FPInnovations' PIT group conducted tests comparing the fuel efficiency and traction performance of 6x2 and 6x4 tractor models. The tests found that 6x2 tractors consumed 2.6-3.5% less fuel than similar 6x4 models. Pulling sled tests also showed that 6x2 tractors traveled shorter distances, reached lower maximum speeds, and had slower acceleration compared to 6x4 tractors. The results demonstrate the potential fuel savings of 6x2 tractors for fleets.

1. NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
PIT Compares 6x2 and 6x4 Tractors
Evaluations of technologies reveal fuel consumption and traction performance
differences between five North American truck models
Montreal, QC– August 14, 2013 – FPInnovations’ Performance Innovation Transport (PIT) group, a not‐
for‐profit engineering and research center for the North American trucking industry, today announced
results of performance evaluations comparing 6x2 and 6x4 trucks that took place during the PIT
Energotest™ trials at the Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Test Centre in Blainville, Quebec in June 2013.
The test results show that 6x2 tractors consume less fuel than similar 6x4 tractors. PIT traction
performance evaluations show that 6x2 tractors’ traction was also reduced compared to 6x4 models.
“The objective of our Energotest™ trials is to conduct controlled test‐track studies for the trucking
industry of technologies that increase fuel efficiency and lower emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG),”
said Yves Provencher, Director of PIT. “The results being released today scientifically demonstrate that
for the vehicles tested, 6X2 tractors have better fuel performance than similar 6x4 tractors, which can
lead to significant savings for fleets.”
In the evaluations of fuel consumption and traction performance of 6x2 and 6x4 tractors, PIT compared
the following vehicles:
• 2013 Volvo VNL 64T 6x4‐‐ Meritor MT40‐14XC rear axle, 2.64 ratio
• 2014 Volvo VNL 62T 6x2‐‐ Meritor RS23‐160/161 rear axle, 2.67 ratio; Volvo non drive axle
• 2012 Kenworth T660 6x4‐‐ Dana Spicer D40‐170P rear axle, 3.21 ratio
• 2012 Kenworth T660 6x2‐‐ Dana Spicer D40‐170P rear axle, 3.21 ratio; modified (emptied
rear housing, removed the drive shaft between front and rear housing, change gears in the
front housing, same ratio)
• 2012 Kenworth T660 6x2‐‐ Dana Spicer D40‐170P rear axle, 3.21 ratio; modified (switched
front and rear housing, emptied rear housing; gears not changed)
In tests using the SAE J1321 Fuel Consumption Test Procedure ‐ Type II (SAE International 2012) for
Kenworth models, 6x2 tractors consumed from 2.6 percent to 3.5 percent less fuel than similar 6x4
models. Using the TMC‐SAE Type III Test Procedure (SAE J1526), the Volvo 6x2 tractor used 3.3 percent
less fuel than the 6x4 model.

2. 2
PIT traction performance evaluations of the 6x2 and 6x4 tractors used a pull sled test to compare pulling
distance, maximum speed and acceleration. When pulling the same sled on a similar surface, the 6x2
tractors traveled from 5.4 percent to 13.5 percent shorter distances, reached maximum speeds that
were about 17 percent lower, and exhibited from 10.5 percent to 35 percent slower acceleration rates
compared to the 6x4 tractors. This test was a first field cooperation with the NACFE and PIT wishes to
thank the group for its participation.
PIT will host its next biannual Energotest™ at the Transport Canada test track from September 11 to 19,
2013. The event will feature fuel consumption tests comparing North American and European trucks in
addition to testing the fuel consumption claims of many new products on the market.
For more details on the methodology, truck configurations or results of this study, please contact the
technical resource below.
About Performance Innovation Transport
Based in Montreal, Quebec, Performance Innovation Transport (PIT) is a group of FPInnovations. Formed in 2008, PIT is
an unbiased, neutral testing organization to help fleet managers select the best technologies to reduce costs and
environmental impact. PIT works in cooperation with the U.S. SmartWay Transport Partnership, Natural Resources
Canada, and Environment Canada who has selected PIT as the benchmark facility for testing green transportation
technologies. PIT evaluates and implements technologies that promote efficient energy use in the commercial
transportation, municipal and transit industries and has grown to include 26 fleets, 16 municipalities and four federal
and provincial government agencies. For more information about PIT, visit pit.fpinnovations.ca. For more information
about FPInnovations, visit: www.fpinnovations.ca.
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Media Contacts:
Susan Fall
LaunchIt
858‐490‐1050
susan@launchitpr.com
Terry Knee
Communications Director
FPInnovations
514‐630‐4115
terry.knee@fpinnovations.ca
Technical Contact:
Yves Provencher
Director, PIT
FPInnovations
514‐909‐1950
yves.provencher@fpinnovations.ca