Scania flags ‘greener' future

The Swedish manufacturer says it believes truck fuel use could be cut by 20 per cent in the long term, with subsequent falls in CO2 emissions

Speaking at the recent International Vienna Motor Symposium, held in the Austrian capital over May 8-9, 2014, Scania’s Executive Vice President, Harald Ludanek (pictured), said the Swedish brand was targeting a five per cent cut in fuel use in its products in the short term, a 10 per cent cut in the medium term, and a 20 per cent cut in the long term.

Mr Ludanek said that innovative measures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions are more likely to be realised in heavy vehicles than passenger cars, as fuel usage is such a major component of the total costs associated with road transport.

“Continuously reducing CO2 emissions from heavy vehicles is thus driven naturally by business and competition considerations,” he said.

Mr Ludanek, who had been invited to present an overview of Scania’s developments and goals for fuel economy and the reduction of emissions, told the audience that fuel consumption would continue to fall through programs of engine and transmission optimisation. The combustion process will be further enhanced through more refined fuel metering, improved turbocharging, and optimisation of intake and exhaust ducts.

More advanced exhaust after-treatment techniques will also play a role, while improvements in thermal management is expected to see thermal efficiency rise from 43 per cent for today’s Euro 6 engines to 55 per cent in five to 10 years.

Beyond the actual engine and powertrain, Mr Ludanek said a holistic approach to reducing fuel usage was required to unlock significant gains, with driver training, logistics control and overall transport organisation all key areas.

Vehicle aerodynamics and reduced tyre rolling resistance would also produce benefits, as would alternative fuels and the further development of hybrid powerplants.

“Sustainable, environmentally acceptable and efficient logistics must take into account improvements in all fields,” he said.

“All components and activities must complement each other to enable further cuts in CO2 emissions.”

Scania flags ‘greener' future

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