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NEWS
Platooning draws closer in Europe
EU roadmap shows multi-brand truck platooning across Europe possible by 2023According to the European Union's Roadmap for Truck Platooning, which was released last month, truck platoons of multiple different brands could be making their way across Europe as early as 2023, ahead of the formal introduction of semi-automated truck convoys in 2025.
The EU document effectively provides guidance for European policy makers and regulators to move forward with the technology, which will see road freight expedited across borders with significant fuel savings.
Platooning sees a lead truck followed closely by several tag trucks, the following trucks essentially operating on 'autopilot'. The resulting drop in wind resistance, when compared with the same number of single-trailer rigs, delivers a major drop in fuel consumption.
"The technology for platooning with trucks of the same brand is already available today," said Erik Jonnaert, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), when he presented the roadmap to the European Parliament.
"But clearly customers will need to be able to platoon with trucks of different brands, so our next objective is to introduce multi-brand platooning."
One issue to be considered down the track include whether or not the drivers of tag trucks should be allowed to rest while on the road – a further step on the way to the introduction of full automation.
Many issues related to truck platooning are also beyond the scope of the truck manufacturers themselves, says Jonnaert.
"That's why we will also need to strengthen cooperation between all players involved, including operators of road infrastructure, transport companies, regulators and insurance companies, but policy makers in particular," he said.
While truck makers can develop the necessary technology to make multi-brand platooning a reality, it's up to the authorities of each country to develop the necessary regulatory framework.
"And that's exactly where the policy makers come in," said Jonnaert.
"They will need to develop new rules, make changes to existing legislation, and harmonise international and EU rules."
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Written byTrucksales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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