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pjc50today at 11:44 AM1 replyview on HN

Bit of googling suggests this is a whole, fascinating world of little improvements. However it's also both constrained and pushed forward by what's road legal.

https://www.volvotrucks.co.uk/en-gb/news/insights/articles/2... : removing mirrors allows for much smoother cab airflow

https://go2stream.com/blog/aerodynamic-truck-legislation-rea... : UK legalization of fishtail-like devices

https://www.kudauk.ltd.uk/aerodynamics-explained : Kuda on the UK allowing higher loads, and therefore benefiting from extra wedge devices on the top of the cab.

I'm sure there's a lot more out there. The eventual switch to electric will probably come with another round of aerodynamic improvements to maximise range, as with cars.


Replies

trashbtoday at 2:10 PM

> removing mirrors allows for much smoother cab airflow

On brand new trucks (designed without mirrors) yes. However on older trucks the mirror design might be an essential part of the aerodynamic design and required for a low drag coefficient.