Reported November 2008

Streamlining Makes a Big Difference: Air resistance is a huge problem for automotive engineers. This is especially true for the trucking industry. With enormous vehicles hauling enormous loads, aerodynamics issues have taken a back seat in design. With concerns over fuel prices and environmental impacts increasing, engineers are attempting to tweak truck cabs and trailers in hopes of reducing the air resistance and consequently, the amount of fuel consumed.

MPG Comparisons: When traveling the same distance, what would save more fuel: improving the fuel efficiency of Vehicle A from 8 miles per gallon (mpg) to 10, or improving the fuel efficiency of Vehicle B from 25 mpg to 50? Surprisingly, the answer is Vehicle A saves more gas. Over the course of 100 miles, Vehicle A uses 12.5 gallons of gas at 8 mpg and 10 gallons at 10 mpg, a savings of 2.5 gallons. Vehicle B would use 4 gallons of gas at 25 mpg and 2 gallons at 50 mpg, a savings of 2 gallons. Although driving a vehicle that uses the least gas is the optimal situation in terms of emissions and cost, this example highlights the way small improvements in mileage can add up to savings for the trucking industry.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Robert J. Englar
Principal Research Engineer
Georgia Tech Research Institute
Marietta, GA
(404) 407-6222
bob.englar@gtri.gatech.edu