Volvo Trucks cuts fuel with new software and engine upgrades

By CARSIFU | 2 August 2019

SHAH ALAM: Volvo Trucks is introducing new software functions and upgraded engines to help logistics companies and their drivers save fuel.

The upgraded D13 diesel engines for Euro 3, Euro 4, Euro 5 as well as energy-efficient vehicles (EEV) markets and the new software updates, can enable fuel savings of up to 3%.

“The new software and engine upgrades are introduced to help our customers optimise on fuel consumption and at the same time, save costs," said Volvo Malaysia managing director Mitch Peden.

A key feature in the software upgrade is the new Volvo Torque Assist (VTA) function which helps to reduce fuel consumption when cruise control is disabled on long haul operations.

VTA, which is only active when cruise control is deactivated, automatically adapts the truck’s torque and acceleration to the road's topography via engine load and speed.

Another feature of the function is that it keeps the amount of injected fuel constant after the engine’s ‘green range’ has been passed - slightly reducing engine performance, to help improve fuel economy.

Additionally, the pedal map has also been recalibrated by desensitising it for a smoother torque delivery to make the truck easier to control and maintain speed.

“The new software gives a more significant result with heavy loads, many slope changes or large speed variations, while drivers transporting lighter loads with constant speed on flat roads will save less fuel.

"Drivers who are less skilled or trained in economical driving can benefit from these upgrades. In field tests, we have actually seen examples of a larger potential for fuel savings than the 3%,” explained Volvo Truck director product of management Peter Hardin.

The hardware upgrades in the Euro 6 Step D versions of the D13 engine, released earlier in 2019, are also being used to raise the standards of the Euro 3 to 5 engines.

Internal friction has been reduced with new cylinder liners and new V-shaped oil scraper rings.

The turbo efficiency has been improved and the engine management system is upgraded to a newer version with better capacity.

These upgrades save around 1% of fuel, while the fuel-saving potential for the new software depends on driver experience and the operating conditions.

“Our goal at Volvo Trucks is to offer the most fuel-efficient trucks, anchored with a strategy that revolves around satisfied and productive customers, and these constant upgrades to our trucks portray the strong commitment that we have towards helping our customers’ business succeed,” added Peden.