Fuel Consumption

Truck Fuel Consumption

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The average fuel consumption of trucks varies widely depending on the class, load, driving conditions, vehicle specification, and technological advancements.

For heavy-duty trucks (Class 8), recent studies show that fleet-wide averages have improved over the past decade, with typical fuel economy rising from 6.67 miles per gallon (MPG) in 2013 to about 7.77 MPG in 2023. The Federal Highway Administration reported a more conservative improvement, with combination trucks averaging 6.91 MPG in 2022[1]. In real-world and well-optimized scenarios, some modern trucks have achieved fuel efficiencies above 10 MPG on long-haul routes, especially with advanced technology and skilled driving[1]. Benchmarks across North America reflect an operable range between roughly 4.5 and 6.5 MPG for heavy-duty vehicles, signifying variability due to geography, fleet practices, and environmental factors[3].

Fuel-efficient models and lighter-duty pickups (e.g., light-duty Ford F-150 EcoBoost) can reach highway ratings close to 24 MPG, demonstrating high variability based on purpose and engineering[6]. On the opposite end, specialized heavy-duty applications like dump trucks might average only 5 to 6 MPG[6].

Several factors play key roles in fuel consumption:

  • Rolling resistance: Accounts for about 9% of fuel use. Tire type, pressure, and wear have significant impacts, with fuel-efficient tires and properly managed pressure offering tangible savings[2].
  • Aerodynamics: About 10% of fuel economy is affected by air resistance. Reducing speed and using aerodynamic kits can enhance efficiency. Lower speeds (e.g., traveling at 85 km/h vs. 90 km/h) can lower fuel consumption by about 3.5%[2].
  • Weight: Heavier loads increase fuel consumption. Every 100 pounds added can reduce MPG by up to 2% in smaller vehicles, with a proportionally lesser though still significant effect in larger vehicles[6].
  • Driving habits: Consistent speeds, smooth acceleration, and avoiding aggressive driving reduce fuel use. Use of cruise control and predictive cruise control are beneficial[4].
  • Powertrain and transmission technology: Integrated powertrains, aerodynamic features, and advanced transmissions can improve energy use and performance[4].
  • Annual fuel use: As an illustration, a typical Class 8 truck is estimated to consume more than 10,700 gallons of gasoline equivalent annually, depending on application and mileage[7].

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