Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/751200
COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | NOVEMBER 2016 31 Report: Platooning could provide 4% fuel benefit T wo-truck platooning shows the potential to reduce fuel consump- tion in real-world operating conditions, according to the latest Confidence Report released by the North Ameri- can Council for Freight Efficiency and Carbon War Room. e potential fuel savings versus an isolated single vehicle varies depending on the separation distance of the trucks, but the report says that at a 40- to 50-foot following distance, platooning can lead to a 4 percent average savings across the two trucks a er accounting for tra c, terrain and time when equipped trucks will not be operating in a platoon. In a platoon, once the trucks have moved into close following distances, all of the engaged vehicles receive a fuel economy boost thanks to increased aerodynamic e ciencies. e lead vehicle will bear the brunt of the aerodynamic load and typically will see only a marginal fuel economy boost. Trailing trucks in a platoon, which would operate in a low-air-pres- sure aerodynamic "sweet spot," can see signi cant increases in fuel economy performance at highway speeds. Despite the technological sophistica- tion needed to stitch together a platoon, eet managers are highly con dent regarding the feasibility of platooning technology and the projected fuel econ- omy gains it can yield, but they doubt it can work in the "real world," most notably in heavy tra c or mountain- ous terrain, said Mike Roeth, NACFE executive director. Despite the bulk of required tech- nologies now available and purchased by many eets, eet managers are doubtful that drivers will be willing to engage in platooning operations, Roeth said. Managers also cite concerns about various safety issues and the security of the electronic systems used to connect and tether the vehicles together. Additional concerns include cost, system reliability and questions about cross- eet operations – notably, how fuel credits would be accrued and shared, Roeth said. – Jason Cannon PREMIUM BRANDS. LOCAL EXPERTS. There's no beating the ease of doing business with your trusted local truck parts distributor. As part of North America's Leading Truck Parts Network ® , your local VIPAR Heavy Duty Parts Professional offers the brands you want and the expertise you need, with the strength and resources of a network of over 550 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. THE RIGHT PEOPLE. THE RIGHT PARTS. THE RIGHT PLACES. FIND A VIPAR HEAVY DUTY PARTS AND SERVICE PROFESSIONAL AT VIPAR.COM VIPAR TTS Parts ad 081716.indd 1 8/17/16 9:15 AM NACFE's report says that at a 40- to 50-foot following distance, platooning can lead to a 4 percent average savings across the two trucks.