Introduction

In this article I’ll be showing why aerodynamics are important in the design in HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) and what is done by manufactures and operators to minimise its effect. The most significant reason you would want to improve a HGVs aerodynamics is to increase its fuel efficiency this has a substantial impact on the operating cost of a fleet as the fuel savings over long journeys accounting for many trucks would be significant. In turn improving fuel efficiency will also help to reduce emissions created by their combustion engines. In 2019 an evaluation from the European Union found 27.1% of road transport greenhouse gases where caused by HGVs. For HGVs motorway speeds are the most significant for multiple reasons as the drag forces experienced by the vehicle