Volvo aims to achieve significant fuel savings in long-haul applications.
The main methods to achieve these savings are the aerodynamic design and a lower kerb weight. It is the result of a five year long research project aimed at creating more energy-efficient vehicles. The research project is a bilateral joint venture between Sweden and the USA involving support from the Swedish Energy Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The American SuperTruck project aims to increase transport efficiency for long-haul operations in the North American market. One of the largest factors reducing the consumption is a 40 % improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. Volvo has modified the entire truck and trailer and optimised it for improved aerodynamics as much as possible. Examples of this include using cameras instead of rear-view mirrors. This reduces air resistance, so less energy is needed to propel the truck.
In addition to the aerodynamic improvements, the concept vehicle is fitted with newly developed tyres with lower rolling resistance. The trailer weighs two tonnes less than the reference trailer, which translates into either lower fuel consumption or the possibility of higher payload. The project also includes an improved driveline. Work on the Volvo Concept Truck has been in progress since 2011 and aims to improve the efficiency for long-haul truck transportation by 50 %. Because the concept vehicle is part of a research project it will not be available on the market. However, some of its aerodynamic features have already been implemented on Volvo Trucks' series-produced vehicles, and more of its solutions may be fitted in the future.
The concept truck was a Volvo FH 420 with a Volvo D13 Euro 6 engine. Aerodynamic improvements included:
- The conventional rear-view mirrors have been replaced by cameras, which have the added advantage of offering better visibility and increased safety.
- Aerodynamically optimised chassis side-skirts cover the rear wheels on the tractor and all the trailer wheels.
- Aerodynamic spoilers extend the trailer and cut air resistance.
- Optimised air flow for the engine's cooling system
- Minimised air resistance at the front of the tractor, the wheel housings and entry steps.