Data Logger Drive and Duty Cycle analysis program

 
The vocational work truck industry continues to grow in size and in complexity. Real-world data, specific to your fleet and your fleet’s operations, is a valuable tool. Understanding how your vehicles are being used can give you the metrics to make design and technology decisions that help lower costs. Data can reveal specifically how your fleet vehicles are being utilized and gives you an advantage on your next work truck purchase.

The data logger drive and duty cycle analysis program collects operating metrics and provides fleet and industry information on how vehicles operate in varying environments. The analysis program allows for benchmarking against other options and technologies available in today’s market. This groundbreaking opportunity is available at no cost (except for the return shipping cost of the data loggers) to all Green Truck Association (GTA) fleet members.

To participate, fill out a brief application form.

Drive and Duty Cycle
Often used interchangeably, these terms measure specific metrics. 

A drive cycle measures and defines how a vehicle operates using:

  • average speed
  • maximum speed
  • idle time
  • power export time (PTO)
  • continuous running time per cycle

A duty cycle defines how a vehicle is used measuring:

  • hours of use per day
  • days of use per week
  • total miles driven per measurement cycle
  • percentage of on-road vs off-road
  • loaded vs empty usage

GTA makes it possible for fleets to collect and analyze vehicle data and to make data-driven business decisions. Data will be submitted to the National Renewal Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) database for inclusion and analysis.

Participating in GTA’s data logger drive and duty cycle analysis program involves:

  • identifying the vehicle(s) to be used for data collection
  • installing data logger(s) on participating vehicle(s)
  • operating vehicle(s) for approximately four weeks
  • removing and returning the data logger(s)

Fleet DNA
GTA is a supporter of NREL’s Fleet DNA program — a warehouse of operating data that helps vehicle manufacturers and developers optimize vehicle design. It also assists fleet managers with choosing the correct and most advanced fleet technologies. The Fleet DNA’s vision is to provide data summaries and visualizations similar to real-world “genetics” or DNA of medium- and heavy-duty fleets operating in a variety of vocations.

GTA — an NTEA Division — strongly encourages fleet participation in this program. Data from drive and duty cycles is crucial when governing authorities are creating new regulations. Participation in this program could be critical to how federal regulations are developed.

NTEA intends to use gathered data to publish various analytical reports for the benefit of participants, owners, or operators of certain vehicles, and/or the work truck industry at large.

Questions can be directed to: 
Chris Lyon, NTEA director of fleet relations
Kevin Koester, NTEA senior director