A Volvo FH has achieved a major fuel consumption improvement carried out by a German magazine using an updated vehicle.
The independent evaluation showed a 18% drop in fuel use, compared with the same test completed four years previously.
In addition, there was improvement in AdBlue consumption during the test cycle.
The 32-tonne Volvo FH 460, with I-Save, was taken on a 343km-long varied route.
For example, the truck covered motorways, hilly terrains and tighter roads when recording the fuel consumption improvement.
In comparison, the same test in 2018 was before Volvo had introduced the I-Save package.
Therefore, with the technology now on board, the improvement was possible.
Specifically, the averaged 21.48L/100km (11mpg) over the course of the route.
Helena Alsiö, VP, powertrain product management, Volvo Trucks, praised the advanced Volvo system.
“The effects of the I-Save package add up to give very efficient fuel use,” she said.
“This independent test is further solid proof of the large and positive impact I-Save has on the fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, historically the cost of AdBlue has received little attention.
However, the focus has shifted as prices for the additive have risen.
In the new test, Volvo kept the AdBlue consumption on a low 6% of the diesel consumption.
“The total fuel economy, which includes both diesel and AdBlue, has become increasingly important for the total cost of ownership,” continued Alsiö.
“Therefore, we always focus on keeping the total fuel cost as low as possible,”.
Volvo Trucks’ goal is that electric trucks will account for half of its global truck sales in 2030.
However, the diesel engine will continue to play an important role in lowering CO2 emissions.
Improved efficiency coming from these new I-Save advances, therefore, is an important contributor to lower CO2 emissions.
