Volvo announces world-first Fuel Super Truck

Volvo Trucks Australia has launched what the company calls its Fuel Super Truck and the concept will be taken directly to market.

Making the announcement today (August 8), Clive Jones, Vice President Sales Volvo Trucks Australia, said the Volvo Fuel Super Truck takes the idea of a concept truck one step further by delivering a real-world truck that can achieve a 20 per cent fuel efficiency gain.

“The Volvo Fuel Super Truck is more than just a concept. It is a real-world truck specially engineered for Australian conditions with a fuel efficiency-optimised driveline and streamlined aerodynamics,” Mr Jones said.

“The truck is designed to run on the least amount of diesel possible, without compromising productivity or performance. With fuel accounting for one-third of operator costs, the industry is looking for answers to the problem of how to maximise fuel efficiency while still getting the job done.

“The good news for owners and operators looking to reduce fuel consumption is that the majority of features in the Volvo Fuel Super Truck are available for ordering now,” he added.

Work on the Australian Fuel Super Truck commenced in 2017, and follows on from a five-year concept truck project in Sweden.

During trials, the Volvo Fuel Super Truck showed a gain in fuel efficiency of 20 per cent over the standard FH16, which itself is recognised for its fuel efficiency.

The Volvo Fuel Super Truck is also equipped with the latest drivetrain and aerodynamics technology. It was designed around an FH16 B-double by a group of engineers at Volvo Group Trucks Technology (GTT) based in Wacol, Queensland, with support from the Volvo GTT network in Sweden.

The B-double trailer set was designed and engineered in partnership with MaxiTrans and features optimised aerodynamics.

Design elements of the prime mover include minimised air resistance at the front, around the wheel housings and entry steps. The concept vehicle is also fitted with newly-developed Michelin tyres with lower rolling resistance.

“Nearly two years in the making, this truck is a testament to Australian ingenuity and engineering skill, along with the great benefits gained from the partnership of Swedish and local engineering teams,” Mr Jones said.

“In addition to engineering developments in the driveline and aerodynamics, other concept trucks have been single trailer vehicles, whereas the Volvo Fuel Super Truck is the first B-double concept truck in the world.

“We look forward to introducing the Volvo Fuel Super truck to customers around Australia over the coming weeks and months, and to updating the industry on further exciting developments we are making in the fuel efficiency space,” Jones concluded.