Navistar was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to participate in an alternative-vehicle technology project aimed at accelerating development, evaluation, and deployment of aerodynamic trailers to reduce fuel consumption by heavy-duty tractor trailers. The DOE will pay half of the $2 million cost of the 30-month project.
The DOE project is aimed at protecting U.S. national and economic security by promoting a diverse supply and delivery of reliable, affordable and environmentally sound alternative energy. In total, the DOE will invest more than $14.5 million over three years in alternative-vehicle technology projects in three topic areas: lithium-ion battery materials and manufacturing; thermoelectric heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; and aerodynamic heavy-duty truck trailers.
Navistar, along with Frito Lay, Kentucky Trailer, Freight Wing, Michelin, and the DOE's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, will work together to bring to market a tractor-trailer combination and tire package that can reduce the fuel consumption of a heavy vehicle by at least 15 percent. After development, a commercial fleet will evaluate benefits of the new technology package through real-world use. When the project is complete, the team members will make this fuel-efficient technology package available for sale.