Fuel savings of 20% have been achieved on an experimental 40-tonne truck, helped partly by running on lightweight wheels from xlite, and low rolling resistance tyres from Michelin.
Using a standard MAN 446bhp SZM TGX 18.440 XLX tractor unit and a Krone Profi Liner Eco trailer, the test was conceived by Andreas Loechter, managing director of Germany's Lifetime Technologies.
The test route ran from Munich via the Brenner Pass to Sicily, a distance of 1,718km, and onboard telematics showed that fuel consumption of 10.1mpg was achieved – a saving of 22.8% on the amount usually used on that route.
"The results achieved were really sensational, especially when you consider how tough the route was," comments Loechter, who undertook the test in response to a report released by Shell last year that suggested truck fuel consumption could be improved by 20% by 2030.
John Ellis, managing director of Motor Wheel Service, adds: "Even the smallest change, such as moving from steel to forged aluminium wheels, will immediately bring savings whether it be in terms of terms of extra payloads, improved diesel consumption or reduced CO2 emissions."
