Truck Efficiency and GHG Reduction Opportunities in the Canadian Truck Fleet

The report argues that retrofittable efficiency technologies can offset fuel economy losses caused by 2002 and 2007 emissions regulations. It proposes two implementation scenarios for Canada's 294,000 Class-8 trucks: a 'full package' of all efficiency devices and a 'simple package' adopted by 50% of the fleet. The report emphasizes that government leadership, technical guidance, and financial incentives are essential to overcome industry obstacles and accelerate the adoption of these technologies.

• If the entire Canadian fleet of 294,000 Class-8 trucks adopted a full package of energy-efficiency technologies, it would result in annual savings of 4.1 billion litres of fuel and a reduction of 11,500,000 tonnes of GHG emissions, which is equivalent to removing 64,000 Class-8 trucks or 2.6 million cars from the road.
• A 'simple package' of efficiency modifications—including side skirts, fuel-efficient dual tires, and a diesel-electric auxiliary power unit (APU)—adopted by 50% of the Canadian fleet (147,000 trucks) could save 1.2 billion litres of diesel fuel and reduce GHG emissions by 3,400,000 tonnes per year.
• Emissions regulations from 2002 and 2007 by Environment Canada and the U.S. EPA led to engine changes, such as cooled exhaust gas recirculation (Cooled EGR) systems, which can cause a 3–8% decrease in fuel economy and corresponding increases in GHG emissions.
• Aerodynamic improvements to the trailer—specifically gap fairings, side skirts, and rear drag devices (base flaps)—can collectively deliver a potential fuel savings of approximately 12% during highway operation.
• Auxiliary power units (APUs) significantly reduce fuel consumption during idling; a battery-electric APU can offer 92% fuel savings compared to idling a primary engine, while a diesel-electric APU offers 80% savings.
• Government financial incentives have proven effective in stimulating the adoption of idling-reduction technologies in Canada; a Natural Resources Canada rebate program from 2004 to 2006 led to the purchase of 13,280 devices and an estimated annual GHG saving of 186,000 tonnes.

APA

Ogburn, M. J., & Ramroth, L. A. (n.d.). Truck Efficiency and GHG Reduction Opportunities in the Canadian Truck Fleet. RMI. https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_Truck-Efficiency-and-GHG-Reduction-Opportuniities-in-the-Canadian-Truck-Fleet.pdf

Chicago

Ogburn, Michael J., and Laurie A. Ramroth. Truck Efficiency and GHG Reduction Opportunities in the Canadian Truck Fleet. RMI, n.d. https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_Truck-Efficiency-and-GHG-Reduction-Opportuniities-in-the-Canadian-Truck-Fleet.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ogburn |first1=Michael J. |last2=Ramroth |first2=Laurie A. |title=Truck Efficiency and GHG Reduction Opportunities in the Canadian Truck Fleet |publisher=RMI |url=https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_Truck-Efficiency-and-GHG-Reduction-Opportuniities-in-the-Canadian-Truck-Fleet.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ogburnndtruck, author = {Ogburn, Michael J. and Ramroth, Laurie A.}, title = {{Truck Efficiency and GHG Reduction Opportunities in the Canadian Truck Fleet}}, institution = {RMI}, url = {https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_Truck-Efficiency-and-GHG-Reduction-Opportuniities-in-the-Canadian-Truck-Fleet.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }