RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN TRUCK TECHNOLOGY: POTENTIAL FOR IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN LONG-HAUL TRUCKING

The early 1970s marked the beginning of an energy-conscious era in North America. In the trucking industry, the emphasis shifted away from power and speed, and towards fuel economy. As pressures from escalating fuel prices mounted, industry concerns were compounded by the introduction of stricter emission control regulations. These two forces, with conflicting demands, have together brought about many changes in the trucking industry over the last ten years. Engine manufacturers havve been under increasing pressure to improve the thermal efficiency, reduce mechanical friction, and limit parasitic losses, in order to improve fuel economy and, at the same time, reduce emissions. Increasing fuel prices have also put pressure on manufacturers to improve tractor and trailer design. Aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance account for roughly 90% of the total resistive force which the linehaul vehicle's engine must overcome at typical highway speeds. Thus, reduction of these forces results in substantial fuel economy improvements. In this paper, recent technological developments and current research efforts are surveyed to evaluate future improvements and their potential application. The impact of these developments on fuel economy are examined, using industry data and simulation modelling. The time frame for the introduction of new technology is discussed and the impacts on linehaul trucking costs are assessed. (Author)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08268193
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)

  401-1111 Prince of Wales Drive
  Ottawa, Ontario  Canada 
• Authors:
  • Cubukgil, A A
  • Ridout, R
  • Ross, D
• Publication Date: 1985-12

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 53-61
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORTATION FORUM
  • Volume: 2-3
  • Publisher: Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)
  • ISSN: 0826-8193

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Impact studies; Improvements; Intercity travel; Simulation; Technological innovations; Trucks; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Energy efficiency; Long distance travel
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Motor Carriers; Pavements; Planning and Forecasting; Vehicles and Equipment; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00454481
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1986 12:00AM