How to Extend Electric Semi Truck Range With Aerodynamics

As electric vehicles (EVs) increase in popularity, many fleets in the trucking industry are considering electric semi trucks to increase sustainability and reduce emission levels. 

Electric trucks add new considerations to fleet management. Electric trucks have a limited range, which could negatively impact fleet efficiency. What happens if a truck is miles from home base, has a problem, and the battery is running low?

Extending the electric semi truck range can help fleets optimize efficiency and reduce risks. In this article, we’ll look closer at the electric semi truck range and explore ways to improve it.

What Is the Standard Semi Truck Range?

The range of a standard semi truck can vary depending on the size and number of its fuel tanks. Fuel tanks on these trucks commonly hold 110 to 150 gallons, and semi trucks typically have two.

Generally, semi trucks burn around six miles per gallon, making their expected range approximately 1,320 to 1,800 miles.

However, several factors can impact the range.

  • Weight: Heavy trucks burn more fuel, reducing mileage.
  • Terrain: High-incline roads increase fuel consumption, decreasing range.
  • Fuel tanks: Bigger and more spacious tanks increase available mileage and range.
  • Airflow: An aerodynamic truck consumes less fuel, resulting in a longer range.

What Is the Range of an Electric Semi Truck?

Like standard trucks, an electric semi truck’s range depends on factors like aerodynamics, terrain, and weight. However, two additional considerations unique to EVs are battery capacity and electric drivetrain efficiency.

By 2023, electric semi trucks will be available from several brands, including Tesla, Volvo, and Freightliner. Their ranges will vary based on the model.

Here are the specs on the top electric Class 8 trucks available in 2023:

MakeModelRange Charge Time
TeslaSemi500 mi.70% in 30 mins
VolvoVNR Electric275 mi.80% in 90 mins
FreightlinereCascadia155, 220, or 230 mi.0-80% in 90 mins
Peterbilt579EV150 mi.100% in 3 hrs

Electric Semi Truck Use Cases

Electric semi trucks excel in particular applications due to their shorter travel range than conventional semi trucks.

Specifically, electric trucks shine in urban delivery routes. These city routes offer more opportunities for regenerative braking and easy compliance with emissions regulations.

Additionally, port transportation is another strong fit for electric semi trucks, given the short and predictable trips between ports and nearby warehouses.

Can Aerodynamics Extend Electric Semi Truck Range?

At high speeds, overcoming drag accounts for about 65% of a typical heavy truck’s total energy consumption. As a result, reducing energy consumption is possible by improving aerodynamics—how air flows around the truck.

As EVs get more efficient, their batteries last longer. Enhanced battery life allows them to go farther between charges, effectively increasing range.

In terms of aerodynamics, electric semi trucks have a distinct advantage. Electric semis have greater design flexibility than conventional semi trucks, whose design revolves around the engine and drivetrain. The floor-mounted battery storage and smaller electric motors allow for more aerodynamic shapes. Their cooling systems also require fewer gaps and holes for radiators, reducing aerodynamic drag.

How to Increase the Range of an Electric Semi Truck

Aerodynamics plays a significant role in electric semi truck energy consumption. As such, reducing aerodynamic drag can extend their range. 

Here are three ways to increase electric semi truck range:

1. Close the Gap

Closing the gap between the tractor and trailer is a straightforward yet impactful way to improve aerodynamics. Reduced turbulence and drag translate to less energy consumption and a longer range. 

An automated gap reducer, such as TruckWings, is the optimal solution for closing this gap. This technology is proven to improve fuel economy by 3-6%, thereby noticeably extending the range of electric semi trucks.

2. Add Roof Fairings

Roof fairings provide a dual benefit: they not only improve the aerodynamics of your truck but are also a cost-effective way to increase range. These attachments streamline the truck’s shape, effectively reducing air resistance and energy consumption. 

Roof fairings are generally lightweight, easy to install, and can pay for themselves in fuel savings over time. Improving the truck’s overall efficiency extends the range and reduces operational costs.

3. Invest in a Battery Management System

Think of a Battery Management System (BMS) as the brain of your electric semi truck. It plays a critical role in maintaining and protecting the battery pack. A BMS measures parameters like cell voltage, temperature, and charging rates. 

But its capabilities go beyond simple monitoring—it actively balances the voltage between cells and manages the current drawn from each cell to maximize power and range. Plus, by preventing overcharging and over-discharging, a BMS ensures the longevity of your battery pack, protecting your investment in the long run.

Improve Your Fleet’s Semi Truck Range With TruckLabs

As more than half of the energy used by semi trucks goes toward pushing air away, reducing aerodynamic drag is essential. Aerodynamics is even more crucial in electric semi trucks since it can effectively increase range, thus improving fleet efficiency and reducing risk.

TruckWings is a solution that can significantly improve the aerodynamics of an electric semi truck, extending its range.

Check out TruckWings or contact us for more information about increasing your electric semi truck range by reducing aerodynamic drag.

Best Practices for Improving Fleet Efficiency in Class 8 Trucking

Rising diesel prices are escalating the operational costs of fleets. Coupled with the steady rise of other expenses, the imperative for fleet managers to enhance their fleet efficiency has never been clearer.

Fleet efficiency involves optimizing vehicles, trailers, containers, drivers, and administrative personnel. In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of fleet efficiency and its significance in the trucking industry and outline six best practices to elevate it

What Is Fleet Efficiency?

Before discussing how to improve fleet efficiency, it is important to understand what it means. Fleet efficiency is improving the performance of a company’s fleet of vehicles.

A fleet manager must review and monitor various factors to improve fleet efficiency. To measure fleet efficiency, fleet managers use three main indicators:

  • Safety metrics help to identify risk patterns and implement preventative measures. These measures include accident rates, driving violations, and maintenance compliance.
  • Cost efficiency metrics help identify areas of waste or inefficiencies in a fleet. These indicators include fuel efficiency, idle time, and vehicle utilization.
  • Compliance metrics indicate how well a fleet complies with relevant regulations and standards. These measurements include on-time deliveries, hours of service, and emissions compliance.

Importance of Efficiency in the Trucking Industry

Fleet efficiency is pivotal for the prosperity of the fleet for several compelling reasons.


One of the obvious benefits is reducing costs. Profit margins will improve by prioritizing enhancements in key fleet areas and adopting technologies that reduce fleet fuel costs. Given the existing squeeze on margins, proactive investments today promise significant returns in the future.

