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Green Fleets: Today's Innovations > Trucking Technologies > Aerodynamic Devices

Aerodynamics

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A significant factor affecting fuel use is aerodynamic resistance, commonly known as drag. Studies by the Rocky Mountain Institute and others have shown that drag is a large factor in fuel use, and that a reduction in drag will reduce fuel consumption at both urban and highway speeds. For tractor-trailer combinations, about 70% of drag is due to the trailer.

envirotruck_features_glencoe.jpgSome of the devices heavy-duty commercial trucking can consider to reduce drag include:

Tractor

  • Low-drag bumpers
  • Special wheel flaps
  • Wake boards
  • Aerodynamic mirrors
  • Centre and rear chassis fairings
  • Under-hood air cleaners
  • Full roof fairings

Trailer

  • Tractor-trailer gap fairings
  • Trailer side skirts (fairings)
  • Trailer tails
  • Aerodynamic mirror design

Many OEM and aftermarket manufacturers are selling these devices today. For a look at the experience of BC fleets piloting some of these technologies, see Fleet Experiences.

Learn More

For more on aerodynamics, see: Truck Efficiency and GHG Reduction Opportunities in the Canadian Truck Fleet (2007): a report of the Rocky Mountain Institute.

Also see a May 2003 article on highlights of a US Lawrence Livermore Labs analysis on the impact of drag on fuel efficiency in large tractor-trailer combinations: “Reducing Aerodynamic Drag”.

A recent Freight Wing study on trailer fairings showed that this aerodynamic feature could offer a 6.4% savings in fuel consumption and pay for itself in 1.1 to 2.2 years.

Our Partners

The E3 Fleet Program reflects the commitment and expertise of many people, including some of the country’s most innovative fleet managers. All have a common passion – to see Canada’s fleets take a cleaner, green road to the future.

The Fraser Basin Council thanks our partners at Climate Change Central (Alberta) and Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (Fleet Challenge Ontario) for helping E3 Fleet flourish as a national program.

We also acknowledge our E3 Fleet Charter members: Auto-Gas Propane, BC Hydro, BC Ministry of Environment, City of Coquitlam, Corporation of Delta, Enbridge, City of Hamilton, Hydro One, City of Kelowna, Township of Langley, District of Maple Ridge, City of North Vancouver, Novex Couriers, City of Prince George, District of Saanich, University of BC and Municipality of Whistler. We’ve enjoyed the journey so far, and it’s only just begun!

E3 Fleet in Brief

E3 Fleet is a Canada-wide program that helps public and private sector organizations green up their vehicle fleets. E3 Fleet offers information and tools to help you increase fuel efficiency in your fleet, reduce harmful emissions, manage expenses, and incorporate new technologies or fuels.

E3 Fleet offers Fleet Review and Fleet Rating, unique opportunities for members to boost fleet performance and receive recognition for their achievements.

E3 Fleet is a partnership program of the Fraser Basin Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability, with a focus on climate change and air quality, healthy watersheds and water resources, and sustainable regions and communities. 

Reach Us

For more information on the E3 Fleet program, Plug-in BC and other green fleet initiatives, contact:

Charlotte Argue
Transportation Analyst
E3 Fleet / Green Fleets

Fraser Basin Council
1st Floor, 470 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC  V6C 1V5

T: 1-888-70-FLEET (1-888-703-5338)
E: 
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