Earlier this week, the Obama Administration developed new fuel and greenhouse gas emission criteria that were widely received, especially by the American Trucking Association (ATA), which would apply to truck model years 2014-2018.
So where do we need to turn to satisfy these new standards? According to experts, we need to look no further than existing technologies.
As earthandindustry.com notes, there are six ways to advance standards in the trucking industry. (The following is provided from http://earthandindustry.com/2010/10/6-ways-trucks-will-meet-new-fuel-and-emissions-standards/).
1. Engine efficiency and clean diesel technology: Can cause as much as a 20% decrease in fuel consumption.
That’s why Road Scholar Transport acquired new tractors that emit way less diesel particulate than the 2004 engines. It takes four of our trucks combined to emit as much diesel as one 2004 engine!
2. Fuel efficient tires and wheels: Can lead to an almost 11% fuel reduction.
3. Clean-idling and hybrid technologies: Can result in a 6-8% fuel reduction.
Did you know that “11 million tons of CO2, 200,000 tons of NOx, and 5,000 tons of particulate matter” are emitted by long-haul trucks each year? You do now and clean-idling and hybrid technologies are two ways to help.
4. Advanced transmissions: Result in a 5-7% fuel decrease.
5. Cab and Trailer Aerodynamics: Leads to a 3-4% fuel reduction for cabs and as much as an 8.5% reduction in trailers.
6. Reducing weight: Something as simple as reducing the weight of trucks can produce a 1% fuel decrease.
For more information on the greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency proposal see the blog “Obama Proposes Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Standards for Trucks.”
Road Scholar Transport
