Among several strategies to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from heavy duty trucks, “eco-driving” is one that has the potential to be very cost effective. Eco-driving can be defined as fuel-efficient operation of a vehicle to achieve better fuel economy and lower tailpipe emissions while not compromising the safety of oneself and other road users. The core of eco-driving programs is to provide drivers with a variety of advice and feedback to reduce fuel consumption. The advice and feedback can be provided through various means including websites, classes or training, and in-vehicle driving feedback systems. UC Riverside’s College of Engineering Center for Environmental Research & Technology researchers have developed a variety of next-generation eco-driving technologies as part of a three-year Department of Energy research program and now are planning on applying these technologies to heavy-duty trucks to determine their potential at improving fuel efficiency. The developed eco-driving technology includes: 1) Eco-Friendly Fleet Planning; 2) Eco-Routing Navigation, 3) Connected Eco-Driving Feedback, and 4) an Eco-Score and Eco-Ranking System. Three of these technologies (numbers 2, 3, and 4 above) will be adapted and integrated with a state-of-the-art truck driving simulator located at UC Riverside, where experienced truck drivers will comprehensively test the technology across a range of truck driving scenarios. By establishing a baseline of driving, and then introducing the eco-driving technology, it will be possible to quantitatively measure the potential fuel and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission benefits. It is expected that these eco-driving technologies will collectively result in fuel and GHG emission savings in the range of 5% – 20% depending on the driving scenarios.
