In platooning, several vehicles drive in close proximity to each other using a technical control system (“electronic drawbar”). The vehicles are networked with each other, so only the leading vehicle is actively driven. The following vehicles automatically follow the lead vehicle. Assistance systems control speed, maintain distance, provide lane guidance, and handle braking and acceleration of the trailing vehicles.
Why is this relevant?
This technology holds enormous potential for greater sustainability in freight transport.
Environmentally friendly:
- Driving in the slipstream saves energy due to reduced air resistance.
- Reduced fuel consumption and thus increased vehicle range.
- Lower CO₂ emissions for the trailing vehicle; even the lead vehicle saves energy.
Safer traffic:
- Immediate, automated braking by assistance systems
- The risk of rear-end collisions is significantly reduced.
Efficient transport:
- More effective use of roads, which optimizes goods transport, reduces traffic jams, and shortens travel times.
- Drivers are relieved and can concentrate on other tasks.
The aerodynamics behind the platoon.
In platooning, several trucks drive in very close proximity to each other. The trailing vehicles are in the slipstream of the vehicle in front and utilize the altered flow conditions behind the lead vehicle. But what exactly happens?
Behind a single truck, a so-called “dead water zone” forms, meaning an area where the air (or fluid particles) barely moves with the main flow. It is created by the flow separation at the rear of the vehicle (see Figure 2). The air vortices then roll up into an unstable ring vortex and lose part of their kinetic energy, i.e., their speed of movement. At the same time, the pressure at the rear of the vehicle drops, increasing drag. This phenomenon occurs in the so-called wake region, directly behind the vehicle.
When several trucks drive very closely together – i.e., in a platoon – this flow pattern changes significantly: The wake region of the front vehicle shrinks, the pressure at its rear increases, and less energy is lost. This reduces air resistance. The middle and rear vehicles also experience less stagnation pressure at the front. They do not have to drive against a “wall of stationary air” but encounter an already moving airflow in the direction of travel – the slipstream effect takes hold. This leads to lower energy requirements.
Summary:
Platooning specifically utilizes physical effects of fluid mechanics to reduce energy consumption in freight transport – efficiently, sustainably, and safely.
Interactive Exhibit: Try Truck Platooning Yourself!
In this virtual exhibit, you can playfully discover the principle of platooning. Choose one of four driving speeds, vary the distance between vehicles, and observe the resulting energy savings in real time.
In addition, the airflow around the platoon is visually represented, allowing the physical effects to be directly understood.
Try it out and experience how modern vehicle networking contributes to more sustainable freight transport!
