A new independent test carried out in Germany on Volvo’s fuel-efficiency flagship, the recently updated Volvo FH with I-Save, has shown it consumes almost 18% less fuel* compared to the same test four years ago.

In the test conducted by the independent German magazine Trucker, the 32 tonne Volvo FH 460 with I-Save was taken on a 343 km long route of public roads, including a variety of motorways, hilly terrains, and winding roads.

When compared with the same test done in 2018 – before Volvo introduced the I-Save fuel saving package – the Volvo FH 460 achieved an impressive 18% combined reduction in diesel and AdBlue consumption, using an average of only 21.48 L/100km.

Helena Alsiö, Vice President Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks said, “The effects of the I-Save package, using advanced improvements in the turbo compound engine, smarter new software and refined aerodynamics, add up to give very efficient fuel use. This independent test is further solid proof of the large and positive impact I-Save has on the fuel consumption.” 

Low AdBlue consumption increasingly important

Historically, the cost of AdBlue has received little attention. This has changed dramatically as prices for this additive have increased by over 100% in many markets. In the new test, Volvo has succeeded in keeping the AdBlue consumption on a low 6% of the diesel consumption.
 
Helena Alsiö continued, “The total fuel economy, which includes both diesel and AdBlue, has become increasingly important for the total cost of ownership. We always focus on keeping the total fuel cost as low as possible.”

 Efficient engines – a key for lowering CO₂ emissions

Even though Volvo Trucks’ goal is for electric trucks to account for half its global truck sales by 2030, the diesel engine will continue to play an important role in lowering CO₂ emissions. Improved efficiency coming from these new I-Save advances in the driveline is one important way to contribute to lower the CO₂ emissions. The Turbo Compound engine is also certified to run on HVO100, a renewable diesel in the form of hydrogenated vegetable oils, that cuts CO₂ emissions dramatically.
  
* Actual fuel economy may vary depending on many factors i.e. driving speed, use of cruise control, vehicle specification, vehicle load, actual topography, the driver's driving experience, vehicle maintenance, and weather conditions.

Photo: The Volvo FH I-Save on test in Germany.