Trucks. Additionally, Peloton participates in an FHWA-sponsored platooning project directed by UC Berkeley PATH in partnership with Volvo Trucks.
In July 2016, Peloton took part in the US Department of Transportation's Smart City Challenge held in Columbus, Ohio, promoting demonstrations of automated heavy truck platooning. Furthermore, the California Energy Commission granted $5.9 million to the San Diego Port Tenants Association to support zero-emission freight vehicles, with Peloton serving as a technology subcontractor.
Peloton also contributes to the NEXTCAR program—an ARPA-E-funded initiative led by Purdue University—focused on creating advanced connectivity solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency in Class 8 line-haul trucks through platooning technologies.
See also
- American companies established in 2011
- American companies disestablished in 2021
- Companies based in Mountain View, California
- Technology companies in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Privately held companies in California
- Technology companies established in 2011
- Technology companies disestablished in 2021
- Defunct technology companies based in California
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment