Fuel consumption on new tractor-trailers could be lowered by 20 percent starting in 2012 and as much as 50 percent in 2017 through the use of such emerging technologies as engine improvements, transmission enhancements, better aerodynamics and changes in systems

and logistics, according to a recent study "Reducing Heavy-Duty Long haul Combination Truck Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions."

The joint study was conducted by Northeast States Center for a Clean Air Future, International Council on Clean Transportation, Southwest Research Institute and Tiax. The research was conducted through a series of modified simulations to predict the fuel saved by incorporating various technology and operational measure combinations in 2007 truck technology.

If all the technologies examined in the study were to be combined, it would save 8 billion gallons of diesel fuel per year for the U.S. trucking industry starting in 2030. Cumulative fuel savings between now and 2030 could reach 90 billion gallons of diesel fuel. The corresponding cumulative CO2 benefits of this fuel savings would be 1.1 billion metric tonnes by 2030 and an annual reduction of 97 million metric tonnes beginning in 2030.

The study analyzes such emerging technologies as speed limiters, fuel efficient tires, aerodynamic devices and longer combination vehicles, which are all part of the Canadian Trucking Alliance's enviroTruck concept. Aside from the enviroTruck technologies, the study also examines the benefits of hybrids.

"Time and time again we read studies that highlight the GHG savings enviroTruck technologies create," said Stephen Laskowski, CTA senior vice president. "It is clear that a federally administered rebate program could make these estimated savings a reality.

"Furthermore, without provincial government involvement to allow boat-tails and single tires at full weights, the industry will not be able to deliver the GHG savings it otherwise could," he said.