Dec 17, 2008 10:44 AM

Navistar was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to participate in an alternative-vehicle technology project aimed at accelerating development, evaluation, and deployment of aerodynamic trailers to reduce fuel consumption by heavy-duty tractor trailers. The DOE will pay half of the $2 million cost of the 30-month project.

The DOE project is aimed at protecting U.S. national and economic security by promoting a diverse supply and delivery of reliable, affordable and environmentally sound alternative energy. In total, the DOE will invest more than $14.5 million over three years in alternative-vehicle technology projects in three topic areas: lithium-ion battery materials and manufacturing; thermoelectric heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning; and aerodynamic heavy-duty truck trailers.

Navistar, along with Frito Lay, Kentucky Trailer, Freight Wing, Michelin, and the DOE’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, will work together to bring to market a tractor-trailer combination and tire package that can reduce the fuel consumption of a heavy vehicle by at least 15 percent. After development, a commercial fleet will evaluate benefits of the new technology package through real-world use. When the project is complete, the team members will make this fuel-efficient technology package available for sale.

Research conducted by Navistar shows that an aerodynamic tractor helps improve the performance of trailer aero devices. As part of this project, an optimal integrated aero package will be built around the International ProStar heavy-duty truck.