The CSIR, in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), tyre company Michelin, and Cambridge University in the United Kingdom (UK), performed full-scale tests of modern low-rolling resistance tyres – called green tyres – on trucks. The tests demonstrated an 8 to 10% reduction in fuel use and carbon emissions, which equates to a reduction of approximately 4% in operating costs. The research was carried out through the new South African Centre for Sustainable Road Freight. 

Logistics companies are increasing efforts to reduce costs and carbon emissions, to which fuel use is the main contributor. Green tyres have the potential to improve fuel efficiency, but local transport operators are not yet convinced of their value. Michelin set out to validate the fuel-saving potential of these tyres in local conditions through validated research trials. 

The collaboration stems from the work of the South African Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, of which Michelin was the first industry partner. The Centre is a collaboration between the CSIR, Wits University, Stellenbosch University, the Tshwane University of Technology and the University of the Western Cape.   

Full-scale experiments were carried out on two identical, fully loaded interlink truck combinations over a week at Gerotek in October 2019. One was fitted with standard X Multi tyres, and the other with green X Energy tyres, and both trucks were instrumented with sensors and data loggers. 

The CSIR contributed expertise in sustainable road freight transport, truck dynamics, mechanics and vehicle testing, and contributed to the experimental design, on-the-day testing and the dissemination of the results. The project was supported by a Royal Academy of Engineering (UK) grant and Michelin, while drivers, trucks, trailers and fuel were provided by Iveco, Afrit, Lafarge and Total. Increased uptake of these tyres will help to reduce the cost of logistics and carbon emissions in South Africa.