QUERÉTARO, QRO.- Diesel represents one of the main costs for trucking companies. Based on this premise, Michelin conducted “Challenge on the Road,” a test designed to measure, under controlled conditions, the impact that tire rolling resistance can have on a tractor-trailer’s fuel consumption .
The exercise brought together customers from the freight segment and consisted of comparing two new tractor-trailer trucks with the same mechanical specifications, the same load, the same mileage, and the same operating conditions. The only variable between the two units was the tires .
To ensure the objectivity of the exercise, the methodology was developed by the independent firm Innotran and validated by a notary public, while the fuel consumed was determined by weighing portable tanks before and after each trip.
Based on the measurements obtained during the test, the Michelin tires recorded an average fuel consumption of 11.7 kilograms, compared to 12.5 kilograms for the reference tire, a difference equivalent to a savings of approximately 7% in fuel consumption.
It should be noted that consumption was expressed in kilograms (during the test) because the fuel was measured by weighing portable tanks on a scale , before and after each trip, in order to obtain a more accurate measurement.
During the presentation of results, the organizers pointed out that these types of differences can translate into a reduction in fleet operating costs , although they specified that performance depends on variables such as operation, routes and the condition of each vehicle.
“The biggest expense for a fleet is fuel. We’re talking about millions of pesos in diesel. Having products that help improve fuel efficiency can represent a greater benefit than choosing a tire that initially seems cheaper,” said Juan Pablo Ríos y Valles Boysselle, Vice President of Communication, Sustainability and Public Affairs for Michelin.
The executive explained that lower rolling resistance allows the tractor-trailer to move with less effort, reducing energy demand and, consequently, fuel consumption. He added that this technology aims to improve efficiency without compromising aspects such as braking , safety, or tire durability.
According to Michelin, rolling resistance can also contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions, since most of these emissions during vehicle operation come from fuel consumption. Based on this logic, improving the energy efficiency of tires represents an alternative for advancing productivity and fleet decarbonization goals without modifying the vehicles’ engines.
As part of the demonstration, Michelin explained that the X Line Energy tire family was developed for long-haul freight transport. On the steer axle, the Michelin X Line Energy Z offers, according to the company, 13% more mileage over its original lifespan and lower rolling resistance compared to other options on the market. For the drive axle, the Michelin X Line Energy D boasts up to 35% less rolling resistance and 13% more mileage, features designed to improve the energy efficiency of the vehicles.
The company stated that these features are based on technologies such as the Dual Energy Tread Compound, Matrix sipes, and elastic belt—developments focused on reducing energy loss during travel without compromising grip, traction, or tire durability. It added that rolling resistance is evaluated according to the international standard ISO 28580 , and the acceptance of these solutions was also analyzed in a study conducted by Kantar among 420 fleets in the Americas.
Among the attendees were representatives from transportation companies and fleet users, who agreed that the total cost of ownership has become one of the main criteria for decision-making . René Lecea, Supply Chain Manager at FEMSA , highlighted that, given the economic challenges facing the sector, companies are seeking alternatives that strengthen the safety of their drivers and generate benefits in the total cost of ownership.
Similarly, executives from Autolíneas Regiomontanas and HERTRUCKS , among others, pointed out that reducing fuel consumption and optimizing cost per kilometer are increasingly relevant factors in managing their fleets.
Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Karina Quintero / Correspondent / @GrupoT21
