| Abstract |
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracted FEV to conduct an analysis of the potential for reducing the mass of a light-duty pickup truck in the 2020 to 2025 time-frame. The goal of this study was to evaluate the incremental costs of mass reduction levels that are feasible within the given time-frame, without sacrificing utility, performance, or safety. To the extent that cost-effective mass reduction can be achieved, techniques like those described in this report may be employed by manufacturers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy. To support this project, FEV subcontracted with Munro and Associates, Inc.® and EDAG, Inc. Both companies previously assisted FEV on the 2012 Midsize CUV report [1]. A 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 vehicle[2] was chosen to represent the pickup truck market in North America due to its high annual production volume, and level of technology that is representative of the current market. Selection of the Silverado also enabled incorporation of the modeling of a 2007 Silverado that was completed for a study of advanced plastics and composites technologies by the National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) at George Washington University, WTH Consulting LLC, and University of Dayton Research Institute for the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).[3] Light duty pickup trucks are designed to meet a broad range of requirements, providing particular utility and performance that are much different from most passenger vehicles. Consumers expect power and ruggedness to satisfy payload and towing requirements, in addition to comfort, ride and handling that approach the performance of passenger cars. These two extremes drive unique design considerations which may both limit the amount of mass reduction achievable in the future, and increase the cost. This analysis includes only those mass reduction ideas which are not expected to degrade the overall function, performance, or safety of the vehicle under any of the customer usage profiles. Design, material, and manufacturing processes determined likely to be available for the 2020-2025 model year time frame were considered in the mass reduction technology analysis. The critical boundary conditions assumed when assessing the various mass reduction technologies included the following: |
