Goodyear Dunlop Symposium identifies fuel saving techniques

A symposium held by Goodyear Dunlop in Brussels bringing together a panel of transport exports has identified the most important fuel-saving measures in front of around 170 transport executives and senior government figures. Aerodynamic devices, incentives, training, low rolling resistance tyres and new length regulations were some of the key techniques in helping to reduce vehicles’ CO2 emissions. The symposium, entitled, ‘Best Practice in Reducing Fuel Consumption’ included panellists Marco Digioia, secretary general of UETR (European Road Haulers Association); Benny Smets, managing director of Belgium-based haulage company NinaTrans; and Gandert Van Raemdonck, researcher at Delft University of Technology.

Digioia said optimising logistics, aerodynamic devices, road infrastructure improvements, training and tyres were important in reducing fuel consumption. He focused on owner drivers and small operators, who may lack time and funds to modify vehicles or undergo training. Explaining that between 65 per cent and just over 95 per cent of road haulage companies employ 10 or fewer staff in European countries, he argued that more help and incentives would be necessary to achieve greater fuel savings.

Smets explained that a combination of different measures are necessary including tracking systems, on-board communications equipment, aerodynamic aids, engine management modifications and low rolling resistance tyres, all of which NinaTrans has in place. However, key to overall fuel consumption are properly trained drivers, he claimed. Driver behaviour is vital and continual follow-up is essential, because driver performance is very good soon after eco-driving training but the gain reduces with time.

Van Raemdonck pointed out that 30 per cent of the total operating cost of a truck is fuel – the highest single factor. Of the total power losses on a truck, 40 per cent are down to aerodynamic drag. Results from full-scale circuit tests achieved by fitting SideWings to trailers showed a fuel consumption reduction of 5 per cent or 1.5l/100kms. Further research involved the fitment of tail devices to trailers. A trailer with an aerodynamic tail had reduced fuel consumption by 6 per cent or 1.6l/100kms.

According to Van Raemdonck driver training, weight saving and tyre technology are the key areas of improvement at low speeds. For long haul operations, aerodynamic add-ons, weight reduction and low rolling resistance tyres are the factors. A combination of aerodynamic modifications, like SideWings and a tail, on a long haul vehicle can see savings of more than 2l/100kms with pay-back in less than two years. He added that regulations should allow fuel-saving innovations; in particular extra unloaded length should be legally permitted to allow for the use of aerodynamic aids, such as ‘boat tails’. 

“Many operators underestimate the important role tyres play with regard to fuel consumption and therefore don’t pay enough attention to the tyres they choose. There is a clear message from this expert panel that low rolling resistance tyres are a key factor in reducing fuel consumption.” said Michel Rzonzef, vice president Commercial Business Unit, Goodyear Dunlop Europe.

Related news:

• First public airing for Goodyear’s self-inflating tyre system
• Cutting through the [tyre labelling] noise
• Goodyear Dunlop releases truck fleet carbon calculator
• Fleets sceptical on reaching EU climate change targets