The solar panels reduce fuel consumption by up to 1,200 litres per year, per vehicle. This reduces a truck’s overall fuel consumption by up to 6%, lowering CO2 emission per truck by 3.8 tonnes on an annual basis.
Traditionally, trucks consume a large amount of electricity which is generated by the alternator. The photovoltaics now supply the trucks with solar electricity. When driving, there is a decreased load on the engine which lowers fuel consumption.
An integrated solar management system also allows the charging of electric appliances such as phones and computers and to power the air-conditioning (AC) within the truck cabin and the tail lift, which is needed for loading and unloading.
Additionally, the driver can measure how much solar electricity has been delivered to the vehicle by the solar panels and how much per activity is consumed. During the summer months with more sun, the fuel consumption is even lower. Read more from our partner, K+N >
Related articles: UK’s first commercial electric articulated HGVs >