Volvo has unveiled a new concept truck that it says will use 30 per cent less fuel than than a comparable truck currently in operation thanks to improved aerodynamics and lower weight.
Five years ago, Volvo made a promise to itself to create a truck that would consume 50 per cent less fuel than current trucks.
The concept is based on Volvo’s FH 420 truck that uses a turbocharged 12.9-liter inline-6 diesel engine.
The Swedish firm’s concept is said to use 30 per cent less fuel than a comparable truck currently in operation thanks to its aerodynamic design and lower kerb weight.
The concept is based on Volvo’s FH 420 and uses a 12.9-litre inline-6 cylinder turbo diesel engine.
Some of the solutions Volvo has employed to improve aerodynamics in the Concept Truck include replacing side mirrors with rear-facing cameras, covering up wheels and adding a streamlined section at the rear and making the the front wheel housings and entry steps more aerodynamic.
Volvo has also engineered about 2.2 tonnes of weight out of the trailer and fitted low rolling resistance tires.
The Volvo Concept Truck still has a long way to go before it reaches the magic number of 50 per cent reduction but the company says it is a step in that direction.
“We continuously work on developing more energy-efficient vehicles. This is a high-priority area both out of environmental concern and in order to reduce our customers’ costs. We’re proud to be able to drive this development. Our concept truck showcases the immense power of on-going technical advances,” said chief executive officer of Volvo Trucks Claes Nilsson.
According to Nilsson technological advancements from this research project will be implemented on series production vehicles in the future.
“If we look further down the chain, more economical heavy-duty trucks equals lower prices for everything that can be transport,” he added.
The extra boost in efficiency could be brought about by hybrid technology as well as some form of autonomous driving technology such as platooning.
