As detailed in a range of studies, there are numerous technical measures available for cost-effectively reducing the fuel consumption of heavy goods vehicles, including low rolling resistance tyres and cab-side extenders. To date, however, such measures have not been implemented on any major scale. An earlier study by CE Delft (2012) showed that this is due mainly to hauliers being insufficiently aware of the fuel savings actually achievable in their own specific situation.
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment’s ‘Truck of the Future’ demonstration programme, which brought together a wealth of information on the potential savings and pros and cons of seven currently available measures, was recently rounded off. While this independently validated, practical data may help convince hauliers to take action, the extent to which the results of this programme are actually believed and being taken to hand by market parties is still unclear.
Against this background the Water, Transport and Environment Division of the Directorate-General of Public Works and Water Management commissioned CE Delft to carry out a study assessing market uptake of the ‘Truck of the Future’ programme. It was also examined whether this data on the measures tested in the programme generates sufficient incentive for businesses to move to actual procurement, or whether there are other barriers hampering implementation. To this end CE Delft entered into dialogue with 87 hauliers, 19 shippers and 13 truck suppliers (in cooperation with their respective branch organisations TLN, EVO and BOVAG), by means of questionnaires and several workshops.