As smart technologies and autonomous features become more common in vehicles, it will open up new opportunities for fuel savings. Truck platooning refers to the electronic coupling of freight vehicles, so they travel at a close but safe distance. This reduces wind resistance for all but the first car in the formation, and thus fuel use. A 2017 report from NREL estimates that widespread platooning could cut fuel use from trucks 4%.

Connected vehicles and autonomous driving could provide enough safety enhancements to make this a common practice, saving costs for freight operations, shipping costs for business all over the country, and promote energy and climate goals through reduced energy use.   This webinar will cover technological advances that make platooning possible, implications to the energy sector, and how states can work with pilot programs to conduct road tests.

Webinar Recording: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7111266669527553027
Mark Smith, U.S. Department of Energy
Stephen Boyd, Peloton Technology
Michael Lammert, National Renewable Energy Laboratory