Scania trials spoiler claimed to cut truck fuel by two percent 08 October 2010

Scania has begun tests of a rear air deflector, known as a boat-tail, said to reduce fuel consumption by up to two percent. The truck giant suggests that, if proven, that corresponds to an annual saving of 1,200 litres of fuel and three tonnes of CO2 emissions for a truck running 200,000km per year.

Its trials are being conducted on Scania's Transport Laboratory trucks – the wholly owned subsidiary of Scania that tests and evaluates vehicle characteristics and performance in commercial road haulage.

"For Transport Laboratory trucks, which run 360,000km per year and consume an average of 26 litres of fuel per 100km, this represents an annual saving of almost 1,900 litres of diesel and five tonnes of CO2 per truck," comments Anders Gustavsson, managing director of Scania Transport Laboratory.

And he adds: "This kind of aerodynamic improvement is positive for industry profitability as well as the environment, and is equivalent to the results of several years of engine and chassis development work."

The boat-tail is mounted on a normal three-axle semitrailer for European long-haulage. The length of the vehicle combination increases by 30 cm – equivalent to the extra length permitted for a tail-lift or other loading equipment according to European Union's Directive 97/27 EC.

"The tests are limited to Sweden and Denmark while we await final word on how road and traffic authorities in the Netherlands and Germany view our interpretation and application of the EU directive," explains Gustavsson – referring to a recently introduced EU proposal that would amend the current Directive 97/27 EC to allow trailers to be equipped with a rear air deflector of this length.

"This is a solution that does not encroach on cargo space and can also be retrofitted on existing trailers. In light of this, I hope that European trailer manufacturers will find it of interest to begin developing an integrated boat-tail. It involves a very simple technical solution that could quickly help reduce transport costs and environmental impact," says Gustavsson.

Author
Brian Tinham

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