Independent third-party certified fuel-economy testing by Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions (MVTS) confirmed that the MICHELIN® Energy Guard system coupled with a Michelin X One tire package demonstrated a combined fuel savings of 17.01 gallons/1000 miles1. MICHELIN® Energy Guard is a SmartWay-verified and CARB-compliant solution from MICHELIN® Aerodynamic Solutions.
“Our goal through continued testing was to provide certified fuel economy performance test data results that fleets can use to confidently make purchasing decisions about aerodynamic trailer solutions and realize real-world savings,” says Calvin Bradley, technical leader, MICHELIN Aerodynamic Solutions, Michelin North America. “The newest testing confirms these significant results and validates our product from others on the market.”
THE TEST
MVTS performed the test with two 2015 International LTs with Cummins ISX 15-L engines and Eaton 10-speed automated manual transmissions. Each International LT also hauled 53-ft Hyundai dry vans. This combination had a 72,000-lb gross vehicle weight. MVTS thoroughly inspected the vehicles and provided regular maintenance prior to testing. MVTS fit the tractors and trailers with wide-base single tires set at 100 PSI. They fit one vehicle with MICHELIN® X Line Energy Z on the steer position. MICHELIN® X One® Line Energy D fit the drive position. MICHELIN® X One® Line Energy T fit the trailer position. In contrast, MVTS outfitted the other vehicle with a competitor brand. Additionally, all EPA SmartWay-approved tires had a 500-mile break-in procedure using the same vehicle and load.
“MVTS-certified testing is a much more advanced and reliable method for predicting fuel savings,” said Daryl Bear, lead engineer and COO, MVT Solutions, LLC. “The results provided are comparable with what a progressive fleet can expect in real-world operations. Combining fuel-efficient tires with aerodynamics can save a fleet significant fuel and money.”
Detailed information on the complete test can be found in a separate report at www.m-v-t-s.com. Look for the Michelin logo under “Certified Products.”
Find out more, visit www.michelinman.com.
Notes
1 Estimated fuel savings at 65mph based on commissioned, third-party MVT Solutions Certified™ testing procedure on a modern Class 8 truck and 53-ft trailer equipped with MICHELIN® Energy Guard, MICHELIN® X Line Energy Z 275/80R22.5 steer tires, MICHELIN® X One® Line Energy D drive tires, and MICHELIN® X One® Line Energy T trailer tires, and compared to a trailer with no aerodynamic devices, equipped with Bridgestone R284 Ecopia™ 295/75R22.5 steer tires, Bridgestone Greatec M835A Ecopia™ 445/50R22.5 drive tires, and Bridgestone Greatec R197 Ecopia™ 445/50R22.5 trailer tires. Actual results may vary and may be impacted by many factors. Factors includes road conditions, weather, environment, combination of steer and drive tires used, driving habits, tire size, equipment, and maintenance.
2 Estimated fuel cost savings based on fuel savings results1, with fuel prices at 2019 diesel fuel average of $3.056/gal., if tractor and trailer travel 100,000 miles per year with a baseline fuel economy of 7.4 mpg.
