The future of trucking is anything but simple. As the industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, fleets are rapidly adopting a mix of diesel, electric, and even hydrogen-powered vehicles. Yet, integrating these diverse assets into a seamless, cost-effective operation remains a daunting challenge. One solution is gaining momentum: platooning. This is the practice of digitally linking multiple trucks so they travel in close formation, reducing drag, saving fuel, and boosting safety. Now, a new frontier is opening, mixed electric and diesel platooning, where both types of trucks work together in coordinated convoys.
This article explores the emerging world of mixed-fuel platooning for hybrid fleets. We’ll cover the technology, operational strategies, benefits, and challenges, drawing on real-world pilots and expert perspectives. Whether you’re a fleet manager, a driver, or a logistics strategist, this is your comprehensive guide to the next leap in freight efficiency.
Platooning 101: The Basics
At its core, platooning leverages advanced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, radar, and autonomous driving technology to allow two or more trucks to travel in a tightly spaced convoy. The lead truck sets the pace, while following trucks automatically adjust speed, braking, and steering to maintain a safe, efficient gap. This digital linkage can be as close as 40 to 50 feet between vehicles—much tighter than what’s safe for human drivers alone.
The benefits are significant. Reduced aerodynamic drag can cut fuel consumption by up to 10% for following trucks, and even the lead vehicle sees modest savings. Automated systems respond faster than humans, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Less fuel burned means a smaller carbon footprint, and in some advanced systems, following drivers can relax or even take their hands off the wheel during highway stretches.
Why Mix Diesel and Electric in a Platoon?
Until recently, most platooning pilots focused on diesel-only fleets. But the rapid growth of electric trucks, especially for regional and last-mile routes, has opened up new opportunities. By combining diesel and electric vehicles in a single convoy, fleets can optimize for cost, regulatory compliance, and customer requirements.
Diesel trucks still offer superior range and flexibility for long-haul segments, while electric trucks excel in urban, short-haul, and zero-emission zones. Combining both allows fleets to maximize the strengths of each, while mitigating their respective weaknesses. For example, platooning can extend the effective range of electric trucks by reducing drag, while diesel trucks benefit from efficiency gains and easier integration with legacy operations.
How Mixed Platooning Works
The heart of mixed platooning is digital coordination. A central fleet management system assigns trucks to platoons based on route, load, and powertrain. The system considers the state of charge for EVs, fuel levels for diesels, delivery windows, and customer requirements.
On the road, the lead vehicle, often a diesel truck with the longest range, sets the pace, with electric trucks joining as followers. V2V communications ensure perfect synchronization of speed, braking, and navigation data. As the platoon approaches an urban area, diesel trucks may peel off for long-haul routes, while electric trucks continue into city centers for final-mile delivery. The system can dynamically reconfigure platoons in response to traffic, charging needs, or customer priorities.
Technology Enablers
The success of mixed platooning hinges on a suite of advanced technologies:
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication: High-speed wireless links allow trucks to share real-time data, enabling precise coordination and safe, close spacing.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Automated cruise control, emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems make platooning possible, even in heavy traffic.
Cloud-Based Fleet Management: Centralized platforms coordinate platoon formation, routing, and scheduling. AI algorithms optimize for fuel, emissions, and delivery windows.
Charging and Refueling Integration: Smart platoons can schedule stops at compatible charging or fueling stations, minimizing downtime and maximizing range.
Real-World Pilots and Case Studies
California Corridor Pilot: A major retailer piloted mixed platooning between its Los Angeles distribution center and San Francisco stores. Diesel trucks led the platoon on I-5, with electric trucks following. At a relay hub near San Jose, electric trucks took over for final-mile deliveries, recharging while waiting for return loads. The result: a 9% reduction in fuel costs and a 15% increase in electric truck range.
Midwest Regional Fleet: A food distributor in Illinois used mixed platoons to serve both rural and urban customers. Diesel trucks handled long rural stretches, while electric trucks joined the platoon for the last 60 miles into Chicago. The system dynamically adjusted platoon composition based on delivery schedules and battery levels.
European Logistics Consortium: In Germany and the Netherlands, a consortium tested mixed platooning on cross-border routes. The pilot demonstrated seamless coordination between different OEMs and powertrains, with automated billing and emissions tracking for each segment.
Benefits for Fleets
Cost Savings: Platooning reduces fuel use for both diesel and electric trucks. For EVs, the drag reduction can extend range by up to 15%, reducing charging stops and improving asset utilization.
Emissions Reduction: By optimizing platoon composition and routing, fleets can minimize their carbon footprint—an increasingly important metric for shippers and regulators.
Flexibility: Mixed platooning allows fleets to deploy the right truck for each segment, adapting to changing regulations, customer needs, and infrastructure availability.
Driver Satisfaction: Automated systems reduce fatigue and stress for drivers, especially on long, monotonous highway stretches.
Challenges and Hurdles
Technology Integration: Coordinating different OEMs, powertrains, and software platforms is complex. Industry standards for V2V communication and platoon protocols are still evolving.
Regulatory Barriers: Some states restrict platooning or require special permits. Laws around following distances, liability, and autonomous operation vary widely.
Infrastructure Gaps: EV charging stations and diesel refueling points must be coordinated along platoon routes. Inconsistent availability can disrupt schedules.
Operational Complexity: Dynamic platoon formation requires sophisticated fleet management and real-time decision-making. Training drivers and dispatchers is critical.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Mixed Platooning?
Industry Collaboration: Major truck OEMs, technology providers, and fleet operators are working together to standardize platooning protocols and data sharing. Pilot programs are expanding in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Policy and Advocacy: Industry groups are lobbying for harmonized regulations, incentives for platooning, and investment in corridor infrastructure.
Technology Evolution: AI-powered platoon management will enable real-time optimization of routes, speeds, and platoon composition. Advances in autonomous driving may allow fully driverless platoons in controlled environments within the next decade.
Sustainability and ESG: Shippers and fleets are under pressure to reduce emissions and report on sustainability. Mixed platooning offers a practical, near-term solution for greener freight.
Conclusion
Mixed electric and diesel platooning is more than a technological curiosity, it’s a real, scalable strategy for hybrid fleets looking to cut costs, reduce emissions, and improve service. By leveraging the strengths of both powertrains, and coordinating them through smart technology, fleets can navigate the challenges of decarbonization and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
The journey won’t be easy, regulatory, operational, and infrastructure hurdles remain. But for those willing to invest in innovation, the rewards are clear: lower costs, happier customers, and a cleaner, more efficient future for freight.
