Starship media alert: Hyper-efficient truck to make 7 day coast-to-coast drive from 18 May in the United States

WHAT: Following the recent unveil of their Starship truck, Shell Lubricants and the AirFlow Truck Company, will demonstrate the performance of this vehicle during a coast-to-coast drive in the USA. The drive will begin in San Diego, California and end in Jacksonville, Florida. The drive will stop along the way to discuss with local truckers and others on what’s possible in reducing costs, emissions and increasing efficiency.

The performance of the truck, including freight tonne efficiency and fuel economy, will be measured along the way and the full results will be shared publicly as of June 5. The measurement will be done using an on-board telematics system and will be verified by an independent third party, the North American Council on Freight Efficiency (NACFE).

This next-generation concept truck, uses a range of technologies commercially available in markets around the world, to minimise the amount of energy it takes to transport cargo from one point to another, also known as freight tonne efficiency. The truck features a custom-designed cab combined with several advanced technologies, which are available today, to improve efficiency, reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. On its journey the truck will carry the maximum viable amount of freight within the allowed gross vehicle weight.

WHEN: Friday, May 18 – Thursday, May 24, 2018
The results, as verified by NACFE (North American Council for Freight Efficiency), will be announced on June 5, 2018.

WHERE: Across the Interstate 10 (I-10), Rt. 10 from San Diego, California to Jacksonville, Florida. The drive will cover almost 2,500 miles/4,000 kilometres: starting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and ending on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The route is known as the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway and is the fourth-longest Interstate Highway in the United States. It is the southernmost cross-country interstate highway in the American Interstate Highway System.

WHY: Transport is responsible for 35 percent of global energy usage by road, rail, air and sea transportation, be that personal, and commercial. So, if we wish to reduce energy usage, then transport provides an opportunity to make materially significant improvements. Together we’re exploring the limits of what is possible in maximising efficiency, using currently available technologies, to see how far we can go to reduce energy demand in freight transport.

For more information about the Starship Initiative, visit: www.shell.com/starship

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