Trucks
Trucks
Volvo Trucks offers a wide range of powertrains and smart driving features designed to reduce fuel consumption for diesel and gas-powered trucks and optimise energy efficiency for electric trucks. Our solutions lower costs, cut emissions, and improve performance – taking you further with less energy and fuel.
Improving energy and fuel efficiency is key to sustainable and profitable transport. On this page, you'll find five essential areas that impact energy efficiency, emissions and fleet costs, each designed to help you make the most of your truck’s performance while minimizing your climate footprint.
To get the best possible fuel and energy efficiency, the truck must be specified correctly. There are three main areas to consider here: the powertrain, aerodynamics and rolling resistance. Beyond specification, you can also improve your efficiency with the right services to maintain and manage your fleet.
Did you know that the best drivers are typically 5–10% more fuel-efficient than average drivers? And the difference can be even bigger – as high as 20%. Using cruise control, driving at the right speed, and braking correctly are some of the ways driver performance can impact your bottom line.
An introduction to the most important factors impacting energy and fuel efficiency.
The powertrain is one of the biggest factors when it comes to energy and fuel efficiency. Once this is specified, much of your truckʼs consumption is set – so itʼs crucial to get it right.
By choosing the right engine, gearbox and cruise control, you can reach new heights of efficiency. The D13 engine with turbo compound technology with its high power, combined with the I-Save fuel package, makes it ideal for long-haul transport efficiency. The I-See with predictive cruise control optimizes fuel use on hilly routes. The D17 engine, with up to 780 hp and unmatched torque, elevates your performance while saving fuel. Paired with the I-Shift automated gearbox, you gain full control over the D17's capabilities.
Meet customer demands for sustainable transport without compromising on performance. Efficient electric power from two or three motors allows for energy-efficient operations with a small carbon footprint. Our electric motor combined with I-Shift transmission provide a powerful and productive solution, whatever the assignment. And with I-See, you can use cruise control in more driving situations than ever before to reduce your emissions from day one.
Aerodynamics is key to reducing drag, which leads to improved efficiency. By optimizing air flow around the truck, less power is required to maintain speed, significantly cutting down on both fuel costs and emissions.
Air resistance can account for as much as a third of fuel losses on a typical long-haul diesel operation. For electric trucks, the energy losses can be as much as 50%. This makes aerodynamics one of the most important factors impacting a truck’s fuel and energy efficiency, together with the powertrain and tires.
The aerodynamic trucks are designed to save energy and reduce your CO₂ footprint through intelligent features like an aerodynamically extended front, Camera Monitor System, improved cab seals, optimized sign areas, and an upper side skirt extension. Talk to your local dealer to discover the best solution for your operations.
The Volvo FH Aero and Volvo FH16 Aero are designed for efficient driving at high speeds, no matter if you choose the electric, gas or diesel powertrain. On top of the aerodynamic extended front and the Camera Monitor System, the drag-free disc brakes, enhanced I-See and renowned I-Save can save you energy and reduce your carbon footprint even further.
Rolling resistance is another big factor impacting your efficiency. To reduce rolling resistance and boost energy efficiency, use fuel-optimized tires, keep tires properly inflated, and ensure axles are aligned. Misalignment increases drag which wastes energy and reduces stability.
Low tire pressure can be a major contributor to decreased fuel and energy efficiency. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System helps the driver track tire pressure on the truck. Sensors check tire pressure every 10 seconds and update data in the Driver Information Display every minute.
The Tire Monitoring Service gives fleet managers direct access to the same information presented to drivers with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. And more – as the service also includes detection of slow leakage, drop in tire pressure or rise in temperature so that action can be taken. A great way to make your transport safer, as well as more efficient and with reduced wear and tear.
Investing in your drivers is just as important as investing in your trucks. Why? Because skilled and motivated drivers are proven to be more productive, efficient and safe. And in a tough and competitive industry it is important to ensure your drivers understand how to become more efficient.
When it comes to increasing energy and fuel efficiency, the most important thing a driver can do is develop good habits regarding cruising speed, cruise control and braking. Other factors include anticipatory driving, idling and driving in city traffic.
The surest way to boost driver performance – and your bottom line – is to take advantage of our driver training courses. Besides increasing your efficiency, they can also boost productivity, increase your driversʼ industry knowledge and improve safety.
The right services can help you get more energy efficient as well as keep your fleet in top condition.
Higher energy efficiency means reduced emissions. Our Fuel & Environment and Energy & Environment services make it easy to follow up on fuel and energy consumption and coach drivers to improve their individual fuel and energy efficiency. You can access these, and our other powerful fleet management services in Volvo Connect.
A well-maintained truck is a more energy-efficient truck. Our priority is to keep your trucks on the road and available for work. Key to this is planned downtime for service and repairs: it minimizes standstills, extends service intervals, and saves time and money.
Our driver support services take drivers’ skills to the next level. Which means less wear and tear on the truck and better energy and fuel economy. And did you know you could save up to 10% on fuel by changing the way a driver accelerates and brakes? Volvo training helps drivers get the most out of a truck and drive it more safely and efficiently.
Learn more about driver support
Keep your Volvo a Volvo. Our Genuine Volvo Parts are engineered to fit perfectly and tested under extreme conditions to ensure quality, reliability and performance. Our Circular Parts, including Volvo Remanufactured and Refurbished Parts, not only deliver the same performance as Genuine Volvo Parts, but also require around 80% less energy to manufacture.
