Greenhouse gas emissions and heavy trucking go hand in hand. 18 percent of the transportation sector's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arise from these vehicles. It is the single fastest-growing source of transportation emissions. Naturally, ways to improve efficiency and decrease consumption help.
However, best efficiency need not always come from lessened consumption. Similarly, trucks with low fuel consumption do not necessarily have the best efficiency.
Gains in efficiency can be achieved with technologies like auxiliary power units, wide-base tires, hybrid powertrains, reducing overnight idling, regenerative braking and improved aerodynamic mechanisms. But simpler measures like increasing weight limits and length of trucks along with reducing the speed limit (from 65 to 60 kmph saves 8 percent of a truck's fuel) also helps!
Fortunately, long-haul trucks emit only a fraction of the SOx, NOx, and particulate matter that they emitted ten years ago.
Marketing new ideas is the ultimate challenge. Try telling a trucker that going slow on the accelerator is actually good! Even if a new technology has been proved, owners have to be convinced about their reliability and durability. Even if it is available, a mechanic might not know how to install it. This makes new fuel-efficient technologies hard to bring to market.
Do let us know any simple tips/techniques you have heard or developed that help reduce fuel consumption (and hence the emissions).
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