Renault Trucks project to save 13% fuel

Paris – Renault Trucks has launched a research project, called Falcon, with the goal of developing a complete heavy goods truck combination with significantly lower fuel consumption than today’s designs.

The FALCON (Flexible & Aerodynamic Truck for Low CONsumption) project is based around a new experimental combination designed to consume 13% less fuel than a standard coupling towed by a Renault Trucks T.

The programme includes a consortium of partners comprising Faurecia, Michelin, Total, Fruehauf, Wezzoo, Benomad, Styl'Monde, Polyrim, Enogia, the IFPEN, the École centrale de Lyon (LMFA) and the IFSTTAR (LTE; LESCOT). It is receiving financial support from France’s FUI Regions fund.

Development areas include optimised aerodynamics of the truck and trailer combination, connected low-rolling-resistance tires and predictive energy-saving driving aid and fuel management functions.

An improved powertrain, meanwhile, will use a new heat-recovery system and optimised lubricant formulations.

Most of the new technologies are set to be integrated into a demonstration vehicle and tested in real conditions at the end of 2018.

The Falcon project, which is due to end in 2020, offers Renault Trucks “a new laboratory on wheels,” according to a 28 June announcement by the French vehicle maker.

The initiative will also help Renault to prepare for future EU regulations on CO2 emissions from heavy goods vehicles, together with the volumes, dimensions and tires, its statement added.