The kerb weight of a vehicle, also known as tare weight, refers to the weight of the vehicle in an operational condition, but without passengers, cargo or additional load. This weight includes the vehicle's structure, drivetrain, equipment and all permanently installed components required to operate the vehicle.
The unladen weight is a fundamental parameter for the design and operation of vehicles, as it forms the basis for calculating the total weight and payload. It influences driving dynamics, fuel consumption and the load on infrastructure such as roads and bridges. A lower unladen weight can lead to improved energy efficiency, as less energy is required to accelerate and propel the vehicle.
Knowing the unladen weight is also crucial for compliance with legal regulations and technical standards. Many countries have specific guidelines for the gross vehicle weight rating to ensure road safety and protect the infrastructure. The unladen weight forms the basis for calculating the permissible payload and the gross vehicle weight.
The unladen weight also plays an important role in the design of chassis and suspension systems. Optimizing these systems for unladen weight helps to improve driving stability and comfort. Engineers use unladen weight as a starting point for dimensioning components and selecting materials to ensure that the vehicle can be operated safely and efficiently.
In summary, unladen weight is a key aspect of vehicle design, operation and safety. By accurately calculating and considering unladen weight, engineers can ensure that vehicles meet requirements and can be operated safely.
English 
Deutsch