The impact of GCI engines on energy consumption and performance of longhaul trucks in the US and China

This paper focuses on the impacts of GCI engines and automated driving technologies on heavy-duty long-haul trucks in both the Chinese and US markets. The study examines various aspects, including vehicle performance requirements, fuel consumption, emissions, and ownership costs, and their influence on the adoption and impact of these technologies. Furthermore, the GCI engine’s cost advantages in the Chinese market are noteworthy. Its lower urea cost effectively offsets its higher energy expenditure, highlighting its potential for cost-effective overall operation. Additionally, the GCI engine holds promise in the medium-duty trucking sector due to forthcoming low NOx requirements and the potential for cost reductions in hybrid powertrains. Medium-duty trucks, characterized by transient driving patterns and shorter daily distances, can significantly reduce energy demands, thereby diminishing the costs associated with hybrid components. The integration of GCI engines into heavy-duty long-haul trucks requires careful consideration of market regulations and fuel price dynamics. The efficiency of GCI engines over conventional diesel depends on specific market regulations. Moreover, the impact of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or urea consumption on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) parity is closely tied to regional gasoline price variations. GCI engines also show promise in the medium-duty sector, thanks to upcoming low NOx mandates and their compatibility with transient driving patterns and shorter daily distances. This combination of reduced NOx emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and decreased hybrid component costs positions the GCI engine as an attractive option for medium-duty vehicles, offering both environmental benefits and economic advantages.