Katerina Swanson
The Freightliner Cascadia is a truck designed with fuel efficiency in mind. Freightliner Trucks has committed to improving the fuel efficiency of its trucks every two years, and the Cascadia is no exception. The Cascadia Natural Gas, for example, delivers near-zero emissions and has an advanced aerodynamic design, making it both fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Fuel economy tests are conducted on-road and in simulators to validate these improvements. One such test, the Cascadia Fuel Efficiency Tour, saw a 2016 Cascadia Evolution drive from Detroit to Portland, a route chosen for being the most representative for customers. The test resulted in an eight per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to previous Cascadia models.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | 8% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to previous models |
| Average Fuel Usage | 6.2 litres per 100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 gallons |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas |
| Fuel Cost Savings | Natural gas is less expensive than diesel fuel |
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What You'll Learn
The Freightliner Cascadia's fuel efficiency
Freightliner Trucks is committed to improving the fuel efficiency of its trucks. The company conducts a major cross-country fuel efficiency tour every three or four years, coinciding with a significant new product launch. The Cascadia Fuel Efficiency Tour was developed to mimic drivers' behaviour, with the route from Detroit to Portland being chosen as the most representative for customers.
The tour involves two trucks running the same route simultaneously, spaced about half a mile to a full mile apart to avoid aerodynamic influence while experiencing similar weather and traffic conditions. The Cascadia trucks are designed with advanced aerodynamics, including an optimally designed hood, grille, mirrors, and bumper, as well as upper door seals and 12-inch side extenders, to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.
During the tour, the trucks covered various terrains, including pure flats, steady climbs, and rolling hills, to test their performance thoroughly. The fuel efficiency goal for the Cascadia was a five per cent improvement, but the team knew they would exceed it due to individual component tests. The result was an impressive eight per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the previous model.
The Freightliner Cascadia is known for its impressive fuel economy in the real world. One driver reported completing a 3000km delivery with a 15t trailer (31t total) with just two refuelings, and still having more than three-quarters of a tank left. The average fuel usage for this journey was 6.2 litres per 100km, which is remarkable for a vehicle of this size.
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Fuel tank capacity
The Freightliner Cascadia is known for its fuel efficiency. The manufacturer, Freightliner Trucks, conducts a major cross-country fuel economy test every three or four years, with the aim of improving the fuel efficiency of its trucks every two years. The Cascadia Natural Gas model delivers near-zero emissions and its advanced aerodynamic design makes it both fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.
A 2015 Freightliner Cascadia typically has a 100-gallon tank, which will hold around 95 gallons of fuel. A 2016 model of the truck can travel 170 gallons before stalling out. The average fuel usage for the Cascadia is 6.2 litres per 100km, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size. One user reported driving 3000km with a 15t trailer (31t total) with just two refuelings and still having more than 3/4 of the tank left at the end of the journey.
The Cascadia's fuel efficiency is due in part to its aerodynamic design, which includes an optimally designed hood, grille, mirrors, and bumper, as well as upper door seals and 12-inch side extenders. These features reduce overall drag and improve fuel economy. The truck also has advanced active and passive safety systems that help drivers mitigate or avoid collisions, further contributing to its fuel efficiency.
Freightliner Trucks has also introduced new features that have improved the Cascadia's fuel efficiency, such as Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM). During the most recent fuel efficiency tour, the 2016 Cascadia Evolution model achieved an eight per cent improvement in fuel efficiency when compared to its predecessor.
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Real-world fuel performance
Freightliner Trucks is committed to improving the fuel efficiency of its trucks every two years. The company conducts fuel economy tests on the road and in simulators to validate these improvements. The Cascadia Fuel Efficiency Tour is an on-highway cross-country fuel economy test that compares the performance of different Cascadia trucks.
During the development of the Cascadia Fuel Efficiency Tour, Freightliner Trucks considered a dozen different routes before settling on the Detroit to Portland route. This route was chosen because it was considered the most representative for their customers based on data and customer feedback. The trucks drove through pure flats in Iowa and rolling hills in Wyoming, covering various terrains and elevations.
