FlowBelow's New AeroFender Proven to Save Fleets 1.44 Percent in Fuel by Improving Tractor Aerodynamics
Independent testing confirms that FlowBelow's new AeroFender saved 1.49 gallons of fuel for every 1,000 miles driven, or 187 gallons over the course of 125,000 miles.
AUSTIN, Texas, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- FlowBelow Aero, Inc., a leader in developing tractor and trailer aerodynamic technologies, announced the introduction of its AeroFender today. The newest product in FlowBelow's aerodynamic equipment lineup, the AeroFender has been rigorously tested and is now widely available at OEM mod centers for installation on new trucks, or directly from FlowBelow, or thru the OEM dealer network for retrofit applications.
The AeroFender reduces drag on day- and sleeper-cabs and provides another critically important tool for fleets to improve fuel economy and to reduce CO2 emissions. The low-profile device provides the same safety and operational benefits as a traditional quarter fender, but improves fuel efficiency by re-directing the airflow ahead of and around a power unit's leading drive axle.
At a controlled track test completed in November 2023 by Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions, the technology was proven to save 1.49 gallons of fuel for every 1,000 miles driven, or 1.44 percent overall. Fleets can expect a truck with an AeroFender installed and traveling 125,000 miles per year, to save an estimated 187 gallons of fuel and approximately 4,207.5 pounds of CO2.
At 22.5 pounds of CO2 per gallon of diesel fuel, a fleet of 1,000 could reduce its CO2 emissions by as much as 4,207,500 pounds, or 2,103.75 tons. In addition to the associated fuel savings and environmental upsides, FlowBelow calculates that the ROI on its AeroFender will come in at under one year from the date of its installation.
McLane Company, Inc. has been a user of FlowBelow's Tractor AeroKit and trailer wheel covers for some time. In 2021 the fleet was an early adopter of the AeroFender in advance of its release to the industry at large.
"After extensive durability testing and ROI cost analysis, we began putting FlowBelow AeroFenders on our fleets in 2021," said Daniel James, director of transport and tech at McLane. "The technology has proven itself over many years and millions of miles. We continue to spec it on all new vehicles to help us save fuel and reduce the environmental impact of our fleet."
McLane proved to be an ideal test case for the AeroFender. The exposure to a wide variety of drivers, environmental factors and driving conditions provided valuable insights and solidified FlowBelow's confidence that the AeroFender would be very attractive to fleets.
"We have over 1,200 units in the field, and we're excited to begin offering it to a broader spectrum of fleet customers," said Josh Butler, FlowBelow president and CTO. "We believe it will offer great appeal to LTL and day cab fleets, which is a sector of the market that has not traditionally been as likely to utilize our flagship Tractor AeroKit. The AeroFender is extremely durable, easy to install, and a smart upgrade to a component that these fleets are already buying."
As a final step, FlowBelow decided to conduct independent testing that would add an objective point of view and statistical analysis to the equation. It chose Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions, a provider of breakthrough fuel economy testing and design and development services for the trucking industry, to put the AeroFender through its paces.
"FlowBelow's mission is to help save fleets 500 million gallons of fuel by 2030. Introducing the AeroFender makes that goal more attainable," said Ted Simmonds, CEO of FlowBelow. "New product innovation is what drives us. We focus our efforts on developing products that not only help fleets save fuel, but also help them advance their sustainability objectives."
The AeroFender is available for purchase thru OEM mod centers for installation on new trucks, or directly from FlowBelow or thru the OEM dealer network for retrofit applications.
To access the full MVT Solutions test report, please visit: https://www.m-v-t-s.com/certified-technology/aerodynamics/flowbelow-aerofender/.
To access high-resolution product images and facts about the AeroFender, please visit: https://www.flowbelow.com/aerofender.
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About FlowBelow
FlowBelow's purpose is to positively impact people's lives and the sustainability of our planet through aerodynamic innovation. They are a Texas-based company founded by mechanical and aerospace engineers. Their product development process includes advanced computational fluid dynamics modeling and extensive interaction with fleet mechanics and drivers to ensure the products provide utility, efficiency, and profitability for fleets. FlowBelow's tractor and trailer aerodynamic products are manufactured in the USA and have fuel savings verified by third party SAE Type II fuel economy testing. For more information please visit http://www.flowbelow.com.
About MVT Solutions
MVT Solutions, a subsidiary of Mesilla Valley Transportation, provides fuel economy testing based on race car engineering. This high-tech testing methodology can obtain accuracy up to 0.25% and accounts for such variables as wind, driver behavior and duty cycle. With over 1000 fuel economy tests conducted to date, the company's proven approach provides highly reliable and consistent data that enables trucking companies to make more informed choices and manufacturers to design and develop products backed by accurate fuel efficiency information that customers trust. MVT Solutions also provides consulting services to fleets looking to implement the right fuel-savings technologies for their operations. MVT Solutions was founded in 2016 and is based in Las Cruces, New Mexico. To learn more about MVT Solutions and for the latest in fuel efficiency news, visit http://www.m-v-t-s.com.
About McLane
Founded in 1894, McLane Company Inc. is one of the largest distributors in America, serving convenience stores, mass merchants, and chain restaurants. As an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant businesses, McLane buys, sells, delivers, and serves the world's most beloved brands. With headquarters in Temple, Texas, McLane has more than 80 distribution centers across the country, employs more than 25,000 teammates, and delivers to nearly every zip code in the US. McLane is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. For more information please visit https://www.mclaneco.com.
Corporate Contact:
FlowBelow
Katie Breitschopf
512-520-5350
[email protected]
AeroFender and AeroKit are trademarks of FlowBelow Aero, Inc.
Media Contact
Rick Ashley, OctaneVTM, 317-920-6105, [email protected]
SOURCE FlowBelow Aero, Inc.
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