New aerodynamic test results will help heavy-duty vehicles reduce drag, fuel costs, pollution and save money

OTTAWA, July 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Transport Canada's ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles Program's new test results on advanced aerodynamic devices for long-haul heavy-duty trucks will help reduce drag, fuel costs, pollution and save the Canadian trucking industry money.

The report - Improving the Aerodynamic Efficiency of Heavy Duty Vehicles: Wind Tunnel Test Results of Trailer-Based Drag-Reduction Technologies - details world class wind tunnel evaluations of current and emerging aerodynamic devices in 96 different configurations. Cutting-edge testing at the National research Council of Canada was used to replicate real-world driving conditions inside a wind tunnel and has provided some of the most accurate assessments of truck aerodynamic devices ever achieved.

In addition to detailed estimates on the potential emission and fuel savings by installing aerodynamic devices on various long-haul truck and trailer combinations, the report also looked at Canadian-specific truck configurations such as long combination vehicles.   The results will help guide vehicle operators on optimal truck configurations to maximize aerodynamic efficiencies.

The report and test results, produced with scientific contributions from the National Research Council of Canada and Environment Canada, will help inform future policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.

Quick Facts: 

• Transport Canada's ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles Program (eTV) conducts safety and environmental performance testing on new and emerging vehicle technologies.
• eTV test results are provided to federal, provincial and international regulators to support the development of codes and standards for new technologies, such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to name a few.
• Test results from this report will help guide vehicle operators on optimal truck configurations to maximize aerodynamic efficiencies, and help inform future policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.

Associated Links:

The full report with photos is available at:

http://nparc.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/npsi/ctrl?action=shwart&index=an&req=21275397&lang=en
Transport Canada's ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles Program

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SOURCE Transport Canada

Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055