Environmental responsibility is another major factor. With governments increasingly urging businesses to consider their ecological footprint, the trucking industry is under the spotlight. Enhancing fleet efficiency reduces emissions and steers the organization toward a more eco-friendly trajectory.

In addition, it’s crucial to consider the well-being and satisfaction of employees. A streamlined and efficient fleet cultivates a reduced-stress environment and can improve driver retention. This minimizes operational challenges, such as last-minute alterations and excessive idle time, ensuring more consistent schedules and improving driver satisfaction. 

6 Best Practices for Improving Fleet Efficiency

Prioritizing fleet efficiency enhancement is an effective strategy for cutting down fleet costs. There are many things fleet managers can do to improve efficiency, including:

1. Enhance Truck Aerodynamics

Aerodynamic devices are a primary contributor to fleet efficiency. There are a variety of devices to choose from, such as aerodynamic bumpers, mirrors, and roof fairings. Not only do these devices help reduce fuel consumption, but they can also reduce emissions and improve driving capabilities as less wind buffets the vehicle.

Among the great devices that can help fleet efficiency are tractor gap devices, like TruckWings. TruckWings closes the gap between the cab and the trailer, making the truck more aerodynamic. Increased aerodynamics helps to improve airflow and fuel economy.

2. Optimize Operations With Telematics

Telematics is a trucking technology that monitors a fleet vehicle’s data points and transfers them to a central system for real-time analysis. A fleet manager can then use that data to make better decisions for the entire fleet.

With telematics, fleet efficiency can be improved in a variety of ways. A fleet tracking system can avoid traffic delays on the original route and track the fleet’s location. Additionally, it can monitor fuel consumption and address any drivers who waste fuel. Predicting mechanical issues with a vehicle health indicator can minimize downtime.

3. Provide Feedback and Foster Communication

Leveraging technology allows fleet managers to monitor essential metrics related to driver behavior. Since better driving practices can lead to decreased fuel consumption, engaging drivers in constructive dialogue is essential.

Instead of delivering feedback as criticism, positioning it as constructive coaching can make drivers more receptive. In addition, two-way communication is essential: while fleet managers should provide feedback, drivers should also have avenues to voice their insights and concerns.

Given their hands-on experience, drivers often offer crucial perspectives that can enhance overall fleet operations. Their feedback can also highlight potential improvements in communication channels, ensuring a transparent and effective exchange between managerial staff and drivers.

4. Streamline Operations With Software

Advancements in technology have paved the way for software solutions and mobile apps that bolster efficiency in the trucking industry. Gone are the days when fleet management relied on cumbersome paper trails and whiteboards. These methods were time-consuming, prone to errors, and lacked analytical depth. 

Modern fleet management tools offer real-time connectivity and derive insights from vast data. This software ensures accurate data collection from vehicles and stores it centrally for effortless retrieval. Vehicle maintenance records, both past and upcoming, are readily available with timely alerts. Integrated mobile apps further bridge communication between drivers and the central office, guaranteeing access to current information.

5. Reduce Idle Time With Fuel-Efficient Routes

Excessive idle time can escalate fuel consumption, maintenance expenses, and environmental impact. Sending drivers on suboptimal routes only further reduces semi truck fuel efficiency. 

Utilizing routing software, you can minimize idle time by optimizing routes based on variables like delivery addresses and delivery times, ensuring paths with minimal traffic. Educating drivers about turning off engines during halts and utilizing telematics for real-time data can further reduce idle periods and prevent unnecessary traffic delays.

6. Implement Preventive Maintenance

Instead of reacting to breakdowns, fleet managers should proactively implement preventive maintenance schedules. This approach addresses potential issues before they escalate, minimizing unplanned vehicle downtime.

Proactive truck fleet maintenance not only curtails downtime but also optimizes fuel efficiency. Routine measures, such as tire inflation and oil filter replacements, are crucial for peak vehicle performance and can substantially reduce repair expenses. Taking a proactive stance reduces downtime for drivers and eliminates emergency responses.

A robust preventive maintenance strategy begins with a comprehensive fleet inventory and current records. Plans should be tailored for each vehicle, considering its usage, season, mileage, and engine hours. Continual monitoring of these elements enables informed decisions. Furthermore, training drivers to conduct inspections and report findings to a central system enhances the preventive approach.

Optimize Your Fleet Efficiency With TruckLabs

Understanding fleet efficiency is foundational for any trucking company committed to optimizing costs and operations. It’s not a one-time effort but a continuous endeavor. By embracing technological advancements, such as aerodynamic improvements with TruckWings, companies can drive tangible improvements in fuel efficiency.

Check out TruckWings or contact us if you’d like to learn more about how to improve your fleet’s efficiency.

Green Logistics: Sustainability in Class 8 Fleet Management

Intro

Supply chains may involve a number of steps — manufacturing, importing, exporting, and transporting goods by air, land, and sea. That’s why improving sustainability in the supply chain can be so complicated. Unless everyone participates, progress may be slow, at best. 

With climate change now an undeniable reality, regulators have been increasingly rolling out rules to implement green logistics. In the trucking sector, those rules focus on reducing emissions, and the penalties for non-compliance could be significant. 

In this post, we’ll talk about why green logistics matters and how fleets are doing their part to improve sustainability in the supply chain. 

What Is Green Logistics?

Green logistics is the integration of environmentally friendly practices and systems that promote sustainability, reduce carbon footprint, and reduce waste. In the transportation sector, green logistics focuses on minimizing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency, while also operating within budget constraints. 

Why Is Green Logistics Important? 

Green logistics is not an option but a necessity. The benefits of embracing green logistics include reducing your fleet’s carbon footprint, decreasing fuel consumption, and lowering maintenance costs. Additional benefits include: 

Compliance

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has developed regulations that aim to achieve zero emissions for medium and heavy-duty fleets. The regulations require drayage vehicles to begin transitioning to zero-emission technology in 2024 and be fully compliant by 2035. Regardless of where a fleet is based, it must comply with CARB regulations if its trucks operate in California. 

Read more about emissions regulations — including a timeline of their development — in our related post.

Supply Chain Expectations

Some multinational corporations (MNCs) are increasing their efforts to improve corporate social responsibility, and part of that movement is taking a closer look at all of their supply chain relationships. A Harvard Business Review study found that several suppliers began working to reduce their carbon footprints, based on the scrutiny of MNCs.

Cost Savings

In June 2023, the American Transportation Research Institute reported that truck operating costs had reached an all-time high, with fuel costs accounting for $25.84 per hour, per vehicle. Even if implementing green technology requires an initial investment, it’s clear that improving fuel efficiency could dramatically reduce costs for large fleets.

