SELECTED PREVIOUS PROJECTS

Since 2008, PIT Group has completed over 100 collaborative testing and operational projects with its partners at evaluating the performance and efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and related components. In addition, more than 350 technologies for and related to medium/ heavy duty vehicles have been evaluated.

Energotest was a collaborative testing campaign with PIT Group partners and vehicle and technology suppliers which evaluated solutions for achieving higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions of greenhouse gases in the trucking industry. Energotest provided fleets with indisputable data for choosing the most efficient solutions. Furthermore, technology suppliers used Energotest results to refine their development efforts to better respond to the needs of the transportation industry. Overall, the PIT Group partners benefit from test results conducted on more than 300 technologies and operational practices over 24 Energotest campaigns.

Diesel Truck Fuel Efficiency Challenge

The PIT Group partners showed interest in comparing the energy efficiency performance of recent models of tractors. The PIT Group organized controlled tests using seven Class 8 sleeper tractors provided by six fleets. The test route was 110 km long with a maximum altitude difference of 307 m. The results were expressed in liters per one hundred kilometers (L/100 km) and miles per US gallon (MPG).

Results found that fuel economy ranged between 5 MPG and 5.80 MPG depending on tractor powertrain configuration.

Short-Term Operational Trials of Electric Yard Trucks

The PIT Group partners conveyed their interest in information on the performance of electric yard trucks. For heavy-duty vehicle fleets, electric yard trucks represent an early opportunity to become familiar with electric vehicles because their operating area is limited, and thus always close to the charging station installed on site. The objectives were to evaluate the ability to perform the work, track operational reliability and limitations, analyze energy consumption, and obtain driver testimonies. These results were then compared against a diesel yard truck counterpart. The PIT Group performed testing of an Orange EV and a Lonestar SV E22 yard truck.

Comparative tests showed that the Lonestar SV E22 yard truck consumed 41% less energy and emitted 99.7% less GHG than the diesel truck. Additionally, the Orange EV consumed 93% less energy and emitted 97% less GHG than the conventional diesel-powered yard truck

Dynamic Testing of Tires in Winter Conditions

This test aimed to evaluate the dynamic performance in winter conditions of different types of tires including braking tests, traction tests and stability tests. The tests were performed on both asphalt and on snow. Controlled tests were conducted at speeds between 20 km/h and 60 km/h.

Results found that dual tires outperformed single-wide tires during the braking tests on asphalt, while single-wide tires showed slightly shorter braking distance and braking time on snow.

Testing of Refrigerated Trailers and Refrigeration Units

The scope of this PIT Group project was to evaluate the performance of eight different refrigerated semi-trailers. Tests were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of trailer insulation and to measure the fuel consumption of refrigeration units in various operating conditions. Trailers were empty to represent an extreme case of cooling and energy use, and to ensure equal and uniform conditions for all tested units. The fuel consumption of the refrigerated trailers was measured using the gravimetric method involving weighing the portable tanks on portable scales.

Results found that the reefer units that consumed less fuel also showed the shortest time to reach the set temperature.

Testing a Hybrid Electric Compressed Natural Gas Truck

The PIT Group evaluated the fuel consumption of a hybrid electric CNG truck. The hybrid electric CNG truck was equipped with an axle featuring a battery-powered electric drive system incorporating an electric motor, advanced power management and a telematics system to optimize energy consumption. The objective of the project was to compare the fuel consumption of the hybrid electric CNG truck with that of a similar CNG truck, and an equivalent diesel truck for the target market and operations. All three trucks were coupled with identical two-axle 53-ft. van semi-trailers loaded to the same total weight.

Results found that the CNG hybrid electric truck showed an average fuel savings between 3.6% and 7.7% for the entire trip compared to the conventional CNG truck.

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