Eco Flaps, maker of the only SmartWay verified aerodynamic splash guards, is quickly gaining momentum in the trucking industry. Most recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pre-approved Eco Flaps’ trailer splash guards to be used by vehicle manufacturers to meet GHG2 regulations through model year 2020 with a 1.25 percent reduction in fuel usage.
“This is a huge step forward for Eco Flaps and the trucking industry,” said Russell Stubbs, CEO of Eco Flaps. “The 1.25 percent reduction in fuel usage applies to long and short dry and refrigerated vans, tanks, flatbeds and container chassis. We’re excited to add this pre-approval as another one of the many reasons why Eco Flaps is the top choice for splash guards.”
With this new pre-approval, manufacturers can account for both fuel and emissions reduction on models with Eco Flaps without performing additional testing. In turn, this helps highway trailer OEMs comply with regulations and possibly qualify at a higher aerodynamic BIN level with GHG2. Eco Flaps, which do not impair the effectiveness of other aerodynamic devices when used on a Class 8 trailer, are also California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant and SmartWay verified. They are the only aerodynamic splash guard on the market with these three distinctions.
Phase 2 Heavy-duty Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards from the EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are the newest regulations for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon pollution, the Phase 2 program facilitates the creation of cleaner and more fuel-efficient trucks on the road. These standards, which particularly affect trailer manufacturers, will apply to most newly constructed Class 8 trailers beginning in calendar year 2018 with progressive stages of standards in the future.
There are currently close to 200,000 tractors and trailers in North America utilizing Eco Flaps to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel costs. Eco Flaps are available in multiple sizes ranging from 18” by 24” to 24” by 36” to meet individual vehicles’ requirements and can be custom-fitted on new equipment from all domestic tractor and trailer manufacturers. They are also available in custom colors with custom graphics and are backed by a full two-year warranty. Eco Flaps is a proud sponsor of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) Run on Less campaign.
