Efficient idle: on the electrification of class-8 trucks

This article presents the research program, which covers the developments associated with the electrification of class 8 on-highway trucks to reduce parasitic losses. Truck electrification provides a great opportunity for reducing fuel consumption on long-haul class 8 trucks. The dominant fuel savings opportunity is in reducing the amount of time the main engine idles. This creates a significant cost challenge if the fuel efficiency of a truck is to be improved by boosting the efficiency of individual components. Components could be remotely placed, away from challenging or harsh locations, e.g., engine compartments, improving their durability, serviceability and reducing maintenance cost.