Daimler Expands Big-Rig Platooning Tests to the U.S.

Daimler AG says it has begun testing a pair of its Freightliner New Cascadia heavy-duty trucks in a connected platoon on public roads in Oregon.

The company previously has tested truck platoons on Germany’s high-speed autobahn and at its North American proving ground in Madras, Ore. Daimler plans to use the new tests in Oregon during normal fleet applications to better understand how platooning impacts operations such as dispatch, logistics and driver training.

Daimler says it will connect the two New Cascadia trucks through a wi-fi-based vehicle-to-vehicle communication system and Freightliner’s latest driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist and active brake assist.

Platooning can cut high-speed following distances between trucks by two-thirds to as little as 15 meters (50 ft). In addition to freeing up road space for other vehicles, the tight alignment creates an aerodynamic drafting effect that can boost a truck’s fuel efficiency.

V2V communication allows for much faster reaction times than is possible with human drivers, Daimler notes. Citing data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Admin., the company says 94% of highway accidents stem from human errors.

AB Volvo tested a three-truck platoon early this year in Los Angeles. Suppliers such as Bosch, Continental and Denso also are developing truck platooning systems.