In the transportation sector, besides the engine and operability, truck fuel consumption is one of the factors that investors are particularly interested in. Understanding fuel consumption not only helps businesses optimize operating costs, but also helps drivers plan their trips effectively and grasp the appropriate time for vehicle maintenance. So, how much fuel does a truck consume per kilometer and what factors affect this consumption rate?
How to Calculate Truck Fuel Consumption
To estimate truck fuel consumption per kilometer, there are two popular formulas that you can refer to. However, it should be noted that these are only relative calculations, because the actual fuel consumption depends on many different factors.
FORMULA 1: Calculate Average Fuel Consumption
This formula helps you easily calculate fuel consumption based on the distance traveled and the amount of fuel used:
Fuel consumption (liters/km) = Liters of fuel used / Distance traveled (km)
For example, if your truck has traveled 400km and consumed 50 liters of fuel, then the average fuel consumption is: 50 liters / 400 km = 0.125 liters/km. This means that, on average, your truck uses 0.125 liters of fuel for every kilometer traveled, or 1 liter of fuel can help the truck travel about 8km.
FORMULA 2: Detailed Calculation with Coefficients
For a more detailed view, especially when planning transportation or setting fuel norms, you can use a more complex formula that takes into account different coefficients:
Mc = K1. L/100 + K2 . P/100 + nK3
Where:
- Mc: Total truck fuel consumption for a trip (liters).
- K1: Technical norm of vehicle fuel consumption (liters/100km) – this information is usually provided by the manufacturer or can be found in the vehicle’s technical information.
- K2: Surcharge coefficient for cargo, calculating additional fuel consumption when the vehicle carries goods or passengers (liters).
- K3: Surcharge coefficient for stopping to load and unload goods (liters) – calculating additional fuel consumption when the vehicle stops waiting or performing loading and unloading operations.
- L: Total distance the vehicle travels, converted to Class 1 road (km). This conversion is aimed at standardizing fuel consumption on different types of roads (bad roads, hilly roads can be converted to equivalent longer distances on Class 1 roads).
- P: Total volume of cargo transported (T.km or HK.km) converted to Class 1 road.
- n: Number of times loading and unloading goods or number of times stopping the vehicle (over 1 minute).
This second formula is more complex but provides a more comprehensive view of truck fuel consumption, especially useful for transportation businesses that want to manage fuel costs tightly.
Actual Truck Fuel Consumption per 100km
Although there are calculation formulas, in reality, it is very difficult to give an absolutely accurate figure on truck fuel consumption when traveling 100km. Fuel consumption is affected by countless different factors.
However, industry experts have provided some reference estimates on truck fuel consumption per 100km, based on common payloads and vehicle types:
- Small trucks (under 1 ton): About 6 – 7 liters of fuel/100km. These are usually light trucks with small engines, serving to transport goods in urban areas or short distances.
- Medium trucks (1.5 – 3.5 tons): About 9 – 12 liters of fuel/100km. Popular vehicles such as Hyundai Mighty 75S, Hyundai N250, Isuzu 3.5 tons, Hino 3.5 tons… belong to this segment, serving a variety of cargo transportation needs.
- Heavy trucks (9 – 10 tons): About 15 – 17 liters of fuel/100km. These vehicles are often used for long-distance freight transport or construction projects.
- Dump trucks, tractor trucks (over 15 tons): From 20 liters of fuel/100km or more. These are vehicles with large payloads and powerful engines, so fuel consumption is also significantly higher.
The above figures are for reference only and may vary depending on vehicle condition, operating conditions, and driving habits. Understanding the factors affecting truck fuel consumption will help you be more proactive in managing and saving fuel.
Factors Affecting Truck Fuel Consumption
Truck fuel consumption is not a fixed number but always fluctuates due to the impact of many different factors. Here are the main factors:
- Transportation terrain: Terrain is one of the most important factors. Trucks traveling on hilly roads, bad roads, or flooded roads will consume more fuel than on flat roads. Ambient temperature also affects consumption, too hot or too cold weather can increase fuel consumption.
- Engine and vehicle manufacturer: Engine technology and design of each vehicle manufacturer will determine fuel efficiency. New vehicle models with advanced technology are usually more fuel-efficient. Choosing an engine suitable for transportation needs is also a factor to consider.
- Payload: Truck fuel consumption is directly proportional to payload. The heavier the vehicle is loaded, the more the engine has to work, leading to higher fuel consumption. Carrying goods within the correct payload limits not only ensures safety but also helps save fuel.
- Driving habits: The driver’s driving style has a major impact on fuel consumption. Habits such as sudden braking, sudden acceleration, speeding, or not keeping the engine speed stable all increase truck fuel consumption. Driving smoothly, maintaining a stable speed and using engine braking appropriately are skills that help save fuel.
- Vehicle maintenance: Vehicles that are not maintained regularly, components such as air filters, oil filters are dirty, or tires are underinflated will increase drag and make the engine work harder, leading to higher fuel consumption. Maintaining the vehicle on schedule, checking and replacing components regularly is an important measure to ensure the vehicle operates efficiently and saves fuel.
Solutions to Save Truck Fuel Consumption
Saving truck fuel consumption not only reduces operating costs but also contributes to protecting the environment. Here are some practical solutions:
- Drive at the correct speed and engine speed: Avoid speeding or running the engine at too high an RPM. Maintaining a stable speed and reasonable engine speed helps the engine operate most efficiently and save fuel.
- Limit sudden braking and sudden acceleration: Driving with anticipation and maintaining a safe distance helps limit sudden braking. Accelerating slowly and steadily also helps save fuel.
- Check and maintain the vehicle regularly: Ensure the vehicle is maintained on schedule, change oil, air filter, oil filter, check tires and braking system.
- Choose the appropriate engine oil: Use quality engine oil and the correct type, suitable for the vehicle’s engine and operating conditions. Good engine oil helps the engine run smoothly and reduces friction, thereby saving fuel.
- Check tire pressure regularly: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and cause the vehicle to consume more fuel. Maintaining the correct tire pressure helps reduce drag and save fuel.
- Reduce unnecessary payload: Only carry goods within the prescribed payload limits. Remove unnecessary items on the vehicle to reduce payload and save fuel.
- Plan and optimize transportation routes: Choose the shortest route, avoid traffic jams, and combine shipments to optimize travel distance and reduce truck fuel consumption per trip.
Hyundai N250 truck with a closed container, one of the fuel-efficient trucks on the market.
Conclusion
Truck fuel consumption is an important factor that should be of concern to vehicle owners and transportation businesses. Understanding the influencing factors and applying fuel-saving measures not only helps reduce operating costs but also improves business efficiency and contributes to environmental protection. Hopefully this article has provided useful information so that you can manage and optimize truck fuel consumption for your vehicle.
For detailed advice on fuel-efficient truck models and optimal transportation solutions, contact Kinh Bac Auto immediately via phone number: 0914.510.888
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