Volvo Trucks improves fuel performance over long distances

Volvo Trucks is further refining its I-Save concept to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂-emissions significantly, improve handling and thus provide a more pleasant driving experience. With I-Save, Volvo Trucks optimizes engine technology, control software and air resistance, among other things, all with one goal in mind: to increase energy efficiency as much as possible.

Volvo has taken the next step with its Volvo FH I-Save concept. To fully optimize the engine's combustion process, it tuned the injectors, compression and camshaft specifically to the refined, unique new pistons with their wave pattern. Overall weight and internal friction were also reduced. The powerful turbocharger and oil pump were upgraded and even the oil, fuel and air filters were refined with patented technology that improves performance.

"With a very high-performance engine as a starting point, we have worked out numerous crucial details that add up to significant savings. For example, we want to get more usable energy out of every drop of fuel," said Helena Alsiö, VP Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

Smoother, smarter and faster

The heart of I-Save is the 13-liter engine with Volvo's turbo compound technology, the D13TC, which lets you drive longer at low speeds and in high gears. The result is a smoother and quieter ride. The engine runs extremely efficiently throughout the rev range, but delivers best results between 900 and 1,300 rpm.

The updates were not limited to the physical components. For example, a new generation of engine management software now communicates with an updated I-Shift gearbox. This not only reduces consumption, but also clearly improves handling, as this intelligent update to the shifting strategy ensures a faster response and an even more harmonious driving experience.

I-Torque is new intelligent coupling software that increases energy efficiency by analyzing I-See's topographic data and adapting driving behavior to the concrete route. With information about that planned route, I-See takes full advantage of the truck's kinetic energy on hilly terrain. When I-Cruise is enabled, the new I-Torque function controls gear selection, engine torque and braking behavior.

"To save fuel, the truck starts in Eco mode. As a driver, you always have easy access to the necessary power and can count on the faster transmission and torque response of the powertrain," Helena Alsiö continues.

Over long distances, truck aerodynamics play an important role in fuel economy. Airflow was improved with several changes, including smaller openings at the front of the cab and longer extensions for the doors.

Since its launch in 2019, I-Save has borne fruit for Volvo Trucks customers. Because interest has been so strong, a new power level of 420 hp is coming in addition to the 460 and 500 hp engines. All versions are certified for HVO100, a renewable diesel made from hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Volvo Trucks' FH, FM and FMX with standard 11- and 13-liter Euro 6 engines are also getting updates that will increase energy efficiency.

On the road to fossil-free

Volvo Trucks wants half of all its trucks sold to be electric by 2030. Still, the combustion engine will continue to play a role, and the improved efficiency thanks to these new I-Save powertrain developments are an important way to contribute to lower CO₂-emissions.

"We are committed to the Paris climate agreement and are taking strong action to reduce CO₂-emissions from road freight transport. Even though we see electromobility as the main solution in the longer term, energy-efficient internal combustion engines will continue to make an important contribution for many years to come," Helena Alsiö concludes.