WIREDGOV

After a trip lasting several days, convoys of smart, communicating trucks are due to arrive in Rotterdam on 6 April. They set off from several European cities on 4 April to take part in the Truck Platooning Challenge: Europe’s first cross-border challenge involving automated trucks.

Saving time and fuel

Truck platooning involves trucks driving close behind one another, taking up less space on the road, saving time and fuel, and reducing their carbon emissions. They communicate using radar, GPS and WiFi, allowing them to drive safely so close together.

Encouraging the introduction of truck platooning

The Truck Platooning Challenge is an initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment in the context of the Netherlands Presidency of the EU. Trucks built by various manufacturers are travelling to Rotterdam from cities including Stockholm, Gothenburg, Stuttgart, Munich and Brussels. It’s not about who gets there first, but showing that this kind of travel is possible. The purpose of the challenge is:

• to demonstrate the advantages of truck platooning
• to promote collaboration between member states and industry
• to bring the introduction of truck platooning a step closer.

Opportunities for transport sector and industry

Truck platooning means new opportunities for the transport sector. Industry and the labour market also stand to benefit. The trucks travel at a constant speed, so air resistance is reduced. This saves fuel and cuts carbon emissions. It is vital that the transport sector reduces its carbon emissions, as it is currently responsible for around 25% of all carbon emissions in the EU. There is therefore much to be gained.

Smart, sustainable mobility

The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment is hosting an informal meeting of European transport and environment ministers in Amsterdam on 14 and 15 April. The ministers will discuss how best to facilitate the development of connected and automated driving. Truck platooning will also be on the agenda, as will self-driving cars. After the meeting the transport ministers will drive through Amsterdam in partially self-driving vehicles. A unique moment, made possible thanks to a special dispensation, which will allow them to demonstrate the latest technologies on the public roads.