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FPInnovations, Cascades develop aerodynamic semi-trailer

A new aerodynamic semi-trailer developed by three industry partners and Université Laval will reduce CO2 emissions and lower North American freight fuel costs.

A new aerodynamic semi-trailer developed by three industry partners and Université Laval will reduce CO₂ emissions and lower North American freight fuel costs.

The trailer, developed by the not-for-profit R&D firm FPInnovations from European technology with engineering expertise from Energotest, trailer manufacturer Manac and green forest products manufacturer Cascades, reduces aerodynamic drag by 12% for a fuel savings of 6%, and could potentially eliminate 14 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per semi trailer.

The partners said it will not contravene transport regulations, which will allow for its “flexible integration” into Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

The trailer, has undergone wind tunnel tests at the Mechanical Engineering Department at Université Laval and will now be tested on FPInnovation’s PIT Program Energotest track in Blainsville, Que.

The project received $50,000 in funding from the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ).

Sales potential for the North American semi trailer market is about 64,000 units per year, worth more than $1.5 billion.

The partners did not indicate when the trailer would be available for commercial use. FPInnovations’ PIT Program brings together researchers, managers of vehicle fleets, technology providers and government agencies to improve every phase of the transportation system.