• Platooning involves vehicles to be connected electronically with the lead vehicle controlling a vehicle at a very close distance where allowed by laws.
• Significant fuel efficiency gains can be achieved when platooning is proven safe and operationally makes sense.
• Platooning is currently in a pilot phase in several states.

For those not familiar with it, platooning is using vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology to electronically “tether” vehicles together. This technology can allow trucks to drive within 40 feet of each other at highway speeds to increase efficiency.

The speed and braking of the platoon are managed by the platoon leader’s vehicle through the V2V system. If the platoon leader encounters a hazard that requires braking, the V2V system will apply the brakes on all vehicles in the platoon. Once the hazard has been cleared, the leader and the platoon will accelerate back up to cruising speed. The drivers of the following vehicles (the platoon members) just need to steer and make sure the V2V system is working correctly.

Problem with the traffic codes

Most state traffic codes require vehicles to maintain specific spacing. In many states, large trucks are required to maintain a following distance of 500 feet. This traffic code is clearly an issue. However, many states have modified their traffic codes to allow vehicles that are electronically tethered to operate close to each other (see Wisconsin’s ” 346.14 as an example).

Treated as a pilot program by the states

One issue to be aware of is that platooning is treated as a pilot program in the states that allow it. This means you will need to work with the state department of transportation or state patrol in the states you want to platoon vehicles in.

Technology confusion

One question frequently asked when platooning is discussed is, “Can we do it if my truck has the full advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite that alerts the driver to hazards, adjusts speed, automatically applies the brakes, etc.” The answer is No. The system on the vehicle needs to be V2V capable and be able to establish the tether to the other vehicles in the platoon. The platoon cannot be made up of vehicle with ADAS (such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking) following another.

This leads to the next technology question and that is, “Can we eliminate the drivers in the following trucks?” This is a totally separate discussion and off the topic of platooning. Platooning involves each vehicle having a driver in it who establishes the V2V connection and steers the vehicle once it is in the platoon. Only speed control and braking are managed by the platoon leader’s vehicle through the V2V system when platooning.

Another technology issue is what would be the procedure for drivers to connect and start platooning? This has been covered in public relations videos done by system manufacturers and available on their websites, such as the one provided at peloton-tech.com. If you have technical questions on the systems or are interested in more information, you can contact the vehicle manufacturers and vendors that are involved in this for more information (Daimler, Volvo, Navistar, Peloton Technologies, etc.).