The new EPA regulations to come out last month have many in the industry concerned about fuel consumption. According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. government has released new regulations requiring big trucks to lower carbon emissions by up to 25% and cut fuel use in the next decade.
THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
Many large and small fleet owners are faced with the difficult task of meeting these regulations. How much will it cost? How long until they see the return on these investments? One business logistics site, Supply Chain DIVE, states it could be a 10-year phase-in period before manufacturers and operators have adjusted to the potential costs.
Small changes, such as those listed in this fuel efficiency article as well as ways to reduce costs in fleet maintenance, will make immediate noticeable differences to your fuel consumption and fuel economy. Balancing wheel assemblies has been proven to increase fuel economy – and balancing in all wheel positions improves those savings drastically.
But this topic isn’t one that has just appeared suddenly, so how has the trucking industry prepared for such strict guidelines?
ONLINE MAINTENANCE GUIDE: THE LIFE OF A TRUCK
Whether you run a fleet or are only beginning your driving career, this guide will help you understand the little things that add up to big wins in fleet productivity.
Download the guideTHE AIRFLOW STARSHIP
One man has been working on a solution for many years. Enter Bob Sliwa, regional truck driver turned owner-operator, turned…inventor and entrepreneur! Sliwa is the creator and designer behind the AirFlow StarShip, an aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Class 8 rig designed to be the most fuel efficient class 8 vehicle anywhere.
With fuel economy being the number-one focus of this venture, Sliwa will be utilizing various technologies from a variety of industry partners. And we are proud to be a partner to the AirFlow StarShip , with EQUAL FLEXX being in all wheel assemblies. This will reduce the truck and the trailer’s tire wear and increase fuel economy – exactly what Sliwa is looking to achieve, as well as the new EPA regulations. The “StarShip” is on track to be completed as early as next Spring; keep your eyes open for the completed AirFlow StarShip!
Learn more about the AirFlow StarShip and Bob Sliwa’s progress here.