The Future Truck

[greg334]

What you think will be the new mileage standard for trucks used in this business.

Right now we are seeing 11 mpg. The Feds have been shifting money back into programs to research reducing fuel consumption in class 8 trucks.

 

[FIS53]

I think we'll see the 15% level. All the mfrs have moved at least 20-25% better economy over their older designed trucks. Kenworth/Pete saw the 20+% with the new slope hood design.

Now mfrs are dealing with tighter emission standards and maintaining ability to haul the loads as more companies move to larger trucks and trains. This means for many larger engines. They will come up with how to get more mpg out of the trucks but I think you'll see a movement to smaller engines and better gearing (more spacing between gears) so the smaller engines will haul and provide the fuel economy being called for in the future.
Rob

 

[fastman_1]

I think we are at the point, were any more gains will be small ones A% here and There

 

[mjolnir131]

lucky to see 10% for the above stated reason we have already made the changes for the big numbers

 

[LDB]

I think it depends on whether you are talking straight trucks or tractor trailers. I think straights overall are probably 9mpg trucks now. I believe a straight truck can be built that will be a 12mpg truck that under optimum conditions will do 13+mpg. I don't know about tractors but at 80k don't think the gains will be as significant percentage wise.

 

[Dakota]

A hybrid truck, once up to speed it doesn't take much to keep it moving