An email to the Dep. of Trans. WILL they answer?

[Mandilon]

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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To:nhtsa.webmaster@dot.gov
From:xxx@myway.com
Subject:18 wheeler fuel economy

Comments: WHY aren't semi trucks rated for fuel efficiency? Consuming 12%-13% of national energy should say something of the importance of this ratings. PLEASE reply. The truckers in ALL trucking forums are asking this particular question. I will post your reply (or absence thereof). THX & God Bless

From NHTSA Web Site.

[allan5oh]

You cannot rate trucks for fuel efficiency. Too many variables.

However, you can rate engines on thermal efficiency. That is a hard, tangible number.

It's hard to even compare aerodynamics, because what trailer are they pulling? etc..

You can compare tires with the michelin fuel savings calculator.

My point is, it's very hard to "rate" the whole package, but easier to break it down into small pieces.

[Mandilon]

You cannot rate trucks for fuel efficiency. Too many variables.

However, you can rate engines on thermal efficiency. That is a hard, tangible number.

It's hard to even compare aerodynamics, because what trailer are they pulling? etc..

You can compare tires with the michelin fuel savings calculator.

My point is, it's very hard to "rate" the whole package, but easier to break it down into small pieces.

I would think that they could rate each tractor with each of the engines (at least one 'horsepower' model) available on that particular tractor and a mid-range (say 3.25 rear).

It'd be too much to test every possible combination of course (they don't do this on cars) but an average (motor, trans and rear) point of reference base would be better than none.

.....can rate engines on thermal efficiency. That is a hard, tangible number.

I agree 100% on this. A third party doing this would be the ideal. I wouldn't trust engine manufacturers doing it themselves.

Maybe, just maybe, a third party will take this on

Happy trucking ya'll