There has been much vaunted conversation these last few years regarding the feasibility and potential application of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology on U.S. roads. Thus far strides in this regard could best be described as baby steps. But one state is now looking to take a great, big stretch forward.
The Utah State Legislature will this year adopt House Bill 373, which will allow testing of truck communication techniques that could potentially save on fuel costs and emissions. Utah law requires vehicles to maintain two seconds of driving time between vehicles, but the bill, sponsored by State Rep. John Knotwell, would allow semi-trucks to travel as close as 30 ft from one another in order to test connected-vehicle technology in rural areas where population density is minimal.
Peloton Technology, a California-based concern, will partners with UDOT and trucking companies to implement upcoming testing. The company, according to UDOT, has developed a system by which two trucks may travel closely using a combination of V2V technology, radar-activated braking mechanisms and vehicle-control algorithms. It has been described as not unlike cruise-control, where both drivers are steering but a direct link between the trucks allows the rear truck to react according to the action of the truck in front.
The hybridized system also would allow the rear truck to draft off the one in front, where it is hoped that fuel savings of up to 12% could be realized. A commensurate reduction in vehicle emissions recommends itself in this instance.
UDOT hopes to mitigate the number of road incidents by investing in these experiments.
