The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy expects trucks to become up to a third more fuel efficient in the upcoming two decades. The ACEEE says so in a report made together with the EPA (US envrionmental ministery) and NHTSA (National traffic Safety Council). A number of technical measurements will lead to trucks becoming significantly more efficient in fuel consumption. Until now, all trucks in the US cosume up to 2,9 million barrels of oil per day. By the year 2035, this will be reduced by a staggering 800.000 barrels. A saving of roughly a third.
Technologies applied to achieve this, are also under development in Europe. Think of downsizing in diesel engines, which means that smaller, lighter engines will be used generating the same output as todays, relatively big engines. It is expected that the warmth of exhaust gases will be used much more efficiently. We already know the Turbo Compound technology, but experts expect that the role of EGR-systems in engines is going to be extended. Warmth from exhaust gases may be converted into electric or mechanical energy quite directly.
Improved aerodynamics will also lead to more efficient trucks. New regulations from the EU are in preparation to allow trucks to use aerodynamic systems. Furthermore, improvement is expected in tyre technology and in more efficient transmissions. The US Council expects much from hybridisation of drivelines of trucks. Throughout the whole line-up of todays’ trucks, implementation of hybrid technology in some sort or another form will lead to significant improvement in fuel efficiency.