Montreal-based research and engineering firm PIT Group has announced it will hold its first set of Energotest fuel-economy trials in the U.S. at Uvalde, Tex., from Feb. 13-17, 2017.

The Energotest will be held at Continental Truck Tires Uvalde' Proving Grounds and will showcase the company’s ability to provide accurate performance fuel-economy data to fleets and technology providers.

Each Energotest event gives transportation companies the ability to take part in a road testing laboratory experience, according to PIT. The firm then uses the data it gains to evaluate the economic and environmental impact of green technologies.

"This first Energotest in the U.S. will showcase the credibility of our team of highly qualified experts by providing accurate, verified data on the performance of technologies for fleets and technology providers in the U.S.," said PIT Group Manager Yves Provencher. "Thanks to a thorough process using cutting-edge equipment, Energotest will help fleets rest assured they are obtaining high-quality, reliable results."

Since 2007, PIT has evaluated over 270 technologies and operational practices during Energotest events it held in Canada. The tests have involved vehicles, including hybrid trucks, tractor and trailer aerodynamic devices, tires and wheel balancing systems, tarp systems for dump trailers, fuel, oil and gear lube additives, and alignment and tire pressure settings.

In recent months, PIT has worked to expand its offerings in the U.S. and is now providing verification services for electronic logging devices in accordance with FMCSA procedures.

During an Energotest, PIT uses the SAE J1321 testing method to evaluate technology’s impact on fuel consumption, which it says provides the most accurate results.

“We measure fuel consumption on a track where every possible variable is controlled,” said Provencher. “The result is a fuel saving projection that is highly representative of what a fleet can expect to realize in actual over the road service. While we may test as many as 20 technologies during one week-long Energotest event, each test is completed in one or two consecutive days, which removes uncertainties associated with tests that are performed over several days or even weeks.”

Registration is open for technology suppliers interested in participating in the PIT Group U.S. Energotest.

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