Environmental Stewardship

Retrofitting trucks with fuel-saving technology could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50 million tons per year and reduce fuel consumption by 4.50 billion gallons per year. Those facts illustrate how the trucking sector could — with green technology that’s already available — have an immediate and positive impact on the environment.

Key Trends in Green Logistics for Class 8 Fleets

Now let’s look at how fleets are using technology to reduce their carbon footprint.

Emissions Monitoring Tools

Controlling emissions begins with understanding what your output is. Emissions monitoring technology collects information about MPG and fuel consumption for every truck in your fleet, and then stores it in a central dashboard. This data can help fleet managers spot vehicles with excessive emissions and calculate overall fleet CO2 emissions.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Alternative Fuel

EVs don’t burn fossil fuel, which makes them an appealing option for fleet managers looking to reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions. EV adoption may be sluggish, however, due to the high initial investment. Fleet managers looking to replace diesel trucks with EV trucks may be able to find tax breaks and other incentives that offset the investment costs.

Alternative fuel trucks — like those that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) — also offer lower emissions than diesel trucks. But CNG trucks can be refueled only at CNG stations, which are scarce in the far northwest and northeastern United States. Upgrading to CNG fleets may be an option in areas with CNG filling stations, but it may be years before CNG infrastructure is robust enough to support nationwide fleets. 

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance uses telematics to monitor truck performance and driving conditions and alert fleet managers when maintenance is required. That means fleets can be proactive about maintenance and ensure trucks are running efficiently, rather than wait for costly breakdowns. 

Idle-Reduction Technology

Long-haul truckers are required by law to take rest breaks, and when resting, they may leave engines running to keep the cab at an optimal temperature. But rest-period idling produces about 11 million tons of CO2 per year, as well as harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Idle-reduction technologies aim to improve cab climate control without the engine running. Examples include:

  • Auxiliary power units that run on diesel, electricity, or alternative fuels
  • Diesel-powered cab or bunk heaters
  • Battery-electric air conditioners that recharge in transit and plug into external power at truck stops 

Simple Ways to Implement Green Logistics

Optimize Routes

Manual route-planning is inefficient, and relying on GPS alone won’t optimize routes because apps like Google Maps and Waze don’t “know” the variables that impact routes. For example, if drivers need to deliver multiple shipments at separate destinations between specific hours, a simple GPS tool doesn’t have the depth to plan the best route. 

Intelligent route-planning software can streamline routes to minimize drive time. It also helps prevent idle time — which can happen when drivers arrive too early to unload — and missed delivery windows. That increased efficiency saves fuel. 

Decrease Empty Miles

Here’s a scenario that happens frequently: A truck delivers a shipment to Point B then returns to its base at Point A. Another truck arrives at Point B to transport a shipment to Point A, then returns to Point B. In each case, a truck is racking up “empty miles,” which burns a lot of unnecessary fuel. 

Backhauling is a solution to this problem. Using a software solution, fleet managers can find loads for a truck’s return trip, which also boosts revenue. 

Reduce Aerodynamic Drag

Aerodynamic drag is unavoidable when traveling at highway speeds. But there are some ways to minimize the impact of aerodynamic drag, which can reduce fuel consumption significantly across large fleets. 

TruckWings is an aerodynamic device that easily installs on the rear of the cab and closes the gap between cab and trailer at speeds above 52 mph. The “wings” collapse flat against the cab when speed falls below 50 mph, so they never interfere with low-speed maneuverability. 

Each TruckWings device reduces CO2 emissions by 20,000 lbs per year and reduces fuel consumption by 3-6% per year — potentially millions of dollars in savings for a large fleet.  

Go Green With TruckLabs

TruckLabs created TruckWings out of a desire to make a positive impact on the environment. With TruckWings, you can improve your green logistics without replacing your entire fleet with EV or alt-fuel trucks. And if you do upgrade your fleet, you can use TruckWings to further improve the efficiency of your new trucks.

What Is Fleet Management Technology & How Does It Benefit Fleets?

Whether you’re managing a fleet of 20 or 200,000 vehicles, fleet management is essential for monitoring your fleet’s safety, productivity, and efficiency.

Managing a fleet is multifaceted — from taking care of vehicle maintenance and ensuring driver safety to planning routes and optimizing fuel consumption (an important task when gas accounts for 25% of costs). A fleet management system can help fleet managers save time, money, and effort while managing their fleet more efficiently. 

Fleet management technology is a powerful tool. In this article, we’ll explore fleet technology, what to look for in a fleet management system, and some examples of how to use it to get the most out of your fleet.

What Is Fleet Management?

Fleet management is a term that comprises the actions and processes required to run a fleet that is efficient and cost-effective. It involves various tasks and responsibilities to optimize fleet performance, reduce operational costs, enhance safety, and comply with regulations.

Using fleet management, owners can increase their fleets’ productivity, extend the lifespan of their vehicles, and enhance overall operational efficiency. 

The responsibility of fleet management falls to the fleet manager. Fleet managers oversee daily operations, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently. Fleet managers’ tasks can involve hiring, purchasing vehicles, optimizing routes, and adhering to laws and regulations. Each fleet has its own tasks and challenges, making the fleet manager role unique. 

What Is Fleet Technology and What Are Its Benefits?

Fleet technology refers to tools and technical solutions that assist in managing and optimizing fleets. These tools require an upfront cost but can result in a quick return on investment. They can also help with other essential factors, such as improving road safety. 

Fleet technology helps managers optimize their fleets in several ways, including:

  • Data analysis: Analyzing historical data and real-time data about drivers and their vehicles can reveal trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Fewer breakdowns: Well-maintained records and automated reminders simplify truck maintenance, resulting in less downtime.
  • Improve driver safety: Monitoring driver behaviors encourages good driving habits and enhances road safety.
  • Increase productivity: Monitoring delays, idle times, and downtime make it easier to spot and fix performance issues, improving efficiency.

What Features Should You Look for in Fleet Management Technology?

Fleet management technology is available in many forms. If you are looking for a fleet management system with comprehensive support, look for the following features:

  • GPS tracking uses satellite technology or cellular networks to monitor vehicles. It can provide customizable alerts, real-time tracking, route optimization, and customer notifications.
  • Fuel management can monitor fuel levels in real-time, provide insights into how long fuel lasts, and identify leaks.
  • Notifications and alerts highlight to the fleet manager any severe situations that require attention immediately or may cause an issue in the future. Fleet managers can set up custom notifications and alerts based on their preferences.
  • Fleet maintenance helps fleet managers identify vehicle issues so they can be addressed quickly and prevent long-term damage.

