Fuel Savings & I-Shift Technology Keys To T. W. Plummer’s Return To Volvo FH 500
T. W. Plummer’s first FH 500 with Volvo I-Save & I-Shift technologies proved to be so successful the Burgess Hill-based haulier recently acquired a second truck with identical specs. Prior to putting the initial FH 500 into service in 2020, T. W. Plummer operated 540-horsepower (397-kilowatt) Volvo trucks, and the fuel efficiency gains have been notable.
“We’ve monitored the fuel returns closely via Volvo Connect and we’ve been averaging around 9.5 mpg over the past 12 months with the first turbo compound truck, which we were really pleased with,” says T. W. Plummer owner Jonathan Walker. “Over the course of a year, that adds up to huge savings for our business.”
The I-Save Technology Suite
On the FH 500, Volvo offers its I-Save technology to wring even greater fuel savings from its already efficient D13TC Euro 6 engine, rated for 500 HP (368 kW) and a peak torque of 2,810 newton-metres (2,073 pounds-foot). For example, the intelligent I-See software in I-Save works with Volvo’s I-Shift technology to manage the truck’s gear selection and speed, resulting in better fuel economy and faster shifting response. I-See’s predictive cruise control also adjusts to gradient changes in the road ahead through the use of Volvo’s I-Cruise and I-Roll technologies.
T. W. Plummer certainly appreciates the smooth operation of Volvo’s I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission. “Once you’ve driven the dual-clutch gearbox you can’t go back,” says Walker. “It gives you a faster, smoother gear change with no loss of power. The drivers love it.”
Globetrotter XL Cab With Volvo Drive++
The 6x2 Volvo FH 500 tractor units are equipped with Volvo’s Globetrotter XL cab with its 2.2-metre (7.2 foot)-tall interior. Comfort in the spacious cab is further enhanced through Volvo’s Drive++ package, which adds a heated and air-suspended driver’s seat along with a microwave and 33-litre (1.2-cubic-foot) fridge. When drivers need to sleep in this home away from home, they can activate Volvo’s I-Park Cool, an overnight air conditioning system. T. W. Plummer’s fleet managers, meanwhile, can use Volvo Connect to monitor the vehicle’s location, along with efficiency metrics and driver behaviour.
Find The Right Volvo Truck
Truck Locator is a great resource for locating new and used Volvo trucks for sale, including FH tractors and rigids such as FH 500 tractor units with sleepers.
Source: Volvo