TNT Express achieves 6% fuel savings with aerodynamic trailer tail

By editor on Jan 27, 2012

Tests performed by TNT Express have showed that using an aerodynamic trailer tail can cut truck fuel consumption by 6%.

The company announced the result after five months of testing in the Netherlands.

TNT Express tested a trailer equipped with "EcoTail", a foldable and retractable rear wing produced by the Dutch company Ephicas. TNT drove the vehicle every day between the towns of Ede and Duiven, which are separated by a distance of 26 km. The tests showed 1.65 litre of fuel saves per 100 km travelled at a maximum vehicle speed of 50 mph.

Partner company Ephicas sought permission from the 'Dienst Wegverkeer' (RDW, the Dutch road traffic authority) to be able to run the TNT Express test programme, since there is no length of exemption for aerodynamic devices in the Netherlands. After safety tests, the RDW allowed a temporary exemption.

 

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