Now let go of the accelerator, Danny, we’re nearly at the top,” says driver trainer Chris Vermeiren, of the Scania Academy Benelux. “Use the momentum.” Vermeiren is pointing forward, toward the path that the Scania R 480 instruction truck, loaded with 26 tonnes of gravel, is to take. As it glides effortlessly to the top of the slope, Vermeiren explains, “That saves fuel ­ economical driving is the sum of small parts.”

Driver Danny DeRuyter, 33, of Transmet Hauliers, is making his second run on the special circuit near Heverlee in Belgium, laid out by the Scania Academy team. On his first run, DeRuyter drove the circuit – some 40 kilometres – in his own driving style. At the end, just after he parks the truck at the starting point, Vermeiren goes through the run with him.

The instruction truck is equipped with Scania Opticruise automated gearchanging system, but although DeRuyter knows how the Opticruise works, he still prefers driving in manual. He explains: “I have a sporty style, and I’m used to a manual shift. That’s why.”

Vermeiren replies, “A manual shift is no problem, but if you learn to use the Opticruise properly, after a week you will never look back. It is less tiring, and you can concentrate more on the traffic. I did note that you tend to drive at high revs, and the Scania engines deliver most torque at a low engine speed, in the economical zone between 1000 and 1500 revs. “

After the initial practical part, the course has a theory section during which Vermeiren explains how taking roundabouts, traffic lights, bends and gradients influences fuel consumption. He also explains how DeRuyter can save fuel by correctly using the various systems and instruments in the vehicle. “The greatest savings can be made by using the vehicle’s mass smartly, by letting the truck roll,” he says.

Danny DeRuyter then starts the second circuit with Vermeiren occasionally offering useful tips. At the end of the second run, DeRuyter takes just a minute longer to complete the same circuit, despite making one additional full stop. But it also turns out that after the second circuit he has reduced his total fuel consumption by more than 3 litres.

He is impressed but still has his doubts. “Amazing,” he says. “It’s a very new way of driving. For me, it saved almost 15 percent in diesel. But can I achieve similar savings on my own 420 hp truck?”

Vermeiren is prepared for the question. “Yes,” he says. “The advantage is in your driving style. Rolling to a stop, driving at optimum low revs, anticipating …. You are in charge at the wheel. The new driving style is better for your truck, your boss, road safety, the environment and even for you.”

8 tips on how to drive eco-friendly
Here are driver trainer Chris Vermeiren’s best tips for driving more environmentally and economically friendly.

Drive in the green zone
• Start without accelerating, and move off gently. Use the lowest possible gear to save fuel, and avoid wearing the clutch.
• Try to shift up to the highest gear at the lowest possible engine speed. Drive as much as possible in the green zone, preferably the E-block.
• Do not run the engine warm unnecessarily long. Do not leave the engine running in idle unnecessarily during loading and unloading.

Avoid braking
• Shift down as little as possible, and try to avoid braking. Use the rolling capacity of the truck. Keep your distance so you don’t need to accelerate and brake as much.
• As far as possible, drive at a constant speed in the highest possible gear. Avoid excessive cruising speeds.

Check tools and tyres
• Check tyre pressure at least once a week.
• Use tools such as cruise control and on-board computers.
• Reduce wind resistance with well-adjusted spoilers. Avoid unnecessary accessories.

Text: ROB SHOEMAKER
Photo: FREEK VAN ARKEL