Comments by "n" (@user-pq4by2rq9y) on "Why All Semi-Trucks Use Inline-six Engines?" video.

I think the main reason behind the popularity of inline 6 is being significantly easier/cheaper to machine. If I was developing a truck today, it would probably be a natgas 4x4 hybrid Semi. Natgas is cheap and clean (as fossil fuels go). While torque is often mediocre at best, that’s the main strength of axial flux electric motors. An electric 4x4 would also be very scalable, with 6x6 for heavy duty or 4x2 for lighter trucks all using the same motors.
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@jonasstahl9826 valid concerns but you can get away with worse aerodynamics if you have fuel to extend range and, to be fair, you only need an engine big enough to sustain cruise. Similarly, your battery only needs to be big enough to sustain bursts of power. It may weigh more but instant torque and regenerative breaking will most definitely be worth it.
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@jonasstahl9826 Any properly built hybrid would have low fuel consumption and be very reliable. Even if it is more expensive, it will be worth it for these factors alone so I don't get your point. Even weight isn't as much of a issue as it is with bEVs. The only real issue is cooling those motors so they don't burn up but so happens that combustion engines are also great heat pumps. And truck drivers aren't most people, they do care about uphill performance.
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If it is up to me, natgas 4x4 hybrid semis with axial flux electric motors.
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