On the road for greener trucks

One of the main 'engines' of the EU economy is the automotive industry. The European Green Car Initiative (EGCI) has already established a series of measures that are enhancing its competitiveness. Despite its name, measures are aimed at boosting research and development into the green technologies that will also propel our trucks and buses in the near future. Energy management, aerodynamics and low rolling resistance (RR) as well as eco-driving and innovative truck designs are important contributions to improved efficiency of the heavy-duty vehicle.

The project LORRY is contributing to greener, safer and more efficient mobility in freight transport. At the same time, it is promoting a holistic approach for an intelligent transport system.

LORRY is developing an innovative low RR tyre concept in combination with a comprehensive tool box for fleet fuel saving. Researchers are testing new tread pattern designs and sizes for steering and trailer tyres. A smart system will monitor the truck and trailer circumstances, adjusting data for better fuel management. In particular, sensors will measure all relevant tyre vehicle driving parameters such as pressure, load and velocity. Telematics combined with geo-localisation will also allow real-time fleet tracking and collect information regarding road topology, road surface topography and climate conditions.

The proposed concept surpasses state-of-the-art concepts regarding the tyre RR, mileage, driving safety, driving performance, and material and manufacturing sustainability. The steer and trailer tyres will demonstrate at least a 20 % gain in truck tyre RR. Truck tyre wear and wet safety performance levels will also be improved.

So far, researchers have developed advanced truck tyre compounds by combining and exploiting innovative recipes and preparation techniques with silica, carbon black and multi-wall carbon nanotubes. New measurement methods have been developed to predict material behaviour. Progress has also been reported regarding the development of a tool for analysing and modelling tyre performance.

Innovative LORRY concepts will go beyond the EGCI roadmap expectations for 2015, smoothly bridging and feeding forthcoming initiatives on tailored and sustainable trucks.