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The EU has agreed to allow aerodynamic devices to be fitted to lorries that could cut fuel consumption and emissions of long-distance lorry journeys by 5-8%.
Last month, a technical committee of experts from the Commission and member states agreed a revision of existing rules that would allow devices such as ‘boat tails’ of no more than 50cm to be fitted to lorry trailers to reduce wind resistance and therefore use less fuel. If there are no objections by September – and none are expected – the new rules will come into effect later this year.

T&E policy officer William Todts said: ‘This is a win/win situation which will cut emissions and save hauliers money after a relatively short payback period on their investment. Given that three quarters of freight in Europe is transported by lorry, the emissions reduction could be significant, but it’s important not to get too carried away with this. Much more needs to be done to improve the fuel efficiency of lorries.’

Earlier this year T&E published a study containing a design for lorries that would be more fuel-efficient and safer. One of the main recommendations was an end to the blunt lorry cab that wastes millions of litres of fuel and costs hundreds of lives each year.

Over 50 people where present when Michel van Tooren openend the day. Thorsten Frank (Daimler/Mercedes-Benz) was the first presentor and elaborated on the aerodynamic development of the new Actros. Date Rentema (DAF Trucks) focussed on how DAF is dealing with the complex aerodynamics around trucks. Per Elofsson (SCANIA) illustrated the latest aerodynamic developments of their tractor, while Linus Hjelm (VOLVO) presented their work on active flow control at the rear-end of trailers.

During lunch Ralf Täuber (TNT ERN) illustrated their successful experience with aerodynamic drag reduction devices on their trailers during operational activities. Gandert Van Raemdonck (TU Delft) kicked-off the second part of the day with is elaborated research on trailer aerodynamics. Ken Visser (Clarkson University) presented his recent work on active flow control which was also a topic of the talk of Navid Nayeri (TU Berlin). Barry Koren (University of Leiden) closed the day with his lecture on shape optimization methods.

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After this intensive day one can conclude that minimizing aerodynamic drag is of key importance to maximize the fuel efficiency of heavy duty vehicles and that the complete vehicle combination, including the trailer should be considered. Additionally, the aerodynamic benefits that can be obtained at the trailer are much larger compared with further optimizations of the tractor which have already a very good aerodynamic drag level.

On behalf of the organisation we would like to thank all speakers and visitors for their input. We look forward to organising more events in the future.

PART

PART (Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport) is a knowledge platform in which scientists, road transport equipment manufacturers and shippers and carriers work together on a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the road transport sector by 2020. By organizing this workshop, it presents the latest developments, trends and innovations in this knowledge field.

Part of the article:

Gandert Van Raemdonck pointed out that 30% of the total operating cost of a truck is fuel – the highest single factor. Of the total power losses on a truck, 40% are down to aerodynamic drag. Results from full-scale circuit tests achieved by fitting SideWings to trailers showed a fuel consumption reduction of 5% or 1.5 l/100kms. Further research involved the fitment of tail devices to trailers. A trailer with an aerodynamic tail had reduced fuel consumption by 6% or 1.6 l/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, i.e. SideWings and a tail, on a long haul vehicle can see savings of more than 2 l/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’.

Complete article:

http://www.hgvuk.com/03/14/symposium-identifies-opportunities-for-the-transport-sector/

Over 6% saving
Trucks simply guzzle fuel because of their non-efficient aerodynamics. Ephicas creates innovative solutions for trailers, which contribute to fuel savings and a better environment. The operational tests showed 1.65 litre of fuel was saved per 100 km, on a routing over the highway. Furthermore, the operational functionality of the EcoTail was tested. The EcoTail did not pose the driver any problems nor caused it any delay while docking, loading or delivering. A simple adjustment to the door hinges prevents that the doors, which become slightly heavier, suddenly open quite abruptly.
Irma Blanke, Director Operations & Services TNT Express Benelux: “Savings on the fuel cost is an interesting business case, but also helps us to reach our goal of decreasing the CO2 emissions of our operations.”

Not yet on the road
Ephicas had to request permission from the ‘Dienst Wegverkeer’ (RDW) to be able to run the TNT Express pilot, since in The Netherlands the maximum length of a truck is legally regulated. A truck with trailer can be no longer than 16.5 m, for instance. The EcoTail however sticks out almost 1.5 m and surpasses the maximum length. After safety tests proved that road users were not in danger, the RDW allowed a temporary exemption, also since these tests comply with the Transport White Paper targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 60%. Gandert Van Raemdonck of Ephicas explains about the EcoTail use on the road: “We are very happy with the tests and the collaboration with the RDW and TNT Express. During the operational tests, the driver was not hindered at all, nor delayed because of the EcoTail. The results prove that a simple innovation can significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”

The next step will be to extend the Ecotail test to multiple vehicles, with domestic and international destinations. Ephicas, together with partner PART (Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport), is also in talks with policy makers in Brussels to adjust regulations regarding maximum vehicle length towards the use of aerodynamic tools.

foto: Jorrit Lousberg /

foto: Jorrit Lousberg /

Aerodynamics and design united into 1 trailer

During an impressive event with over 1000 attendants, trailer manufacturer STAS has introduced its latest creation, the “V-Streamline II”. This concept trailer is characterized by a unique design which is the result of advanced R&D into optimized aerodynamics, combined with a continuous effort to realize an appealing shape.
The design responds to the latest trends in the world of freight transport. First, an improved aerodynamic shape enables a significant fuel saving. Second, STAS realized that more and more transport companies value the importance of operating a modern fleet of vehicles. Combining the traditional STAS quality with an attractive shape, the V-Streamline II has all it takes to mark the difference for any transport company.
A further simplification of the functionality in order to enhance the user-friendliness for the driver was taken as a basic design condition. Next to that, the new trailer of course also responds to the highest safety standards.
The aerodynamic shape of the V-Streamline II is however the most appealing feature. It is based on 4 structural improvements: the aerodynamic shape of the upper beams reflecting the ideal shape of a water drop, the closed front to deflect the wind from the vehicle body, the flaps at the backside to break the vacuum that is ‘pulling back’ the vehicle and finally also the integration of Ephicas SideWing.
Computer simulations on the new concept project that the improved aerodynamic features of the V-Streamline II will enable a high fuel saving. Further road tests are planned to officially register and validate the saving potential, after the first production vehicles will be released early 2012.