Índice
What is platooning and how does it work?
Picture a cycling peloton, where riders move in formation to cut through air resistance and conserve energy. Now apply that same idea to a convoy of trucks. That, in essence, is platooning: a technology that allows multiple trucks to travel together in a closely spaced, coordinated and semi-autonomous group.
But how is this near-perfect synchronisation achieved? The key lies in V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) communication technology. The trucks in the convoy are permanently connected to one another via a dedicated Wi-Fi network and equipped with an array of sensors, radar systems and cameras.
Here's how it works:
- The lead truck: The first vehicle in the convoy is driven by a professional, who sets the speed and direction.
- The following trucks: The vehicles behind replicate its actions instantly. If the lead truck brakes, all the others brake at the same time. If it accelerates, the rest follow suit. Reaction times are measured in milliseconds — far faster than any human response.
Thanks to this level of automation, the distance between trucks can be safely reduced to just a few metres, creating a virtual road train that moves as a single unit.
The benefits of platooning for road transport
Implementing this technology brings significant advantages that have a direct impact on fleet profitability, safety and efficiency.
Fuel savings
This is, without doubt, the most compelling benefit for any transport company. By travelling so close together, the following trucks benefit from the slipstream of the vehicle ahead. This dramatically reduces aerodynamic drag, translating into fuel savings of up to 10% across the convoy.
In a sector where fuel is one of the biggest operating costs, those savings can make a real difference to the bottom line — and contribute to more sustainable mobility, something that can be further enhanced through the use of renewable fuels such as HVO..
Improved road safety
It may seem counterintuitive that travelling closer together could be safer, but in platooning it is. Around 90% of road accidents are caused by human error — and platooning technology eliminates much of that factor. Automated systems don't get tired or distracted.
Their reaction time in the event of emergency braking is virtually instantaneous, significantly reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. This technology is also a powerful complement to responsible management of driving and rest times, ensuring that the supervising driver is always in the best possible condition.
Transport efficiency
A truck convoy optimises the use of road space, helping to ease congestion. By maintaining a steady, consistent speed, sudden acceleration and harsh braking are avoided — cutting fuel consumption and improving traffic flow. Combined with route optimisation tools, platooning makes it possible to plan faster, more reliable deliveries, boosting the efficiency of the entire logistics chain.
Challenges and limitations of platooning
Despite its considerable advantages, the widespread adoption of platooning still faces significant hurdles that need to be addressed.
Infrastructure requirements
For platooning to operate safely and at its full potential, robust communications infrastructure is essential — including uninterrupted 5G coverage along major motorways. The roads themselves may also need to be adapted to allow convoys to form and disperse without disrupting the flow of surrounding traffic.
Legal and regulatory frameworks
This is, perhaps, the biggest obstacle today. Current legislation in Spain and across much of Europe is simply not equipped for this technology. Rules such as the General Traffic Regulations require drivers to maintain a safe following distance — which platooning drastically reduces — and to keep their hands on the wheel, something the driver of a following vehicle is not actively doing. A new legal framework is needed, one that addresses liability in the event of an accident and certifies the safety of these systems.
Technological dependency
Technology is platooning's greatest ally — but also its Achilles' heel. What happens if the V2V communication fails? Or if a cyberattack interferes with the system? On top of that, adverse weather conditions — dense fog, snow or heavy rain — can impair sensor performance and compromise the safety of the entire convoy.
Real-world examples of platooning
While it may not yet be a common sight on our roads, platooning is far from a theoretical concept. In recent years, numerous pilot projects have been carried out across Europe — including the European Truck Platooning Challenge — to demonstrate its real-world viability.
Countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden are leading the way in research and live road testing, laying the groundwork for future commercial rollout.
Frequently asked questions about platooning
A technology as disruptive as platooning naturally raises plenty of questions. Here are the most common ones — answered clearly and directly.
How many trucks can make up a platooning convoy?
Technically, the system could accommodate several vehicles, but most trials are carried out with convoys of two or three trucks to ensure safety and minimise the impact on surrounding traffic.
Does each truck in the convoy need a driver?
Yes — at least for now. At the current stage of development, all trucks in the convoy must have a driver on board. While the driver of the lead truck takes an active role, the drivers in the following vehicles act as supervisors, ready to take control in an emergency, when entering a city, or when leaving the motorway.
When will platooning be available in Spain?
That's the big question. Although trials have already taken place in the country, large-scale commercial deployment depends on how quickly legislation evolves and infrastructure investment follows. Experts estimate that the first commercial convoys could begin operating on specific routes within the next five to ten years.
Platooning is no longer a vision of the future — it's the next major step forward in road transport. Beyond the technology itself, it represents a paradigm shift in efficiency and safety, placing connectivity and automation squarely at the service of the professional driver. At Moeve, we believe progress is made on the road — and above all, through innovation. That's why we follow these developments closely, ready to support transport professionals every kilometre of the way.
