EU publishes new rules for safer and more aerodynamic trucks
Fri 19 April 2013
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The European Commission has proposed new rules to allow manufacturers to develop more aerodynamic trucks which will reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions of greenhouse gases, and also enhance safety for road users.
The proposal covers heavy goods vehicles and buses and certain other smaller categories of vehicles. It permits lorries to have a rounded cabin at the front and aerodynamic flaps at the back. In financial terms this is expected to save €5,000 (about £4,274) a year in fuel costs for a typical long distance lorry covering 100,000 Km.
The proposal also indicates an allowance for extra weight specifically to accommodate the use of heavier batteries required by alternative propulsion systems (hybrid, electric) for lorries and coaches.
The principal changes under the rules will mean:
- Truck cabins with rounded shape and aerodynamic flaps at the back of the trailer could save up to 5,000 Euros per year in fuel costs for a typical long-distance truck covering a distance of 100,000 km.
- Of the 6.5 million lorries currently on Europe's roads, at least 1 million - regularly travelling long distances - could take advantage of the new measures;
- Combining aerodynamic flaps (rear-spoilers) and rounded HGV cabins can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%; Changing the cabin design of HGVs to improve the field of vision of the driver could also save 300 to 500 lives per year in the EU;
- More consistent controls and reduced road damage: Up to one third of controlled vehicles are overloaded, causing damage to roads and compromising safety. On-board weighing systems linked to the digital tachograph and weigh-in-motion stations on the main roads will allow for more consistent controls from country to country. Overweighting of lorries currently is estimated to cost 950 million per year to the taxpayer.
- Promoting intermodal transport: Red tape will be reduced allowing 45 foot containers to be switched more easily between ship, road and rail.
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