Based on these findings, aluminium could yield annual savings of fuel and emissions in Class 8 trucks and trailers as high as 1612 gallons and 17.9t of CO2.
When considering these results for the total United States fleet, approximately two million vehicles, the overall economic and environmental impact of weight savings may be 1bn gallons of diesel and 10Mt/y of CO2.
The average Class 8 vehicle uses over 454kg of aluminium; however, the new study confirms that by further reducing overall vehicle weight with aluminium, transporters can load their vehicles with an additional 6.5% of payload at gross vehicle weight (GVW).
This equates to fewer trips and fuel emissions savings of 6.5% for equivalent average tonne-mile freight efficiency.
The study conducted by Ricardo Inc was commissioned by the Aluminum Association’s Aluminum Transportation Group (ATG) to analyse the fuel efficiency impact of lightweighting Class 8 trucks and trailers.
Using aluminium to reduce vehicle weight in commercial vehicles has other benefits aside from increased payload, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions. These include lower maintenance costs due to fewer trips and less miles on the truck, which ultimately reduces wear and tear on brakes and tyres.
For a copy of the study visit www.aluminumintransportation.org/