Energy efficient strategy for heterogeneous truck platooning based on a non-uniform platooning model

To investigate the energy-saving advantages of truck platoons, this study focused on two, three, and six-axle trucks as research subjects. A non-uniform platoon model of trucks was constructed based on braking performance differences. The aerodynamic characteristics of the non-uniform platoon fleet were analyzed in depth using numerical simulation methods, and the fuel consumption rate of the fleet was calculated. In a heterogeneous three-vehicle platoon, the 3-2-6 platooning approach exhibited the most effective reduction in fuel consumption, whereas the 3-6-2 platooning approach was the least effective. For a four-vehicle heterogeneous platoon comprising a three-axle truck, a six-axle truck, and two two-axle trucks, the 3-2-2-6 platooning approach yielded the best fuel efficiency. In a four-vehicle heterogeneous platoon with a two-axle truck, a six-axle truck, and two three-axle trucks, the 3-2-3-6 platooning approach proved to be the most effective in reducing fuel consumption. In a four-vehicle heterogeneous fleet composed of two-axle trucks, three-axle trucks, and two six-axle trucks, the 3-2-6-6 platooning approach achieved the best fuel efficiency. The conclusions of this study offer a fundamental scheme for truck formation, laying a crucial theoretical foundation for energy conservation and emissions reduction in transport systems.