How Much Fuel Does a Semi Truck Burn Per Hour?

Semi-trucks are large transport vehicles that haul goods and commodities over long distances. It’s no wonder they’re one of the most fuel-consuming vehicles on the roads.

This begs the question – how much fuel does a semi truck burn per hour?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as it depends on several factors. These include the weight of the load, engine size, aerodynamics, terrain and climate.

The average fuel economy for semi trucks is 6.4 miles per gallon (MPG). This translates to about 8.8 liters of diesel per 100 km or about 34 liters per hour for a truck travelling at an average speed of 55 mph (88km/h).

Weight

The heaviest loads consume more fuel than lighter loads. This is because heavier loads require more power from the engine to move them, thus using up more fuel in the process. For instance, a truck carrying 30 tonnes of cargo will use more fuel than one carrying 10 tonnes.

Engine Size

The engine size also affects how much fuel a semi truck consumes per hour. Smaller engines generally require less fuel while larger ones need more to power them. Therefore, if two semi trucks are travelling at the same speed with similar loads, the one with the larger engine will consume more fuel.

Aerodynamics

Semi trucks have less aerodynamic design than passenger vehicles, which makes them less efficient when it comes to gas mileage. The shape and design of a vehicle’s body affects its drag coefficient, which in turn affects its fuel consumption rate.

Terrain and Climate

Steep terrain requires extra power from the engine which translates into higher fuel consumption rates. Similarly, extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures and strong winds can affect how much fuel a semi truck burns per hour.

In conclusion , how much fuel does a semi truck burn per hour? This depends on several factors such as weight of cargo , engine size , aerodynamics , terrain and climate .

On average , however , a semi truck travelling at an average speed of 55 mph (88km/h) may use up approximately 8 . 8 liters of diesel per 100 km or 34 liters per hour .


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James Gardner