Fuel Saving Performance of Low Rolling Resistance Tyres on Heavy Goods Vehicles

Abstract

Understanding the real-world fuel-saving potential of low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tyres in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) is vital for improving operational efficiency and reducing fuel costs in South Africa’s logistics sector. This study evaluated two identical Scania R460 HGVs, each paired with 2020 Afrit 25 Cube Side Tipper Links trailers, one fitted with LRR tyres and one with conventional tyres. High-frequency data from the CAN bus was collected over three months across 45,000 km, yielding over 2,200 valid observations analysed using the SRF Miner methodology to isolate stable driving segments based on longitudinal acceleration, accelerator pedal position, RPM, vehicle speed, gear, and throttle position. LRR tyres demonstrated a statistically significant fuel-saving benefit of 2.72 L/h (7.3%) across all terrain types under both segment-based (78 to 81 km/h) and route-based (79.5 to 80.5 km/h) analyses. Regression analysis confirmed that the benefit was independent of road gradient since slope coefficients were nearly identical for both tyre types (e.g., 536.6 L/h/rad vs. 527.3 L/h/rad uphill). Fuel savings were consistent across terrains, with reductions of 1.87 L/h (5.3%) on uphill, 1.87 L/h (5.4%) on flat, and 1.87 L/h (7.1%) on downhill segments. Slight variations in fuel savings across terrains under the route-based analysis can be attributed to differences in regression model fit, gravitational effects reducing engine load on downhill segments, and smaller sample sizes causing minor statistical fluctuations. Economically, LRR tyres save R154,143 per truck annually at R20.16/litre, totalling R7.7 million for a 50-truck fleet in South African HGV operations. These findings highlight the operational and economic value of LRR tyres in enhancing fuel efficiency under real-world conditions.