EC finally approves truck length increase By David Wilcox THE
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EUROPEAN Commission (EC) has given the green light to fuel-efficient, streamlined trucks. It announced this week that it plans to allow longer trucks providing the extra length is used to enhance aerodynamics and safety, not cargo capacity.
Following industry consultation last year, draft proposals published by the EC will amend Directive 96/53/EC, governing the size and weight of trucks that are allowed to circulate freely within the EU. The key changes are: • increase in overall length to allow for the addition of dragreducing 'tails' or flaps at the rear of trailers; • increase in overall length to allow cabs with longer noses, reducing drag and improving crash test performance; • increase in the maximum gross weight limit of electric or hybrid trucks by one tonne to accommodate the extra weight of batteries; • increase in the length of skeletal trailers by 15cm to allow them to carry 45ft containers.
The EC's draft proposals do not specify the length increases that will be allowed, but they are likely to be 30cm to 1.5m for the body trailer and about 80cm for cabs.
The EC forecasts fuel savings of 5% to 8% from the trailer tail extensions and 3% to 5% derived from the shapelier cab. In total, the EC calculates the annual fuel bill for an artic covering 100,000km a year would be cut by €5,000 (£4,270). The new cab nose would also accommodate an impactabsorbing structure.
"A brick is the least aerodynamic shape you can imagine, that's why we need to improve the shape of the lorries on our roads," said EC vice-president Siim Kallas. "These changes make road transport cleaner and safer.
"They will reduce hauliers' fuel bills and give European manufacturers a head start in designing the truck of the future; a greener truck for the global market."
These proposals are awaiting adoption by the European Parliament.
The EC said it is likely these new trucks and trailers will not be on the road until 2018/20. •