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It bettered the U.S. average for diesel
Class 8 trucks, performing 2.54 times bet-
ter in terms of freight-ton efficiency (FTE)
assessed on ton-miles per gallon, and 3.23
times better when the FTE is assessed on
ton-miles-per-kilogram of emitted CO2E
(carbon dioxide equivalent).
How does the Shell Starship 3.0 sip fuel?
An aerodynamic cab and trailer help. The
powertrain and driveline components are
designed to be lightweight with low aero-
dynamic drag. Low-rolling-resistance tires
from Bridgestone contribute as well.
Ryan Manthiri, project leader at Shell,
said they took as much weight off the truck
as possible, and lightweight components
were used to build the chassis.
The curved windshield, aerodynamic
headlamps, chassis fairings, and trailer
skirts work together to reduce drag. “We
want to reduce the amount of turbulent
airflow zones in, under, and over the
truck,” he said.
Solar panels on the trailer’s roof, which
provide power to some of the truck’s aux-
iliary systems, offer another sustainabili-
ty-focused feature.
The engine’s lifeblood is Shell Rotella
NG Plus SAE 5W-30 FA-4 synthetic engine
oil. Its low-viscosity formula reduces flow
resistance and friction, leading to better
fuel economy without compromising pro-
tection and efficiency.
The truck also uses Shell Spirax S6 GME
40 in its transmission. That synthetic lubri-
cant is formulated to protect high-torque
transmissions paired with increased-horse-
power engines.
Savings for fleets
Heather Duffey, global integrated mar-
keting communications manager, Shell,
said that except for the cab, everything on
the vehicle is something a fleet could add
to their own trucks. “Fleets can actualize
some real carbon savings, as well as opera-
tions savings,” she said.
The Starship helps Shell demonstrate
how its engine oils can improve fuel econ-
omy, she added. The program provides a
roadmap for achieving sustainability goals
while maintaining operational efficiency.
Although the Shell Starship 3.0 is not
headed to Mars, its goal is to help fleets
burn less fuel. Helping our planet’s environ-
ment is a sound destination. TT
Shell Starship
(Photo: Leo Barros)
(Photo: Leo Barros)
(Photo: Leo Barros)
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