Aluminum Helps Improve Fuel Economy

AUGUST 2011: Fuel Economy and Emission Rule Calls Aluminum #1 Learn more.

Stakeholders in the commercial vehicle industry are facing several challenges today from rising energy costs, a weak economy and the growing concern over greenhouse gas emissions. As federal mandates continue to add weight to heavy-duty vehicles, there has never been a better time for manufacturers, fleet and owner-operators, shippers and legislators to begin exploring the options that alternative material choices offer. Lightweighting with aluminum offers the industry several benefits including the ability to increase payload capacity and reduce fuel consumption.

Aluminum brings a 40 to 45 percent weight save versus steel. Research has shown that fleet and owner operators both expect increased payload and better fuel economy when using aluminum and this is exactly what weight saving through aluminum delivers. In fact, a one ton of weight reduction can save up to 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel. To further illustrate these benefits, the Aluminum Association’s sister organization in Europe commissioned a study showing that reducing TARE weight by 10 percent saves between 2 percent and 6 percent in annual fuel costs depending on load. And, the impact is even more pronounced in an urban setting when exploring the weight reduction of passenger buses.

As we look to the future, aggressive weight reduction can achieve up to a 3,500 pound savings versus today’s truck and trailer. There is plenty of opportunity to use more aluminum. It is light, strong, corrosion-resistant and saves fleets money.

Estimated Fuel Economy Benefit from 10 Percent Weight Reduction

Source: IFEU