From the innovation folder comes a proposal by EU-financed researchers to group cars, buses and trucks in short “road trains” on Europe's motorways to conserve fuel. The EU hopes to cut fuel consumption, journey times and congestion by linking up to eight vehicles together. Early work on the idea suggests that fuel savings in the neighborhood of 20 percent could be achieved among those cars and trucks traveling behind a larger lead vehicle. That vehicle would be operated by a professional driver who would monitor the status of the road train. Those in following vehicles could take their hands off the wheel, read a book or watch TV, while they travel along the motorway. Their vehicle would be controlled by the lead vehicle. Funded under the European Commission's Framework 7 research plan, SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) is aimed at commuters in cars who travel long distances to work every day but will also look at ways to involve commercial vehicles.
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EU-Financed Research Team Sees Fuel-Savings Promise in ‘Road Trains’
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