5 Use Cases for Fleet Management Software

With the fleet management market predicted to hit $52.50 billion by 2030, fleet management technology will become standard in the industry. The right fleet management software can make fleet management easier and more efficient. Here are five ways to use technology to help you manage your fleet.

1. Predicting Maintenance

Fleet management software can use historical data to help predict maintenance so you can proactively resolve issues before they happen, reducing vehicle downtime. The software helps gather fleet data from installed GPS trackers and sends it to the central system. AI models then analyze the data to determine when maintenance services such as brake inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations are necessary.

2. Improving Aerodynamics

Reducing gas expenses can result in significant savings for fleets. One way to help reduce fuel consumption is to install aerodynamic devices. Aerodynamic equipment like gap devices and boat tail fairings reduce drag, improve stability, and increase fuel efficiency. With fleet technology, fleet managers can gain insights into the effectiveness of these devices by examining how efficiently they work.

3. Monitoring and Alerting Drivers

Driver monitoring systems (DMS) are a type of fleet technology that can aid in improving driver behavior. These systems use a camera to detect any actions from a driver that could impair their driving, such as fatigue, talking on the phone, or smoking. When the tools see risky behavior, an in-cab alert notifies the driver and encourages safer driving habits.

4. Capturing Data and Insights

A significant part of fleet technology is capturing data to analyze fleet operations and suggest improvements. Fleet tools can collect data such as:

  • Speeding events
  • Heavy acceleration
  • Aggressive cornering
  • Vehicle maintenance info
  • Unnecessary mileage

These data points can become actionable insights useful for fleet managers to anticipate future problems and develop solutions.

5. Planning Routes

Fleet management technology can also help fleet managers optimize routes. GPS and telematics report the real-time location of the fleet, allowing drivers to plan alternative paths if delays occur. 

Additionally, the software can help plan the most efficient route. With the help of sophisticated algorithms, fleet technology can analyze multiple delivery locations, traffic patterns, and other factors to help reduce fuel consumption, delivery times, and wear and tear on the fleet.

Take Your Fleet to the Next Level With Fleet Management Technology

Fleet management technology can help a fleet reduce operating costs, such as fuel costs, vehicle breakdowns, and maintenance costs. Fuel is one of a fleet’s most expensive expenses, and investing in TruckWings can help — TruckWings improved Ryder’s mileage by 4.1%.

Check out TruckWings or contact us if you’d like to learn more about how fleet technology and improved aerodynamics can transform your business.

5 Ways to Use Fleet Telematics and Aerodynamics to Boost Fuel Efficiency

For leaders in the trucking industry, finding ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations is a challenging yet essential task. With diesel prices at historical highs, efficiency is a key component influencing a fleet’s average trucking cost per mile.

One groundbreaking technology has emerged as a beacon of hope: fleet telematics. According to a recent study, fleet telematics can slash fuel expenses by 20-25%. With such high stakes, understanding and deploying telematics for fleets are no longer optional — they’re essential.

This article examines the benefits of fleet telematics and how optimizing aerodynamics can help lower consumption and reduce fuel costs.

What Is Fleet Telematics?

Telematics is an interdisciplinary field that melds telecommunications with informatics. Specifically, telematics for fleet management refers to using advanced technology and data analysis to monitor and manage a fleet of vehicles. From tracking a single truck’s location to monitoring the entire fleet’s performance, telematics provides unparalleled insights for fleet managers.

Using telematics, each vehicle in a fleet captures and transmits data via a network of connected telematic devices. The system can collect multiple data points, including the vehicle’s location, speed, idle time, harsh braking, and even tire pressure or engine health. Fleet managers can use this data to make more informed decisions.

What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Telematics for Fleets?

Fleet telematics offers numerous benefits beyond the obvious advantage of improved fuel efficiency. Telematics for fleets can improve safety and productivity while extending vehicle life. With the insights from telematics, companies can also significantly reduce operating costs, meet compliance requirements, and deliver superior customer service.

However, as with any significant change, integrating fleet telematics can present challenges. Upfront costs for equipment and software, the need for employee training, and the potential for data privacy concerns are all factors to consider. A careful plan can overcome these obstacles, resulting in substantial long-term benefits.

Why Does Aerodynamics Matter for Fuel Efficiency?

Vehicle aerodynamics refers to how air flows around a vehicle while it is in motion, and it plays a crucial role in vehicle performance and fuel economy. Trucks generate drag and air resistance as they travel, which means the engine uses more power to overcome the friction, thus consuming more fuel. Reducing friction with aerodynamic devices can improve fuel economy.

The optimization of truck and trailer aerodynamics can include a range of techniques, from retrofitting aerodynamic devices such as side skirts or roof fairings to advanced designs in new vehicles. Even a small effort, like maintaining optimal tire pressure, can positively impact a vehicle’s aerodynamic profile and improve fuel efficiency.

5 Ways Fleet Telematics Helps Improve Fuel Efficiency

Fleet telematics is more than a tool for simply tracking vehicles or measuring data — it’s a powerful resource for optimizing fleet operations. Telematics provides valuable insights into improving fuel efficiency and reducing operational costs. 

Here are five ways you can utilize fleet telematics to drive fuel efficiency.

1. Analyzing Vehicle Aerodynamics

Understanding and improving vehicle aerodynamics is key to optimizing fuel efficiency. The more aerodynamic a vehicle, the less fuel it requires to move forward. According to estimates, long-haul trucks traveling at highway speeds use around 85% of useful engine power to overcome aerodynamic drag. 

This is where fleet telematics steps in. It enables the collection and analysis of detailed data related to vehicle aerodynamics, including air resistance and flow patterns. Using these insights, operations managers can identify areas to reduce aerodynamic drag and measure improvements in data once changes have been made. The positive impact on the bottom line can be substantial, as even minor aerodynamic adjustments can yield significant savings over a vehicle’s lifespan.

2. Monitoring and Coaching Driver Behavior

It’s not only the vehicle’s design that affects fuel efficiency but also how it’s driven. Research suggests that driver behavior can reduce annual fuel consumption by up to 30%. Speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and excessive idling are some behaviors that can lead to increased fuel consumption. 

Fortunately, telematics systems collect data on driving habits and patterns, allowing fleet managers to analyze and identify areas of concern. This real-time information can then be used for coaching drivers, promoting safer and more fuel-efficient driving habits. The result is twofold: Not only does this lead to reduced fuel consumption, but it also promotes a safer work environment for drivers.

