Volvo Trucks slash fuel use in tests

A new independent test done in Germany on Volvo’s fuel-efficiency flagship, the updated Volvo FH with I-Save, has shown it consumes almost 18% less fuel compared to the same test four years ago.

The AdBlue consumption has become increasingly important for the total cost of ownership.

In a recent independent test carried out by a German magazine, the 32-tonne Volvo FH 460 with I-Save was taken on a 343km route on public roads, including a variety of motorways, hilly terrain, and tight roads.

When compared with the same test done in 2018 – before Volvo introduced the I-Save fuel saving package – the tested Volvo FH 460 with I-Save achieved an impressive 18 per cent combined reduction in diesel and AdBlue consumption, using an average of only 21.48 litres/100km (4.66 km/litre).

“The effects of the I-Save package, using advanced improvements in the turbo compound engine, smarter new software and refined aerodynamics, add up to give very efficient fuel use. This independent test is further solid proof of the large and positive impact I-Save has on the fuel consumption,” says Helena Alsiö, Vice President Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

Historically, the cost of AdBlue has received little attention. However, this has changed dramatically as prices for this additive have increased by up to 100 per cent in many markets. In the new test, Volvo succeeded in keeping the AdBlue consumption on a low six per cent of diesel consumption.

“The total fuel economy, which includes both diesel and AdBlue, has become increasingly important for the total cost of ownership. We always focus on keeping the total fuel cost as low as possible,” continued Ms Alsiö.

But the testing of the I-Save isn’t just confined to Europe. Extensive testing has been done right here in Australia with similarly impressive results.

Volvo Group Australia spokesman Matt Wood said that in tests here the savings could be as high or 14 per cent or more with AdBlue savings on top.

“Australian I-Save trials to date have shown significant advances in fuel efficiency. During a real-world three-month B-double trial earlier this year, an FH I-Save prime mover was put on the same run as a Volvo FH Euro 5 540.

“The trial route was a multi-driver shuttle with the same drivers operating both trucks. Over 70,000 kilometres the I-Save proved 13.95 per cent better on fuel consumption with DEF consumption figures down to three per cent of fuel burn. Recent engine and transmission updates are expected to improve efficiency even further,” he said.

Volvo says that even if the company’s goal is that electric trucks will account for half of its global truck sales in 2030, the diesel engine will continue to play an important role in lowering CO2 emissions.

Improved efficiency coming from these new I-Save advances in the driveline is one important way to contribute to lower the CO2 emissions. The Turbo Compound engine is also certified to run on HVO100, a renewable diesel in the form of hydrogenated vegetable oils, that cuts CO2 emissions dramatically.

I-Save was first launched in 2019.

The 13-litre engine with Volvo's Turbo Compound technology, D13TC, makes it possible to drive with low engine revs and high gears for longer periods of time.

The new I-Torque function manages gear selection, engine torque and braking when I-Cruise is activated. The function uses I-See to look at the road ahead and evaluate how much torque the engine needs to run as energy and fuel efficiently as possible, based on the truck’s total weight.