Class 8 trucks experiencing proliferation of downsized engines

Classic laws of physics and thermodynamics suggest that smaller sized engines featuring higher power density will face heat management issues. Moreover, these engines will require effective and efficient lubrication and heat dissipation.

This suggests that technologies such as advanced semi-synthetic/fully-synthetic lubricants, hollow valves and prognostics, among others, will be increasingly used to reduce service and maintenance burden placed by host trucks.

The installation of downsized engines will also offer aerodynamic design flexibilities to OEMs, which can result in new packaging configurations for under-the-hood systems and components. This indicates that the new breed of GHG regulation-compliant trucks featuring downsized engines will feature new technologies and thus create new challenges.

Nevertheless, there is comfort in knowing that OEMs and engine makers are also working towards reducing the service and maintenance burden on fleet maintenance managers.

In conclusion, we can safely assume that heavy duty trucks of the future will reduce operating costs for fleets and will play a greater role in reducing emissions. The reduction of lifecycle costs brought about by these new engines will imply a greater availability of funds for fleets, which can be invested in fleet maintenance and technician training – highly important strategic necessities for fleet managers today.

For more information on Frost & Sullivan’s commercial vehicle research, contact Jeannette Garcia, corporate communications associate, at Jeannette.Garcia@frost.com or at (210) 477-8427.

Ananth Srinivasan is a senior research analyst with Frost & Sullivan’s Automotive & Transportation business. Sandeep Kar is the business’s global director of commercial vehicle research. Frost & Sullivan provides in-depth research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies for a broad range of industries. www.frost.com.