Upgrades To Volvo’s I-Save Technology Further Improve Fuel Efficiency & Driveability

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The FH 460 with I-Save is one of several FH Series trucks that combines Volvo’s D13TC engine with I-Save technology to reduce fuel consumption. (Photo courtesy of Volvo.)

Volvo’s I-Save technology is all about increasing fuel efficiency and lowering fuel costs for long-haul truckers and fleets, and hauliers have been enjoying the increased efficiency for some time. Now, Volvo says it is making some updates to the I-Save concept designed to make it even stingier with fuel and that will have the added benefit of improving the driveability of I-Save-equipped Volvo trucks. The updates take a comprehensive approach to saving fuel and include hardware updates to Volvo’s D13TC engine, enhanced control software, and improved aerodynamics.

“Starting from an already high-performance engine, we have looked deeply into many critical details that all together add up to substantial savings,” says Helena Alsiö, vice president powertrain product management at Volvo Trucks. “It’s all about getting more usable energy out of every drop of fuel.”

Refined Operation & Combustion

The D13TC engine features Volvo’s turbo compound technology, which lets I-Save the ability to drive an FH-series truck at low engine rpm and high gears for longer periods of time. Volvo points out that the D13TC engine can operate at high efficiency over the entire speed range, though the best results come when the engine runs between 900 and 1,300 rpm. The D13TC engine also features an optimised combustion process with new wave-patterned pistons and high-performance upgrades to the turbo charger and oil pump. Volvo FH trucks with I-Save was previously available with engines rated for 460 or 500 horsepower (338 or 368 kilowatts), and following the updates will also be available in a 420 HP (309 kW) variant.

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Volvo says the new version of I-Save for its FH series improves both fuel economy and the truck’s drivability. (Photo courtesy of Volvo.)

I-Save Technology Integrations

Volvo’s updated I-Save engine management software makes its intelligent shifting component faster and more responsive to a wide range of driving parameters. It also comes with a new I-Torque function, which analyses the topography data from Volvo’s I-See feature to intelligently manage gear selection, engine torque, and braking when drivers activate I-Cruise.

“To save fuel, the truck starts in Eco mode and as a driver you always have easy access to the power needed and can look forward to faster gearing and torque response from the driveline,” Alsiö says.

Find The Right Volvo Truck

If you’re in the market for a new or used Volvo truck, you’ll find a large selection for sale on Truck Locator, including FH tractors and rigids.

Source: Volvo