Tesla Semi-like trucks will soon become the norm in Europe, as members of the European Parliament vote on a law requiring manufacturers to produce more aerodynamic and energy-efficient vehicles. It is estimated that by adopting these changes, the region’s long-haul industry will produce less carbon dioxide, consume less fuel, and even save lives.
Under the regulations, truck makers will be allowed to lengthen the cab design of their vehicles by up to 80-90 cm, provided the extra space is used to provide drivers with better visibility. The cab expansion will likely result in next-generation trucks in Europe looking very similar to the Tesla Semi, which features a large wraparound windshield that gives drivers a great view of the road and surroundings of the vehicle.
These changes are expected to make the trucks safer for the public, as the curved cabs can distract pedestrians and cyclists during collisions in a safer manner. Pedestrians struck by conventional brick trucks run the risk of getting under the vehicle’s wheels after the collision. This risk is greatly reduced on trucks with more rounded front edges.
The European Union for Transport and Environment (also known as Transport and Environment or T&E) reports that Europe sees around 4,000 deaths per year due to truck-related accidents. Of this number, about 1,000 people are cyclists and pedestrians. Ultimately, the new law is a win for both the trucking industry and the public, noted James Nix, director of freight at T&E. “The truck of the future will be sleeker, reducing fuel bills and emissions. It will also be safer through better driver visibility for cyclists and pedestrians in particular.
Aside from making long haul trucks safer for the public, the shift to more aerodynamic truck designs is expected to reduce the industry’s carbon emissions by 7-10%. The reforms are also estimated to help reduce fuel bills by up to 5% in long-haul trucks and up to 10% in vehicles with more advanced engines.
The aerodynamic trucks are expected to roll out in Europe from September 2020, a target that has been achieved with a somewhat lukewarm response from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Before the proposal was confirmed by MEPs, the association proved to be quite skeptical of the initiative, noting that the redesigned vehicles would likely not be ready for the 2020 target, as The Irish Times noted.
This latest regulation, combined with the hesitation of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, opens up a large market for electric trucks like the Tesla Semi, which already conform to the design proposed in the new regulations. Add the benefit of the Semi’s low operating cost and zero emissions due to its all-electric architecture, and the vehicle becomes a perfect fit for Europe’s changing trucking market.
It’s not just Tesla that could benefit from Europe’s new initiative either, as companies like hydrogen-electric truck maker Nikola could also deploy long-haul, aerodynamic pickup trucks like the Nikola One and Nikola Two in the region. However, Nikola may need to reconsider its plans for Europe, as the car it built for the region, the Nikola Tree, features a traditional brick-like design.
