Trucks

Vehicle efficiency and driver development

Fuel is widely recognized as one of the largest expenses for transport companies, often making up over a third of their total costs. So, how can you enhance fuel efficiency? The key is understanding the main contributing factors and how they affect performance.

The truck itself

For optimal fuel efficiency, the truck needs to be configured properly. There are three main areas to consider here: the powertrain, aerodynamics and rolling resistance.

Driver performance

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%. Utilizing cruise control, maintaining the right speed, and proper braking are just a few ways a driver's performance can significantly affect your costs. 

 

5 ways to improve fuel consumption, fleet costs and emissions

 

1. Optimise the powertrain

The powertrain is one of the biggest factors in a truck’s fuel economy. Once this is specified, much of your truck’s fuel consumption is fixed – so it’s crucial to get it right. Although every part of the powertrain matters — from the rear axle to the transmission oil — the engine, gearbox, and cruise control have the greatest influence on fuel efficiency.

Top 3 powertrain factors

Engine

The innovative D13 I-Save engine with Turbo Compound technology is our most fuel-efficient engine ever. Designed specifically for the Volvo FH, it’s ideal for a wide variety of applications, including fleets that run variable load applications like tanker, bulk haul and flat-bed deliveries.

 

For long-haul transports, we offer a fuel-optimized powertrain package called I-Save. It combines our D13 I-Save engines with the map-based I-See, I-Shift with long-haul optimized software, I-Cruise with I-Roll, fuel-efficient rear axles, engine idle shutdown, and servo pump with variable displacement.

 

D13 I-Save engine

Transmission

I-Shift, our series of automated manual transmissions, automatically assesses these factors to ensure precise gear changes. It also interacts with the engine, adjusting the revs and brakes for optimal performance.

 

A range of software packages lets you tailor the I-Shift for your needs. And depending on the truck model, there are versions of the I-Shift that open up new possibilities, like the I-Shift with crawler gears and the I-Shift Dual Clutch.

 

I-Shift

Cruise Control

Using cruise control is one of the most important components of fuel-efficient driving. But cruise control has always been intended for use only on flat roads – until now.

 

I-See, our predictive cruise control, uses knowledge about the road ahead to optimize truck speed, gear changes and engine braking on hilly terrain.

 

I-See features a high-resolution map for exact topography positioning. As the truck approaches a hill, the system uses the map to maximize the truck’s kinetic energy and reduce fuel consumption.

 

I-See

2. Improve Aerodynamic Performance

Aerodynamics is another key specification that significantly affects a truck's fuel consumption. Everything from external accessories to mirrors and front spoilers can influence performance, but the most crucial elements are:

 

  • CAB DESIGN
  • ROOF SPOILER AND CAB SIDE
  • DEFLECTORS
  • CHASSIS SKIRTS AND
  • FENDER FLARES
  • TRAILER

How can you enhance a truck's aerodynamic performance?

The cab's height, roof angle, and design play a significant role, as do features like the roof spoiler, cab side deflectors, chassis skirts, and fender flares.

 

Each of these features helps improve fuel efficiency, but it’s crucial that the roof spoiler is factory-installed — positioning it even 5 cm too low or 10 cm too high can reduce fuel savings.

 

As for trailers, maintaining them in good condition and ensuring proper wheel alignment are essential. You can maintain your entire vehicle at one stop with our Trailer Service.

3. Minimise rolling resistance

Rolling resistance is the third largest specification factor affecting fuel efficiency. 

 

This is primarily determined by:

 

  • TYRES
  • WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Rolling resistance

To reduce rolling resistance, opt for fuel-efficient tires instead of “multipurpose” ones. Additionally, avoid driving on under-inflated tires or with misaligned axles.

 

Misalignment results in steering instability and causes the truck to occupy more road space because the wheels don’t follow the same path. This heightened air resistance negatively impacts fuel efficiency.

 

 

4. Maintenance, Fleet Management Services and Connectivity

 

Service and maintenance

A properly maintained truck operates more efficiently in terms of fuel consumption. A customized service contract, featuring regular maintenance from experienced and skilled technicians, helps prevent fuel-wasting issues such as brake drag, seized brakes, clogged air filters, boost pressure leaks, and fuel leaks.

 

Service Contract

Fleet management

Intelligent fleet management solutions offer various ways to enhance fuel efficiency. Like Volvo Connect which lets you track fuel consumption and see where savings can be made. Or Positioning, which streamlines route planning. Through Volvo Connect, you can access these services and obtain a comprehensive overview of fuel consumption, driving distances, emissions, and more.

 

Intelligent mapping 

Connectivity

Modern connected technology simplifies fuel savings by keeping your trucks in optimal condition.

 

For instance, it enables us to utilize data from your trucks' actual usage to plan and optimize maintenance visits, while also monitoring crucial components in real time to anticipate and avoid unplanned downtime.

 

Volvo Connect 

5. Driver Performance 

Putting resources into your drivers is equally crucial as investing in your trucks. Why is this the case? Because experienced and motivated drivers tend to be more productive, efficient, and safe. To maximize fuel savings, it is essential for drivers to cultivate good habits related to:

 

  • CRUISING SPEED
  • CRUISE CONTROL
  • BRAKING

Other factors

Additional factors include proactive driving, minimizing idling, and navigating city traffic. The surest way to boost driver performance – and your bottom line – is to take advantage of our driver training courses.

 

Besides saving fuel, they can also boost productivity, enhance your drivers’ expertise in the industry, improve safety, and assist in attracting and retaining top talent.

If you need to know more about your vehicle efficiency requirements...

"Ask Anthony"

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