| October 23, 2008 |  |
Available Technology Could Dramatically Cut Truck Fuel Consumption, Pollution, New Report Finds
California Air Board Will Issue Draft Truck Rule Tomorrow
Click here for Spanish version of press release (PDF)
BERKELEY (October 23, 2008) — Technology available today could dramatically reduce big-rig-truck fuel consumption and emissions that cause global warming and smog, according to a new report released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). A major side benefit: Truckers would save significantly on fuel costs.
"Truckers can make relatively simple modifications to their rigs, save themselves a lot of money over the long run, and save all of us from pollution," said report author Don Anair, a UCS senior vehicles analyst. "We have the technology today to get this done."
UCS released the report one day before the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is expected to issue two new draft rules for trucks registered in California as well as those entering the state. The first rule would require trucks to reduce global warming emissions with off-the-shelf efficiency technology. The second would require truckers to install filters or upgrade their engines to reduce smog-forming and particulate matter emissions. The board is expected to vote on each measure in mid-December after a 45-day public-comment period.
The rules would help the state meet its global-warming-emissions-reduction and air-quality goals. Trucks account for approximately 7 percent of global warming emissions in California and the nation at large. In California, trucks are the largest of source of smog-forming nitrogen-oxide emissions (30 percent) and diesel particulate matter (45 percent). The rules also would have an impact on the rest of the country: Some half a million trucks from out of state pass through California annually.
CARB's proposed global warming pollution measure for trucks is one of nine early action measures the board has identified as part of its implementation plan for the state's landmark global warming law. If CARB requires trucking companies and independent truck owners to take full advantage of global-warming-pollution-reduction technology available today, the report concludes, it would:
- Reduce heat-trapping emissions by 17 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide-equivalent in 2020, an amount equal to taking 2.5 million of cars and trucks off the road.
- Reduce annual national diesel fuel consumption by 1.4 billion gallons and annual California consumption by 200 million gallons in 2020, equivalent to 5 percent of the state's expected use that year.
- Nationally, total fuel savings between now and 2020 would be 11.8 billion gallons, representing $21.5 billion in reduced fuel costs (in 2008 dollars, at a diesel price $3.24 per gallon)
- Reduce smog-forming pollution an additional 473 tons in 2020 above and beyond the improvements achieved by installing exhaust filter technology.
REPORT RECOMMENDS AERODYNAMIC IMPROVEMENTS, BETTER TIRES
When traveling at highway speed, a typical truck uses half the energy from burning diesel fuel just to overcome drag. Equipment that allows air to pass over the tractor and trailer more easily will dramatically reduce fuel use. Such equipment could include:
- An aerodynamically styled tractor with a sloped hood and full roof fairing, an anattachment that reduces drag by directing air over the trailer and covering up protruding smokestacks
- A rear-trailer fairing, flap attachments that direct air smoothly away from the back of a trailer; and
- Trailer side skirts or body panels that cover gaps between wheels, allowing air to smoothly pass over the sides of the trailer.
Tires also play a critical role in fuel economy. Replacing two-tire sets on trailers with wider, single tires and heavy steel wheels with light-weight aluminum wheels, among other improvements, can boost fuel economy as much as 5 percent.
For a typical, new long-range truck traveling more than 130,000 miles per year, available technology could reduce fuel use more than 12 percent. That would translate to annual savings of more than 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year and a net profit of $30,000 during the truck's first 8 years, the average time such a vehicle will spend doing long-distance trips. After 8 years, long-range trucks are typically sold into medium or short-range service. Overall, long-range trucks account for 35 percent of diesel fuel use in California and typically average 6 to 6.5 miles per gallon.
"The average big-rig truck currently is burning 20,000 plus gallons of diesel fuel per year," Anair said, "so installing available, efficient technology on new tractors and trailers is a clear win-win for reducing emissions and saving money."
RULES SHOULD COVER NEW TRUCKS AND RETROFITS
Besides recommending that new tractors and trailers feature this technology, it pointed out that retrofitting tractors and trailers already on the road also can significantly cut global warming emissions and save truck owners money. Retrofitting existing trucks as old as 12 years with a full package of available fuel-efficient technology still would provide tractor-trailer owners lifetime cost savings. With trucks beyond 12 years of age, truck owners could benefit by installing a more modest upgrade package.
For fleet owners, a full technology package would produce cost savings for trucks and trailers as old as six years. The difference between the two cost-benefit analyses is due to the fact that trucking companies typically own 2.5 trailers for every tractor. The report assumes their initial investment in fuel-efficient technology would be greater than owners of single tractor-trailers.
The report's analyses are based on a diesel fuel price of $3.24. Anair noted that if diesel prices increase over time, technology packages would produce greater overall savings and even older vehicles would realize net savings. Reducing fuel use can lower operating costs for truckers, thereby lowering shipping costs for retailers and consumers. Trucks are expected to drive 21.3 billion miles on California's highways in 2020, a 33-percent increase from today's 15.9 billion miles.
"Trucks present a huge opportunity to make big cuts in global warming pollution," said Anair. "The sooner we start, the more money truck owner will save and the faster we get on the road to meeting California's global-warming-reduction goals."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
