Semi-trucks have a fuel efficiency ranging from 3 mpg to 23 mpg, depending on terrain, weight, and aerodynamic features. However, the primary reason for their low fuel efficiency is the amount of weight they carry. When empty, a semi-truck can get up to 10 mpg, but when taking a full load, its fuel efficiency drops, averaging at 6.5 mpg.
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Managing Semi-Truck Fuel Consumption
Truck drivers can take measures to improve fuel efficiency, including proper maintenance, avoiding stop-and-go traffic, using cruise control, and planning routes that avoid hills and mountains. These tips can increase fuel efficiency, but the average semi-truck will only get about six and a half miles per gallon.
Fuel Efficiency of Long-Haul Trucks
A typical long-haul truck gets about six mpg. The Cummins-Peterbilt SuperTruck project, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy, Cummins, and Peterbilt, aimed to develop technologies to improve the fuel efficiency of Class 8 trucks. The SuperTruck achieved more than ten mpg by reducing aerodynamic drag, improving engine efficiency, and reducing tire rolling resistance, making it more than 50% more fuel-efficient than a typical long-haul truck.
Semi-Truck Endurance
A semi-truck can travel up to 2,100 miles on a single diesel fuel tank, assuming the truck has 300 gallons of fuel onboard and averages 7 miles per gallon.
Peterbilt Fuel Efficiency
The “SuperTruck” tractor-trailer, developed by Cummins and Peterbilt, achieved 10.7 mpg under real-world driving conditions, making it significantly more fuel-efficient than the current average of six mpg. While the SuperTruck is not yet available, it could make trucking more efficient and sustainable.
Cost Per Mile To Run a Semi-Truck
The average cost per mile for private fleets in the U.S. is $2.90, which includes all truck operating expenses, such as fuel, maintenance, and driver salaries. The cost per mile will vary depending on several factors, including the specific route, terrain, and load.
How Many Miles Per Gallon Does a Freightliner Get?
Regarding long-haul trucking, fuel efficiency is critical for both cost savings and environmental sustainability. Freightliner, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, has set the industry benchmark for fuel efficiency with its Cascadia Evolution model.
Utilizing an Array of Technological Advances
The Cascadia Evolution has achieved impressive fuel efficiency levels, with a load of 76,000 pounds, reaching the 10 miles per gallon mark on a test track. Freightliner achieved this through a combination of advanced technologies, including its proprietary powertrain and advanced aerodynamics. Compared to its predecessor, the Cascadia Evolution can achieve an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency while maintaining the power and performance expected from a Freightliner truck.
Benefits Beyond Fuel Efficiency
In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Cascadia Evolution offers other benefits that make it an excellent choice for long-haul applications. The truck boasts a spacious and comfortable cab, ample storage space, and several safety features that help ensure drivers and cargo are safe on the road. With its fuel efficiency, power, and features, it’s no wonder that the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution is the industry benchmark for long-haul trucking.
Conclusion
While the average semi-truck only gets around six miles per gallon, the SuperTruck, a joint venture from Cummins and Peterbilt, achieved an impressive 10.7 miles per gallon under real-world driving conditions. This is a significant improvement over the current average. If the SuperTruck makes it to production, it could help make trucking more efficient and sustainable in the long run. Fuel efficiency is an essential factor in the trucking industry. Technological advancements like those in the Cascadia Evolution and SuperTruck offer hope for a more sustainable future.
