Platooning, a challenge for European manufacturers
Since April 2016, most truck manufacturers take part in the European Truck Platooning Challenge 2016. The event took place on April 6th, 2016 in Rotterdam, Netherlands and gathered several European truck manufacturers. Organised by the Dutch Environment and Infrastructure minister, this operation took place to present the positive aspects of semi-automated driving for freight merchandise. Six important groups took part in this crucial challenge for the future of the profession (Daimler Trucks, DAF, Man, Iveco, Scania and Volvo).
What is platooning ?
Platooning is a technic that optimises road freight transport. With this new concept, drivers have an automated assistance during journeys. A dozen semi-autonomous trucks drove through Europe to meet on April, 6th on the Rotterdam harbour. Set up to reach a semi-autonomy, these trucks started from different strategic points (Volvo and Scania from Sweden, Man and Daimler from Germany, DAF and Iveco from Belgium). The vehicles connected by Wi-Fi met and followed each other at an optimum distance and at constant speed. The distance between trucks can be reduced to 20 metres. The operation went on idealy and didn't encounter any problem, which will help generalise platooning.
The advantages of platooning
During the European Truck Platooning Challenge 2016, several manufacturers showed their technological innovations in terms of platooning. This technic acts on reactivity with a reduced braking time. For several years, manufacturers want to reduce the greenhouse gases emissions with platooning. Above all, this platooning driving system saves fuel and reduces the CO2 emissions. It improves road safety because in Europe 30 000 accidents are recorded. In terms of energy consumption, a 10% fuel saving is expected for these vehicles. Finally, platooning favours the insertion of trucks on roads and improves traffic. Wanted by several manufacturers, the generalising of platooning depends on the validation of semi-autonomous driving by European legislation.
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