Ongoing delays by government for the introduction of cleaner fuels means that South African transporters cannot take advantage of the latest improvements in fuel ef f icienc y.South African truck distributors have only recently started supplying vehicles with Euro 5 engines, which are claimed to offer a 10% fuel saving over the older technology. In Europe, the Euro 5 engines run on 10 parts per million (ppm) diesel, which means they are not running at peak efficiency in South Africa – unless filled up with Sasol. South Africa’s clean fuels initiative was launched in 2006, but it has been plagued by delays and policy uncertainty.The latest target date for the switch to 10ppm sulphur content diesel and a 1% benzine limit in petrol has been extended to July 2027 – a decade after the first deadline of July 2017.In 2008, South African manufacturers had to comply with Euro 2 standards, but there has been no progression since then – whereas in Europe, manufacturers have to comply with Euro 6 standards. The right fuel has been available, but distribution has been limited and neighbouring countries have been slow to introduce low-sulphur diesel. Africa has been described as a “dumping ground for dirty diesel”. Sasol introduced 10ppm diesel (Turbodiesel ULS 10ppm) to the market in November 2013.Global consultancy Stratas Advisors estimates that 10ppm diesel enjoys a market share of about 10%.This may rise as Engen converts its Durban refinery to an import terminal. Diesel is expected to be sourced from Europe, where it is refined as 10ppm.Namibia has had 10ppm diesel since January 2019, but it is not available in most other Southern African Development Community countries. It is not only the fuel efficiency of the engine which reduces running costs. New-generation engines are partnered with drivetrains, management systems and lighter bodies that are designed to complement each other so as to reduce consumption and emissions.Truck design also takes wind resistance into account – the aerodynamics of both the truck tractor and trailer affect consumption. Then there are the drivers. According to Volvo, good drivers are typically five to 10 percent more fuel efficient than average drivers. The difference can be as high as 20%, underlining the importance of driver training and the tracking of on-road performance. Suppliers such as UD Trucks have onboard “fuel coaches” which give instructions in real time to drivers. Modern trucks have predictive (smart) cruise control, which allows it to be used on busy roads and not just on long, f lat stretches.