The fuel efficiency goal for the Cascadia was a five percent improvement, but the team knew they could exceed this target based on individual tests conducted on different components. They ended up achieving an eight percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the previous year's model. This improvement was attributed to about 12 new features, including Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM) and aerodynamics.
In terms of real-world fuel performance, one driver reported completing a 3000km delivery with a 15t trailer (31t total) with just two refuelings along the way. They started with a full tank, refueled once, and then again with about 400km left in the journey. After the delivery, they still had more than 3/4 of a tank remaining. Their average fuel usage was 6.2 litres per 100km, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size.
Additionally, Freightliner offers the Cascadia Natural Gas model, which delivers near-zero emissions and has an advanced aerodynamic design, making it both fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Natural gas fuel is also less expensive than diesel fuel, resulting in significant fuel-cost savings for fleets.
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Fuel economy testing
One of the critical aspects of fuel economy testing for the Cascadia is the selection of the test route. Engineers carefully choose a route that includes a variety of road types, such as large hills, progressively rising hills, curves, and flat areas. This diverse route ensures that the truck is exposed to different driving conditions, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of its fuel efficiency.
The test route also takes into account weather conditions and driver behaviour. The Cascadia is driven through gentle and strong winds to understand their impact on fuel economy. Additionally, engineers study driver feedback and mimic their behaviour to select a route that represents the typical driving patterns of Cascadia customers. This includes considering factors such as speed, acceleration, and traffic conditions.
The fuel economy test for the Cascadia involves two trucks travelling the same route simultaneously. The trucks are spaced about half a mile to a full mile apart to avoid aerodynamic interference while still experiencing similar weather and traffic conditions. This setup enables a direct comparison of fuel efficiency between the two vehicles.
To ensure the accuracy of the test results, an independent test observer travels with the team during the Cascadia fuel economy test. This observer certifies weights and test equipment, verifies data captured at each stop, including fuel readings and fuel devices, and tracks variables like tyre wear and trailer weights. Their presence adds credibility and validates the findings of the fuel economy test.
The Cascadia Evolution, the latest flagship model from Freightliner Trucks, has undergone extensive fuel economy testing. It achieved 10 MPG on a test track with 76,000 lbs of cargo and an impressive 9.31 MPG in real-world conditions on a cross-country tour with a full load. This demonstrates a significant improvement in fuel efficiency over its predecessor.
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Natural gas fuel vs diesel fuel
Natural gas and diesel fuel are two of the most popular fuel sources for industrial generators. While the electricity produced is similar, there are several differences between the two fuel types.
Natural gas is a clean and inexpensive fuel source, which is why it is a popular choice for industrial generators. It usually refers to methane gas drilled from the ground via gas wells and oil wells. It can be accessed directly from the gas pipeline network, eliminating the need for on-site fuel storage. Natural gas burns cleaner than diesel, producing lower carbon emissions, and is quieter during operation. However, natural gas generators require more maintenance, such as spark plug replacements.
Diesel fuel, on the other hand, is a petroleum product refined from No. 2 distillate. It is available in liquid form and can be stored on-site, making it a reliable choice during power outages. Diesel generators are known for their efficiency and durability, making them ideal for high-power demands and emergency backup systems. They are also simpler in construction than gasoline power engines, and they do not require spark plugs. However, diesel exhaust is toxic and carcinogenic and must be vented outside. Diesel generators also experience more frequent maintenance issues and are more suitable for short-term, high-load performance.
When deciding between natural gas and diesel fuel, factors such as fuel availability, efficiency, maintenance, and long-term costs should be considered. Natural gas is often the preferred choice for businesses prioritising sustainability and long-term cost savings, while diesel generators are ideal for industries requiring heavy-duty power and emergency preparedness.
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Frequently asked questions
The Cascadia has been reported to have an average fuel usage of 6.2 litres per 100km.
Freightliner Trucks conducts a major cross-country fuel economy test every three or four years. The most recent test was overseen by Danny Borski, manager of fuel consumption testing. The test route was chosen based on customer data and feedback.
The target was a 5% improvement, but the team knew they would exceed that based on individual tests of the different components. They ended up with an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency.
There were about 12 new features that contributed to the 8% improvement, including Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM) and aerodynamics.
The Cascadia has a 100-gallon tank, which typically holds 95 gallons of fuel.