3. Minimizing Excessive Idling

Excessive idling is a hidden drain on fuel resources, with some estimates suggesting that a single long-haul truck can consume 3.6 gallons of fuel a day just by idling. At $4.50 per gallon, that’s $16.20 per day of wasted fuel. That adds up quickly over time and across an entire fleet, leading to a significant resource drain. Idling also contributes to engine wear and tear, further increasing operating costs. 

Thankfully, telematics systems can accurately track and identify instances of excessive idling. By pinpointing when, where, and why idling is happening, fleet managers can implement specific, effective policies or provide targeted driver training to minimize idling times. This proactive approach results in substantial savings, reducing fuel wastage and associated costs, and prolongs vehicle life by reducing unnecessary engine use.

4. Optimizing Route Planning

Routing inefficiencies, such as long detours and traffic congestion, can increase fuel consumption significantly. Reports estimate that traffic congestion alone increases the cost of freight transport by nearly $75 billion annually — an expense that both producers and consumers must bear. 

Telematics systems, however, can combat these inefficiencies. They provide real-time data on traffic conditions, road closures, and even weather conditions, thus allowing for dynamic route planning. Using this data to plan and optimize routes, fleets can avoid obstacles, streamline operations, and significantly improve fuel efficiency. 

Moreover, telematics systems allow fleet managers to monitor trucks in transit, enabling them to make route adjustments on-the-fly as necessary, further enhancing efficiency. In a business where time is money, the ability to quickly and effectively react to unforeseen circumstances on the road is invaluable.

5. Enhancing Vehicle Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle operates more efficiently, consumes less fuel, and has a longer lifespan. Fleet telematics systems play an essential role in keeping trucks in optimal condition. They monitor vehicle performance parameters such as engine temperature, tire pressure, and brake condition and track maintenance schedules. They can also provide alerts for preventive maintenance needs and help identify potential issues before they become serious problems. 

In addition, proper installation and maintenance of aerodynamic devices are critical to achieving and maintaining improved fuel efficiency. Well-maintained aerodynamic devices continue to reduce drag and save fuel over the long haul, ensuring fleets reap the maximum benefit from their investment.

Reduce Fuel Costs and Improve Aerodynamics With Fleet Telematics

Fleet telematics and aerodynamics are powerful tools to improve fuel efficiency, enhance safety, and optimize operations. TruckWings is a simple solution to improve truck aerodynamics and optimize fuel efficiency. 

When driving speed reaches 52 mph, TruckWings deploys without driver intervention, closing the gap between cab and trailer and reducing downstream turbulence. Increased back-of-cab pressure makes the tractor-trailer more stable and fuel-efficient, resulting in 3 to 6% MPG savings.

Check out TruckWings or contact us if you’d like to learn more about how fleet telematics and improved aerodynamics can transform your trucking business.

5 Practical Ways to Reduce Fleet Emissions

In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new regulations for greenhouse gas emissions from Class 8 vehicles. The new regulations would require Class 8 vehicles to emit 20% fewer greenhouse gases by 2027. In the light of new regulations, pressure is mounting to reduce fleet emissions.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements have placed a renewed focus on emission management strategies for fleet owners looking for ways to lessen their vehicles’ impact on the environment. While transitioning to electric vehicles (EV) may be a desirable long-term goal, it’s not always practical or realistic for fleets operating in the current market.

However, fleet owners can take steps to reduce emissions on Class 8 vehicles, improve Scope 3 carbon emissions for its customers, and build a competitive advantage.

Fleet Emissions and the STEER Act

New legislation has emerged to help equip fleets with technology that will help reduce emissions.

The Supporting Trucking Efficiency and Emission Reductions (STEER) Act, introduced in the U.S. House in July 2021, is designed to reduce emissions by incentivizing truck companies to buy and install fuel-efficient technologies on Class 8 trucks.

Under the STEER Act, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) would provide $500 million over five years for vouchers to cover the expense. A draft of the legislation states that the voucher amounts for each technology included in the bill will cover the lesser of:

  • $4,000 or 75% of costs per unit for fleets operating 10 trucks or fewer.
  • $3,500 or 72.5% of costs per unit for fleets operating 50 trucks or fewer.
  • $3,000 or 70% of costs per unit for fleets operating 100 trucks or fewer.
  • $2,500 or 67.5% of costs per unit for fleets operating more than 100 trucks.

5 Ways to Reduce Fleet Emissions

Going electric is one way to reduce emissions.

But the truth is that transitioning to EVs is not realistic for most fleets in the near term.

Adding EVs to a fleet requires a substantial investment. Electric Class 8s cost $400,000 to $600,000, compared to about $150,000 for conventional diesel trucks.

About $220,000 of that expense is for the electric powertrain alone. Another added expense is the need for electric vehicle infrastructure, such as charging stations, which cost about $20,000 each.

There are also concerns that if drivers have to stop every 150 to 250 miles to charge their trucks, driver shortages will increase. This is why it’s important to consider using technologies that improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions in existing vehicles.

Fortunately, there are five other ways to reduce emissions that are more practical and realistic for most fleets in the short term.

1. Improve Truck Aerodynamics

Improving aerodynamics is one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions both today and into the future with EVs.

Aerodynamic drag accounts for over half of a truck’s fuel consumption at highway speeds. The good news is that using multiple aerodynamic devices to reduce drag can save the trucking industry about $10 billion in diesel fuel expenses.

These devices include:

  • Roof fairings to minimize the turbulence created by the cab.
  • Wheel covers that allow air to flow past the tires.
  • Active aerodynamics devices that automatically adjust to the changing aerodynamic needs.

One example of an active aerodynamic device for Class 8 tractors is TruckWings, a device that automatically closes the gap between the cab and trailer. TruckWings automatically deploy when speed exceeds 52 mph and retracts when speed is below 50 mph.

This means drivers don’t need to take their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel.

Here are some of TruckWings’ proven benefits:

  • Improves driver experience: Fully-automated TruckWings improve stability, especially in crosswinds, and don’t require driver interaction.
  • Helps fleet owners meet ESG goals: Each TruckWing reduces 20,000 lbs/yr in carbon emissions.
  • Offers durability with minimal maintenance: Aerospace-grade aluminum has proven durability of almost half a billion miles driven and outperforms side extenders.
  • Provides real-time data: A cloud-connected telematics device features customer dashboards for 100% transparency.
  • Reduces fuel costs: TruckWings has shown proven savings of 3-6% mpg, resulting in millions of dollars saved per fleet.

