Fuel-Efficiency Rules Proposed for the Trucking Industry

Fuel-efficiency standards are moving beyond our daily commutes and into the trucking industry with new rules proposed for big rigs. Online car and truck publication, InsideLine.com, reported the new fuel economy rules in late October.

The White House has now proposed cuts of as much as 20 percent in fuel consumption and greenhouse gases for medium- and heavy-duty trucks by the 2018 model year. The administration believes these new cuts could possibly save 500 million barrels of oil over the lives of vehicles manufactured during the program's first five years.

Don Anair, a senior analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists' Clean Vehicles Program told InsideLine.com, "These trucks represent only 4% of vehicles on the road, but they consume 20 percent of the fuel."

The Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believe these new proposals could be made possible with existing technologies, such as engine and transmission improvements. The EPA and NHTSA hope to have these new regulations implemented by next year so that they can be applied to 2014 models.

How does the government plan on cutting fuel consumption? Here's what they're proposing:

• Weight reduction – Use of stronger, safer materials, such as aluminum, high-strength steel and composites
• Tractor and trailer aerodynamics – Optimized shaping, trailer side skirts and rear aerodynamic devices may improve air flow over the trailer, which reduces aerodynamic drag
• Engine improvements – Replacing mechanical accessories, such as air condition and power steering, with electrical systems, as well as introducing heat-recovery systems to capture and reuse exhaust heat
• Transmission and driveline improvements – Use of automated manual transmission to optimize shifting while keeping the efficiency of manual transmissions
• Efficient tires and wheels – Use of aluminum to make wheels lighter
• Hybridization and idling reduction – Incorporating battery storage systems and electric generators/motors

Reactions are mixed so far about these new fuel efficiency regulations. Some believe it's a great way to reduce dependence on foreign oil and protect our environment and the only way to do it is through regulations. Other groups believe it's just one more area in which the government wants to gain control over what should be decisions made by the competitive marketplace. All sides agree that better mileage rates and lower pollution rates are good for everybody. Nevertheless, the next few years are sure to bring about many changes in the trucking industry.

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