Study of Energy-Saving Effects of Predictive Cruise Control for Heavy-Duty Vehicles Based on Real Road Tests

Based on a semi-trailer tractor, this study conducted empirical road tests to evaluate the energy-saving effects of predictive cruise control (PCC) technology in heavy vehicles, aiming to investigate its energy-saving characteristics in real driving scenarios. The experimental results revealed that heavy vehicles equipped with the PCC system demonstrate significant energy-saving potential, achieving savings of approximately 1% to 5% compared to driver-controlled modes. Moreover, on hilly highways, the fuel-saving effect of PCC is superior to that on plain highways, increasing from 1% to 4.48%. Additionally, the study found that PCC contributes to smoother vehicle operation by adjusting speed fluctuations, maintaining constant speeds, reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, and optimizing gear shifting strategies. It enables pre-acceleration before uphill climbs to accumulate speed and kinetic energy, as well as pre-deceleration and inertia coasting on downhill slopes, thereby optimizing engine speed and torque control strategies to achieve energy savings for the vehicle.