Ryder System, Inc. and TruckLabs worked together to test the fuel efficiency of TruckWings. Get the results here.

2. Invest in Telematics

The technology of communicating, collecting, and storing information via telecommunication devices is known as telematics.

In trucking, telematics monitors engine diagnostics and the hours a vehicle runs. This helps fleet managers keep track of all vehicle updates and required maintenance.

3. Optimize Trucking Routes

An efficient routing plan can help reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and costs.

GPS technology has advanced, allowing for quicker travel and fewer stops, resulting in a 30% reduction in carbon emissions during each trip.

4. Monitor and Improve Driver Habits

The most common cause of fuel waste is driver behavior.

Teaching and encouraging proper driving habits can result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Aggressive drivers who accelerate and brake rapidly use up to 30% more fuel.

Additionally, a tractor-trailer uses 20% less energy to move at 55 mph than 62 mph. And an idling diesel vehicle uses half a gallon of fuel an hour.

Cutting idling can save up to 5% of fuel costs, amounting to thousands of dollars in savings per year.

5. Upgrade to Newer Vehicles

Older vehicles are less fuel-efficient than newer models, so upgrading your fleet can reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

A recent report from Fleet Advantage shows upgrading to a 2021 model from a 2016 model would reduce CO2 by 21 metric tons, resulting in $16,856 in savings per truck.

Reduce Your Fleet Emissions

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to reducing fleet emissions, but these five steps are a good place to start.

You can make a significant impact on your fleet’s carbon footprint by making even small modifications. And as electric vehicles become more prevalent, now is the time to start planning for the future.

Cut Your Average Trucking Cost per Mile With These 4 Aerodynamic Tips

If you run a trucking fleet, there is one important metric that can have a great impact on your bottom line. The average trucking cost per mile reflects your operation efficiency, and keeping it under control is essential.

With trucking costs at the highest in the 15-year history of ATRI’s Ops, controlling what you can is crucial. You might not be able to prevent a road closure that adds more miles or stop the increase in fuel prices, but there is one thing you can do to reduce your average trucking cost per mile. And it begins with aerodynamics.

In the post, we’ll define the average trucking cost per mile, learn how to calculate it, and discover our aerodynamic strategies to help reduce your average trucking cost per mile and start increasing profits.

What Is the Average Trucking Cost per Mile?

In the trucking industry, the cost per mile refers to the financial cost of driving a truck a single mile.

Knowing this metric can give fleet owners and managers an advantage. Land Line reported that those who knew their operations costs benefited from $1.15 per mile and $1500 more per trip.

Knowing their average trucking cost per mile helped these companies make more data-driven decisions, such as which routes, customers, and trip types are more profitable, and implementing new strategies to help reduce operational expenses.

Calculating Trucking Cost per Mile

You can calculate the trucking cost per mile with the following formula:

Trucking cost per mile =  total costs (expenses) / total number of traveled miles

To find your total costs, you’ll need to combine several cost components. These components include general business expenses like rentals and utilities and administrative costs like accounting, taxes, and salaries. You should also include trucking expenses such as fuel, repairs, tolls, and insurance.

The total number of traveled miles is the entire distance a truck has traveled in a specific timeframe, usually a year.

It can be painful to track expenses manually, especially if your trucks operate hundreds or thousands of miles away. With the development of technology and tools, collecting data and performing analysis much easier, providing detailed information to improve your operation’s efficiencies. 

What Role Does Aerodynamics Play in Cost per Mile?

Making your trucks more aerodynamic can help reduce fuel waste. The more aerodynamic a truck is, the less energy it uses to move, which reduces the average cost per mile for trucking.

NACFE found that improved aerodynamics in commercial tractors is one of the biggest contributors to reduced fleet operating costs. The efficient use of energy also helps reduce harmful emissions. 

You can improve the aerodynamics of the tractor with items such as tractor-trailer gap devices, chassis fairings, and wheel covers. Using a tractor-gap device helps close the gap between the tractor and the trailer to improve aerodynamics and can help reduce fuel costs by up to 5%. 

You can also use a combination of adding more aerodynamic parts, such as bumpers, mirror and cameras, and wheel covers, all of which helps to streamline the airflow and improve fuel efficiency. These changes can improve fuel efficiency, creating savings of up to 10%. Also, the less fuel the truck burns, the longer its engine will last.

4 Aerodynamic Strategies for Reducing Average Trucking Cost per Mile

Making aerodynamic improvements to trucks is one thing you can control. They are an investment that brings long-term savings. Here are four aerodynamic strategies to reduce the average cost per mile for trucking.

1. Try TruckWings

As per AFDC, reducing the drag or resistance of a vehicle when traveling at high speed lowers the engine’s load and improves fuel economy.

One way of helping to reduce drag is to close the gap between the cab and the trailer. TruckWings make this possible. Simply mount it to the cab, and when the truck travels over 52mph, it automatically deploys to close the gap and improve aerodynamics. 

Ryder Systems implemented TruckWings in their fleet, saving their MPG by 3-6% with a 12-18 months ROI. 

2. Optimize fuel efficiency

Because of the size and shape of a truck, the faster it travels, the more energy is required to push through air resistance. Implementing multiple devices can reduce the aerodynamic drag of a truck, lowering fuel consumption by more than 12%.

You should focus on the four main areas that create the most aerodynamic drag on the tractor-trailer:

  • The front of the tractor
  • The gap between the tractor and the trailer
  • The under-body of the trailer
  • The back of the trailer

3. Keep up with routine maintenance

Simple maintenance can help ensure your truck is aerodynamic by optimizing its performance and minimizing drag and sway. Make sure your trucks have the correct air pressure, the right motor oil levels, and change air filters when required. 

Don’t forget the importance of accessories when performing maintenance. Damaged mud flaps and wheel covers can reduce the efforts of streamlining the airflow around the truck. 

In addition, it’s important to ensure the roof fairing is in good condition. Roof fairings can improve fuel economy, resulting in $6,900 in savings annually.

4. Consider wide-base tires

This approach is less common, but you can reduce tire costs and improve aerodynamics simultaneously by using wide-base tires. Wide base tires help to reduce rolling resistance due to eliminating two side walls, and they are slimmer, reducing the surface area that makes contact with the road. 

Optimize Aerodynamics and Improve Profitability With TruckLabs

Optimizing the aerodynamics of your trucking fleet can help reduce the average cost per mile for trucking. And in under two hours, TruckWings can help you to save 3-6% of fuel costs.

