I-Save covers engine optimisation, control software and measures to reduce air resistance with the goal of increasing energy efficiency.
Now it has adapted injectors, compression and camshaft specifically to the engine’s refined wave-patterned pistons. Overall weight and internal friction have also been reduced. The high-performance turbo charger and oil pump have received upgrades and even the filters for oil, fuel and air have patented refinements for better performance.
The heart of I-Save is the 13-litre engine with Volvo’s turbo compound technology, D13TC, which makes it possible to drive with low engine revs and high gears for longer periods of time. Besides all the hardware updates, a new generation of software for engine management has been added, which in turn communicates with an updated I-Shift gearbox.
I-Torque is a new intelligent torque software that increases energy efficiency by analysing the topography data from I-See and adapting the driving to the actual route. I-See uses information about the planned route to take advantage of the truck’s kinetic energy in the best possible way when driving on hilly terrain. The new I-Torque function manages gear selection, engine torque and braking when I-Cruise is activated.
When driving long distances, the truck’s aerodynamics play an important role for fuel economy, and there have been several changes to improve air flow, such as tighter gaps on the front of the cab and a longer door extension.
Volvo is now also adding a third engine power level to the I-Save range; the lowest, at 414bhp, compared to existing 454 and 493bhp.
All engines are certified to run on HVO100, a renewable diesel in the form of hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Volvo Trucks’ FH, FM and FMX with standard 11- and 13-litre Euro 6 engines are also getting updates that will increase the energy efficiency.
“Even if we see electromobility as the main solution in the longer perspective, energy-efficient combustion engines will continue to make an important contribution for many years to come,” concludes Helena Alsiö, VP Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks. The company says its goal is that electric trucks will account for half of its truck sales in 2030.