White House Sets Target for Big-Truck Fuel Economy Rules

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency have been directed to develop a new set of fuel economy standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks by March 2016.

The White House says big trucks account for only 4% of the vehicles on American roads but consume about 25% of on-road fuel use.

America's first fuel economy standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks were set three years ago and took effect in 2013. They cover 2014-2018 models and aim to foster the use of off-the-shelf technologies to reduce fuel consumption 20% for big trucks by 2018.

The first round of rules will save 530 million barrels of oil and reduce truck operator fuel bills by $50 billion over the life of their upgraded vehicles, according to the White House. It says lower fuel costs will enable the operator of a 2018 truck to pay for the vehicle's technological upgrades in less than a year and realize a net fuel savings of $73,000 over the vehicle's service life.

The new rules which would demand more advanced fuel-saving steps such as aerodynamic trailers would apply to trucks made in the 2018 model year and beyond. They intend to push adoption of more advanced approaches to fuel savings that include aerodynamics, weight reduction, hybrid powertrains, automatic engine stop-start and tires with lower rolling resistance.

The Obama administration says the government will develop the standards through collaborative talks with engine and truck makers and environmental groups.