“Combining good driveability with fuel-efficiency is a far greater achievement than just focusing on driveability or fuel-efficiency,” says Claes Nilsson, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks. “Volvo Trucks decided early on to succeed in both arenas. That’s why we are in command of the whole development and production process of the entire powertrain ourselves. In this way we can ensure optimal integration and communication between engine and transmission, and continuously fine-tune both hardware and software to achieve the best possible balance between good driveability and low fuel consumption.”
The integrated powertrain consists of an enhanced Euro 6 engine and Volvo’s unique I-Shift. The engine is a perfect example of how several small advances together can result in a big improvement. The two most significant updates are increased compression ratio on the D13 420 and 460 hp versions, and a new optimised turbocharger on the 500 and 540 hp variants of the D13 engine.
“For many of our customers, maintaining a high average speed is important in order to save time – time that may be crucial to the transport mission. In the same way, it’s important to minimize fuel costs. What we have now achieved is an engine and gearbox that utilise their full combined potential to deliver more efficient transportation,” says Mats Franzén, Product Manager Powertrain Components - Engines at Volvo Trucks.
Just how much fuel the latest improvements can save depends on the truck’s specification and application area. For a Volvo FH on long haul operations, fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 3 per cent. For heavy transports, such as timber haulage, the saving may be even higher if the engine is combined with Volvo Trucks’ recently introduced I-Shift with crawler gears and Tandem Axle Lift, the unique driven liftable rear axle.
Other important factors that help cut fuel consumption are the aerodynamic improvements made to the cab. Air drag increases disproportionately in relation to speed. For example, by doubling the speed, aerodynamic forces increase by a factor of four, which has a main influence on the fuel consumption for trucks. “When we work with aerodynamic improvements, the holistic perspective is important. In order to identify those optimisation measures that do the greatest good for our customers, we’ve minutely examined every single detail of the truck,” says Anders Tenstam, Senior Research Engineer for aerodynamic development.
In order to create smoother air flow, Volvo Trucks has fine-tuned the front bumper spoiler, air deflector panels, mud guards and mud flaps as well as the wheel wells. These are all small details which in combination contribute towards greater customer benefit.
“Our customers constantly demand new solutions that are both productive and cost-effective. In order to meet their needs, we focus wholeheartedly on continuously improving the driveability of our trucks and at the same time minimise fuel consumption,” says Claes Nilsson.
