The PIT Group and the Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations will begin testing and evaluating electro-mechanical braking systems for Class 8 trucks, the groups announced. The two groups are expanding an agreement inked last year of cooperative testing and validation processes for current and emerging truck technology.

At a joint press conference at TMC’s annual meeting in Atlanta March 17, Dwayne O. Haug, business development director with PIT Group, noted that the findings on the first research effort looking into track testing and validation of Class 8 tractor-trailer aerodynamic systems, as well as a cost calculator to help fleet managers with the spec’ing process, is on track for final approval at this TMC meeting.

Along with Jack Legler, TMC’s technical director, Houge also announced a new joint project in which TMC and PIT Group will begin assessing electromechanical braking systems for Class 8 tractors.

“This proposal came from TMC’s Future Truck Committee,” Legler noted. “Currently pneumatic braking systems are standard. But the potential for less complex, electromechanical braking systems that operate by wire, or wireless systems, offer greater safety potential, along with the opportunity to work better with future autonomous vehicle systems."

The fresh analysis will entail a literature and market review, as well as testing and operational evaluation of electromagnetic brakes. The focus will be on the braking performance, maintenance, and inspection of conventional brakes compared to electromagnetic brakes.

PIT Group, a division of FPInnovations, is a neutral, third-party organization that focuses on testing technologies and evaluating operational effectiveness for member fleets.