If you want to join five of the ten largest fleets in North America, enjoying improved fuel economy and less emissions, schedule a free consultation.

8 Trailer and Semi Truck Aerodynamic Kits That Save Fleets Money

Intro

Fleet managers are always looking for ways to cut costs without compromising safety and service. Fuel costs for a single Class 8 truck can exceed $70,000 a year, so improving fuel efficiency is a top priority for fleet managers. One way to do that is to install semi truck aerodynamic kits on every truck.

Of the available energy in any big rig, 53% goes toward overcoming aerodynamic drag. Drag occurs through friction — when air contacts the surface of a moving truck — and through pressure, when airstreams separate as a truck moves through them. Semi truck aerodynamic kits can reduce both types of drag. 

In this post, we’ll cover eight types of aerodynamic kits that can help fleet managers improve fuel efficiency and decrease fuel expenditures.

What Are Semi Truck Aerodynamic Kits?

Semi truck aerodynamic kits are add-ons that reduce drag at highway speeds. Some aerodynamic kits are low-tech accessories, while others use software to intelligently deploy anti-drag hardware and collect data about truck performance. 

Kits may be available as part of an upgrade package from OEMs, or they may be after-market products. Fleet managers looking to maximize the benefits of semi truck aerodynamic kits might outfit trucks with both OEM and after-market products. 

8 Types of Trailer and Semi Truck Aerodynamic Kits

On a Class 8 truck, the tractor accounts for the most aerodynamic drag (66%), followed by the trailer axle and wheels (18%), and trailer body (16%). The greatest fuel efficiency gains come from using aerodynamic kits for each of those areas. 

Wheel Cover Kits

Available for both tractor wheels and trailer wheels, these kits reduce drag by preventing air from entering and exiting the wheel recesses. Wheel covers are easy to install, and some brands have quick-release technology for tire access. 

Vortex Generators

Vortex generators are small triangular devices that attach to the trailing edges of the tractor and trailer, and the trailer roof edges, depending on the product. They reduce drag by preventing air streams from separating as the truck moves through them.

A study by The Green Truck Initiative, an independent Australian organization that evaluates the merits of clean vehicle technologies, found that vortex generators did provide some efficiency gains. However, the results of testing varied significantly, so the study could not quantify the benefits of vortex generators.

Aero Bumpers

Because the bumper is the first part of the truck that cuts through air, its shape can affect how air moves across the truck body. Smooth “aero” bumpers — also called drive fenders — help direct air away from the truck rather than over the cab.  

Trailer Tails

Also called boat tails, trailer tails attach to the rear of the trailer to create a tapered end. First-generation trailer tails required drives to manually open and close them, which was a barrier to widespread adoption. Today, most trailer tails open automatically when a truck reaches a certain speed, although some still require manual effort to close.   

Trailer Skirts

Trailer skirts are flexible panels that attach to the side edges of the trailer and reduce ground clearance. These devices reduce the amount of air beneath the trailer, which decreases the wake behind the wheels.

Chassis Fairings

Chassis fairings are similar to trailer skirts, but they attach to the cab, enclosing the fuel tank and other components that can cause drag.  

Roof Fairings

Available as either OEM or after-market products, roof fairings are sloped attachments for the top of the cab that create a smooth transition to the trailer. Some roof fairings may be compatible with side panels that further reduce drag by narrowing the gap between the tractor and trailer. 

While side panels can reduce drag, they can also interfere with low-speed maneuverability, so they may not be ideal for urban driving. 

TruckWings

TruckWings is a fully automatic device that deploys at speeds above 52 mph to close the gap between tractor and trailer, reducing drag and trailer sway. When speed drops below 50 mph, the wings collapse flat against the trailer, so they don’t interfere with low-speed maneuverability. 

TotalSIM US, an independent organization that tests aerodynamic devices, verified TruckWings’ claims of 3-6% fuel savings, using computational fluid dynamics. That benefit saves large fleets millions per year on fuel costs and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 20,000 lbs/year, per truck.

The Best Way to Improve Aerodynamics

NACFE notes that there are many variables that impact the effectiveness of aerodynamic devices, and most testing occurs in “controlled, focused operating conditions.” That means results of testing might not align with the real-world ROI of certain semi truck aerodynamic kits. 

The telematic technology that powers TruckWings collects and stores data for every TruckWings-equipped semi, so customers can see the benefits. To date, TruckWings has proven its value over nearly 624 million driving miles. And when you combine TruckWings with other aerodynamic devices, the fuel savings are even greater. 
TruckWings isn’t just for diesel-powered trucks — it also helps electric trucks run farther on a single charge. That means TruckWings is an investment that can grow with fleets as they retire combustion engines and switch to greener technology. Learn more about how we can help you improve efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint.

How Technology Improves Fleet Fuel Management

Some people think of fuel costs as a “necessary evil” — after all, if you’re running a business that depends on a stable fleet of trucks, there’s little that you can do to avoid that expense. However, even though the price of diesel may be beyond your control, you can improve how your trucks use fuel to reduce your overall costs.

In this post, we’ll talk about how fleet fuel management reduces fuel waste, increases efficiency, and gives you greater insights into day-to-day operations.

What Is Fleet Fuel Management?

Fleet fuel management is the systems, processes, and procedures that monitor the way a fleet consumes fuel. That may involve manual data entry, cost forecasting, and the planning and oversight of truck maintenance.

What Are the Challenges in Fleet Fuel Management?

These are some of the most common challenges that fleet fuel management professionals face:

Recordkeeping

In order to guarantee proper recordkeeping, drivers need to be able to log fuel usage properly. Not only is manual tracking difficult, but it is also a process prone to human error or even simple misunderstandings.

Fuel Fraud

Another major challenge that a lot of organizations face is fuel fraud. Fleets are becoming an increasingly popular target for fuel theft because anything obtained by someone with malicious intentions can be resold at a profit. Fuel theft can amount to as much as 10% of an organization’s overall fuel budget — hardly a “cost of doing business” at that point.

Nationwide, approximately 81% of fuel theft happens within the company. Drivers could be siphoning diesel fuel from their work trucks for personal use, or using their employer-issued fuel card to buy fuel for their own vehicles. Fleet managers need a way to identify this type of activity — or prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Overseeing Maintenance Schedules

Fleets must be maintained to increase the longevity of each truck. Keeping track of every truck’s maintenance schedule can be a major challenge, but without regular maintenance, truck fuel efficiency declines. 

