Understanding the Average Fuel Efficiency of Pickup Trucks and Heavy-Duty Semis
When discussing the fuel efficiency of pickup trucks and heavy-duty semis, it's crucial to define what we mean by 'truck'. Are we referring to consumer pickup trucks or heavy-duty semis? Both have varying fuel consumption patterns due to their design, usage, and operational conditions.
Fuel Efficiency of Pickup Trucks
The fuel consumption of pickup trucks can vary widely depending on the model, the load, and the driving conditions. The pickup trucks I've driven delivered approximately 15-18 miles per gallon (mpg). These vehicles are often geared down to provide greater torque for heavy loads, which results in lower fuel efficiency compared to family passenger vehicles.
Fuel Efficiency of Semis and Commercial Trucks
For semis and commercial trucks, understanding the average fuel economy is more complex, as it can vary significantly based on the type of operation and the fleet's overall performance.
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has provided valuable insights through their Annual Fleet Fuel Study, which was last performed in 2019 and published in 2020. This study includes detailed data from leading tractor-trailer fleets. The average fleet-wide fuel economy in 2018 was 7.27 miles per gallon (mpg), though there was a slight increase from the previous year's 7.23 mpg.
NACFE has noted a consistent improvement of about 2.0 mpg per year over the past 16 years. These numbers reflect the average performance of some of the best fleets in the industry. Interestingly, the study also explored the potential for even higher fuel efficiency.
High-Performing Fleets and the 'Run on Less' Project
The Run on Less project, conducted every two years, is designed to showcase the best performing trucks and drivers. In the 2017 demonstration, seven different fleets allowed NACFE to monitor their best tractor, best trailer, and a top driver in long-haul operations. The results were quite impressive, with an average fuel economy of 10.1 mpg for these leading trucks, using only factory equipment.
However, it's important to recognize that not all semis operate long-haul routes. In 2019, a regional version of the Run on Less project was conducted, involving 10 different fleets with drivers who could be no more than 300 miles from home. These trucks running mainly urban delivery routes achieved an average of 8.3 mpg. For this segment of the industry, the average fuel economy was approximately 6.0 mpg.
It's worth noting that while some trucks still achieve fuel efficiency as low as 4-5 mpg, the industry has seen significant improvements due to advancements in technology and operational practices. Many fleets are now focused on making profits and becoming more sustainable, as requested by shippers. This has led to drivers achieving weeks of 10-11 mpg, making it clear that high fuel efficiency is achievable with the right approach.
For consumers looking to buy a pickup truck or operators of heavy-duty semis, understanding these numbers can help in making informed decisions about fuel efficiency, fleet management, and operational costs.
Key Takeaways:
The fuel efficiency of pickup trucks is generally lower due to their design and load requirements. Heavy-duty semis can achieve higher fuel efficiency with the right fleet management and operational strategies. Data from NACFE indicates a consistent improvement in fuel efficiency of about 2.0 mpg per year. The Run on Less project showcases the potential for high fuel efficiency with top-performing trucks and drivers.By understanding these factors, stakeholders in the trucking industry can work towards more sustainable and cost-effective operations.