Total vehicle efficiency

The commercial vehicle industry is a dynamic sector driven by the need to improve vehicle performance and reduce costs. Today, the focus on total vehicle efficiency and technological advancements are critical to help drive cost efficiency and meet stricter emissions regulations. So, what are the area’s most likely to assist in achieving these goals? 

• Lubricants - One of the most significant changes in recent years was the shift towards lighter viscosity heavy duty motor oils (HDMO), transitioning from SAE 15W-40 to SAE 10W-30 and SAE 5W-30 engine oils.

• Engine Optimisation – diesel engines are going through constant revision, including engine downsizing and down-speeding, advanced combustion design and active oil temperature control, variable valve timing, and Start/Stop technology.

• Aerodynamic Changes – significant changes in aerodynamic technology are helping on-road vehicles achieve further efficiency gains by streamlining trucks, tractors and trailers. 

• Vehicle Weight Reduction – new manufacturing and design methods will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. This includes the use of lighter alloys and carbon fibre for engines and trucks frames and revised cab designs to reduce total weight.

• Tyres and TPMS – low rolling resistance tyres are helping to reduce drag on the road and ensure that vehicle fuel efficiency is maximised, while TPMS are becoming more prevalent than ever to ensure appropriate tyre performance and longevity.

• Telematics & Vehicle Automation – the use of telematics is helping OEMs, fleet managers and operators to gather large amounts of data to optimise vehicle, engine and component operation. Likewise, the future applications of driver assisted automation will see trucks take another step, in fuel efficiency and performance while technology will make initiatives such as vehicle platooning a reality for fleets. 

One thing all the above areas have in common, is their dynamic nature.  Research and development across all aspects of commercial vehicle operation has never been so key and with the backing of one of the world’s leading energy suppliers and producers of base oils, the Texaco-branded commercial product range is well placed to champion future developments across all its.