Volvo cuts fuel consumption with upgraded D13 engine, new software

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Prime Mover Magazine  /  July 4, 2019

Volvo Trucks Australia this week confirmed it will introduce new functions to help drivers save fuel even when cruise control is not activated.

The launch of an upgraded D13 Euro 5 engine, together with new software, enables fuel savings of up to 3 per cent the company announced.

Recent hardware upgrades in Euro 6 Step D technology for the D13 engine by Volvo Trucks globally have been platformed to raise the standards of Euro 5 compliant engines.

The process has yielded reductions in internal friction thanks to new cylinder liners and a new V-shaped oil scraper rings.

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

Volvo Torque Assist, a new function added to reduce fuel consumption for long haul transit provides efficient driving during intervals when cruise control has been disabled.

Fuel efficiency remained one of the most pressing issues in road transport according to Tony O’Connell Volvo Trucks Australia Vice President of Sales .

“Because of this, we want to maximise fuel saving measures, especially when cruise control is not applicable," he said.

"I-See, our topography predictive cruise control, is still the best method for optimising fuel use, but it is not always suitable for all specific traffic and weather conditions," said O'Connell.

"With Volvo Torque Assist we can still support drivers in such situations."

Volvo Torque Assist facilitates greater fuel-efficient driving by automatically adapting the truck’s torque and acceleration in accordance to road topography, the load hauled and speed changes.

The function is only active when driving without using cruise control as a complement to I-See.

Another supporting function keeps the amount of injected fuel constant after the engine’s ‘green range’ has been passed.

Improved fuel economy offsets the slightly compromised performance.

A less sensitive pedal, which has been recalibrated, creates a smoother torque development, which, in turn, makes the truck easier to control.

“Drivers that are less skilled in economical driving will benefit more than those who already have that driving style,” said O’Connell.

“The new software also gives a 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. Our extensive global field tests have actually seen examples of larger potential for fuel savings, than the 3 per cent.”

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South African operators run a lot of "interlinks", their name for B-doubles (aka. B-Train).