Commercial Vehicles

AUGUST 2011: Fule Economy and Emission Rule Calls aluminum #1 Learn more.

With growing pressure for more energy efficient vehicles and lower operating costs, the industry is dealing with demands for improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and, additional increases in payload capacity. Enter aluminum.

Driven largely by payload considerations, aluminum has experienced over 30 years of continual growth in commercial applications. The average Class 8 truck today uses over 1,000 pounds of aluminum; making up about 4 percent of total tractor weight, and with emerging applications can reduce vehicle weight by up to 3,300 pounds. By exploring the advantages of lightweighting with aluminum, truck owners and operators can experience the real value and benefits a lighter vehicle has to offer.

Increased Payload
Use of low weight, high-strength aluminum components allows trucks to carry larger cargo loads without violating weight restrictions on bridges and roadways.

Reduced Fuel Consumption
Aluminum use to reduce commercial vehicle weight increases fuel economy, leading to reduced fuel costs for operating the vehicle. Recent research shows that a one ton weight reduction can save up to 3,400 gallons of fuel over the lifetime of a vehicle.

Reduced Emissions
The increased use of aluminum in commercial vehicles reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, which significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with global warming. As a result, truck owners and operators can save 37 tons of CO₂ over vehicle life and 32 lifecycle tons for every ton of aluminum added to fleet. This equates to the potential to save 50 million tons of CO₂ from a million trucks.

Lower Maintenance Costs
Increased payload capacity through lightweighting equals fewer trips and less miles on the truck, ultimately saving maintenance costs associated with wear and tear on brakes and tire treads.

Improved Durability
Aluminum components are corrosion resistant which reduce the need for rust repair and increase the life cycle of the truck.

Higher Resale Value
Commercial vehicles with aluminum components maintain their value resulting in a higher residual value.

Better Recycling Rates
Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials on the planet and is infinitely recyclable, meaning commercial vehicle aluminum applications never need to be landfilled.

Potential weight savings from a host of aluminum applications available today.