Even something as seemingly simple as not putting enough air in the tires can cause trucks to use more fuel than they should. The same is true of a truck’s HVAC system during the hot summer months. The harder the HVAC system has to work due to inefficiencies, the more fuel the truck will use. Multiply that by the total number of trucks in the fleet, and you begin to get a sense of just how costly things can quickly get.

Fluctuating Fuel Costs

With the price of fuel totally outside the control of a business, and with prices fluctuating wildly throughout the year, it makes it difficult to accurately forecast fuel costs.

Solutions for Fleet Fuel Management

Thankfully, there are a variety of different fleet fuel management solutions that can help you manage costs. You may want to use a combination of these methods to help generate as much operational savings as possible.

Mobile Fueling

While your organization will pay for the service associated with mobile fueling, it still brings with it a wide range of different cost-benefits. For example, your drivers don’t have to waste fuel (or time) by diverting from their route to fuel up, and you can fuel trucks during scheduled downtime. 

With mobile fueling, you know the exact CPG for every truck, which is a big advantage over diesel costs that vary based on the location of fuel stations. 

Fuel Apps

There are many different fuel apps to choose from depending on your needs. Typically, drivers get a fuel card, a sticker, or some type of contactless payment method that links to an app. When they purchase fuel, that information automatically syncs to the app. Fleet managers can see and manage fuel costs within the app, as well as set spending limits in real time.

Fleet Fuel Management Software

A fleet fuel management system helps to automate a lot of the processes outlined above. It helps monitor fuel usage for individual trucks and the fleet as a whole. This gives organizational leaders access to the accurate, actionable insight they need to cut fuel-related costs and boost efficiency.

Dynamic Routing

Routing software optimizes routes and reacts in real time to unexpected road closures, traffic, and hazards. That means drivers have instant access to the most efficient route and spend less time idling (and wasting fuel). 

Telematics

Fleet fuel telematics solutions are also a great way to gather insights into how your vehicles are using fuel and energy. Telematics can identify fuel-wasting habits like idling, speeding, and abrupt braking. 

You can also use telematics to monitor diesel exhaust fuel (DEF) levels. Maintaining the appropriate DEF level is important for compliance with emission regulations and avoiding mechanical breakdowns.

Aerodynamic Improvements

Improving aerodynamics through attachments on the side, the underbody, and on other areas of a truck can improve fuel efficiency.

TruckWings is one such product. It’s a tractor-mounted aerodynamic device that closes the gap between the cab and the trailer to reduce drag and improve stability, generating fuel savings of between 3% and 6% on average. 

That savings can amount to thousands of dollars per truck, or millions of dollars per fleet.

See the Results

One of the largest fleets in North America used TruckWings to decrease its fuel costs and improve operational efficiency. Learn more about how this 235,000-truck fleet got results with TruckWings.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards Phase 3: A Step Toward a Cleaner Future

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles known as phase 3. The proposed standards, which would apply to heavy-duty truck OEMs for upcoming model years 2028-2032, are the most stringent ever set by the EPA.

Phase 1 and 2 of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles were implemented in 2014 and 2017, respectively. The standards reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 11% and 14%, respectively, below 2010 levels by 2021. 

If finalized, the new Phase 3 standards would reduce GHG emissions from heavy-duty vehicles by 29% below 2021 levels by 2032. This would help mitigate climate change’s effects and improve air quality.

The proposed standards would apply to a wide range of heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers. They would be phased in over time, with the most stringent requirements applying to model year 2032 vehicles.

The EPA estimates that the new standards would cost the heavy-duty vehicle industry an average of $1,700 per vehicle. However, the agency also estimates that it would save the industry $1.5 billion in fuel costs over the life of the vehicles.

Key Differences in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards

  • Stringency: Phase 3 standards are significantly more stringent than Phase 2 standards. Phase 3 standards would reduce GHG emissions from heavy-duty vehicles by 29% below 2021 levels by 2032. Phase 2 standards reduced emissions by 17% below 2010 levels by 2021.
  • Applicability: Phase 3 standards would apply to a wider range of vehicles than Phase 2 standards. Phase 3 standards would apply to all heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers. Phase 2 standards applied to all heavy-duty vehicles except for school buses.
  • Timeline: Phase 3 standards would be phased in over a more extended period of time than Phase 2 standards. Phase 3 standards would apply to model years 2028-2032. Phase 2 standards applied to model years 2021-2027.
  • Technology: Phase 3 standards would rely on a wider range of technologies than Phase 2 standards. Phase 3 standards would allow for the use of various technologies, including advanced diesel engines, hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles. Phase 2 standards primarily relied on the use of advanced diesel engines.
  • Cost: Phase 3 standards are estimated to be more costly than Phase 2 standards. The EPA estimates that the Phase 3 standards would cost the heavy-duty vehicle industry an average of $1,700 per vehicle. However, the agency also estimates that the standards would save the industry $1.5 billion in fuel costs over the life of the vehicles.
PhaseModel YearsGHG Emissions Reduction Target
12014 – 201814% below 2010 levels
22021 – 202717% below 2010 levels
32028 – 203229% below 2021 levels

Special Provisions for Aerodynamic Technologies

The EPA’s proposed rule for Phase 3 also includes several provisions that would encourage using aerodynamic technologies to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. These provisions include:

Drag Coefficient Requirements for Phase 3
TruckTrailer
Model Year 20280.550.62
Model Year 20320.500.60
  • Requiring manufacturers to meet minimum aerodynamic requirements for new vehicles.
  • Providing credits to manufacturers for meeting more stringent aerodynamic requirements.
  • Investing in research and development of new aerodynamic technologies.

The EPA estimates that these requirements will reduce drag by an average of 10% for trucks and trailers, leading to an average improvement in fuel efficiency of 2%. 

The EPA estimates these requirements could reduce GHG emissions by an additional 1% below the standards’ baseline. This would bring the total potential reduction in GHG emissions from phase 3 to 30% below 2021 levels by 2032.

Industry Feedback

The new standards have been met with mixed reactions from the heavy-duty vehicle industry. Some industry groups have praised the standards, saying they are necessary to address climate change. Others have criticized the standards, saying they are too costly and will harm the industry.

The American Trucking Association (ATA), the largest trucking trade group in the United States, has said that it supports the goals of the Phase 3 standards but is concerned about the cost of meeting them. The ATA has said that the standards could cost the trucking industry $15 billion to $20 billion over the next decade.

The EPA has said it is working with the trucking industry to help them meet the Phase 3 standards. It provides technical assistance to the industry and works to ensure that the standards are flexible enough to allow the industry to innovate and find new ways to reduce emissions.