PIT testing finds Shell Diesel Extra provides fuel savings

Avatar photo

CALGARY, Alta. — Shell Canada says independent testing of its Shell Diesel Extra fuel proves it delivers fuel savings of greater than 2%.

Shell Diesel Extra was tested by FPInnovations’ Project Innovation Transport in June and September 2013. Two tractors (plus two control tractors) were used in testing, with one showing a fuel savings of 2.18% and the other coming in at 2.61%, for a combined average fuel savings of 2.4%.

Shell says its Diesel Extra fuel provides fuel savings of up to 3% by preventing the accumulation of carbon deposits in the injector nozzles. It also claims operators will lower their maintenance costs, since the engine is kept clean from deposits and the corrosion they can cause.

PIT tests the effectiveness of fuel-saving devices or technologies, using the SAE J1321 Joint TMC/SAE Fuel Consumption Test Procedure – Type II. It says its results represent a confidence level of 95%, as required by the standard.

The test trucks were 2009 Freightliner Cascadias with DD15 engines.

Because of the volatility of diesel prices, PIT noted it was difficult to determine a payback period. So instead it established a break-even point for Shell Diesel Extra of three cents per litre, meaning fuel savings will likely be achieved if the price gap between regular diesel and Shell Diesel Extra is less than three cents.

“It should also be mentioned that according to the manufacturer, Shell Diesel Extra helps to reduce the deposits on the injectors and improve combustion; therefore there may be additional savings possible from reduced maintenance expenses,” PIT reported.

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*

  • Back when I drove a Big Truck the price of diesel fuel was always well below the price regular gasoline. There is no reason that diesel fuel should cost more that gasoline. It is just the Big Oil Companies gouging the consumer because a diesel engine is more fuel efficient than a gasoling engine!

  • Yes ALL the price gouging is coming from SHELL, HUSKY, PETRO CANADA… there is absolutely NO reason whatsoever for the price of diesel to be $1.36 a Litre in Alberta (higher in other provinces). Perhaps these big oil companies are compensating to get the monies for the new Diesel Plant in Redwater AB???? Come on OIL Companies give us truckers a break. When I moved to Alberta is 2000, the price for regular Diesel was .52 cents a liter…now look at it “Triple” the price 14 years later….that is BS!!!!……

  • Don’t worry. Automated trucking will soon be a reality, and then you won’t have to pay for fuel. Instead you can flip burgers and reminisce about the good ol days of ‘putting the hammer down’ to 105 kph.