President Obama Speaks On Increasing HD Fuel Efficiency Standards

Recently, President Obama gave a speech announcing plans to increase fuel efficiency standards for medium and heavy duty trucks. The speech builds on his State of the Union address that he gave earlier this year. The White House is working to almost double the average new car fuel economy by 2025 (increasing it up to 55 mpg). The current standards are being replaced in 2016 with an average of 35.5 mpg. This is one of the major reasons we are seeing so many manufacturers introducing diesels into their vehicle line ups as well as more hybrid and electric options becoming available.

The Airflow Bullettruck is a concept by Airflow Truck Company and is reportedly getting 13.4 mpg in coast to coast runs. Photo courtesy of Airflow Truck Company.

For the trucking industry, the White House administration has been working with various manufactures to develop new technologies to increase the fuel economy. According to the speech President Obama gave, nearly 20% of the US fuel consumption (on road) is by the trucking industry. As a result, there are numerous programs to help companies develop new technologies as well as tax credits for companies investing in updating their fleets.

There were two of the Cummins–Peterbilt Super Trucks on display during President Obama’s speech. Accordingly to a recent announcement the Cummins-Peterbilt Super Truck achieves 10.7 mpg. This is a substantial increases over what a current 18 wheeler is getting (5.5 to 6.5 mpg). It is reported that the majority of increase is due to aerodynamic upgrades.

This is the latest version of the Cummins-Peterbilt Super Truck. Photo courtesy of Cummins.

So, what does this mean for the future of trucking? Well, the White House is hoping that it means less fuel consumption, resulting in lower cost of goods and less dependency on foreign oil. Also, as a result, there will be less pollution. (Minute 4 of the speech above is where President Obama starts to discuss fuel economy.)