Trucks
Trucks
Minimizing fuel costs is a constant challenge for all truck owners, and it plays a critical role in running a profitable business. Several factors contribute to a truck's fuel efficiency, including how you operate and use the vehicle. Below are five areas where you can further increase your vehicle's efficiency.
Data and digitalization make it possible to monitor fuel consumption in real time
How a truck is driven can have a huge impact on its fuel and energy consumption. For example, coasting and minimizing braking and acceleration will improve efficiency, while unnecessary idling is wasteful. By collecting and analyzing data, it’s possible to identify areas for improvement and implement actions to help bring consumption down.
Volvo Trucks’ digital services Fuel & Environment and Energy & Environment, which are available through Volvo Connect, deliver clear and concise reports on fuel or energy consumption from both individual vehicles and entire fleets. It covers driving behaviours across several parameters including braking and acceleration, speed adaptation, anticipation, and idling.
With data, drivers can fine-tune and perfect their techniques and generate fuel and energy savings in the process.”
“Even the most skilled and experienced drivers can offer room for improvement,” says Markus Fabiansson, Manager Services Offer, Volvo Trucks. “With data, drivers can fine-tune and perfect their techniques and generate fuel and energy savings in the process.”
Learn more about how connectivity and data analytics can contribute to more fuel and energy efficient driving
Service technicians can address a range of issues that will cause unnecessarily high fuel consumption if left unaddressed.
A well-maintained vehicle is a fuel-efficient vehicle. Through regular servicing, technicians can address things like brake drag, clogged filters, pressure and fuel leaks, wheel alignment and other issues that can cause increased fuel consumption if left unaddressed.
This also ensures regular oil service intervals, which help the engine run with minimal friction and energy losses. In addition, servicing can include the latest software updates, which can include improvements to performance and fuel efficiency. Learn more about how regular maintenance can save fuel.
A service contract is the simplest and most convenient way of ensuring regular servicing and maintenance. Learn more about the different Volvo Service Contracts offered or contact your nearest Volvo Trucks dealership.
In Europe as part of the EU’s General Safety Regulations (GSR), tyre pressure monitoring systems are now mandatory on all new trucks from 2024. These make it easier to keep track of tyre pressure in real-time via sensors in each wheel to avoid tire-related incidents, and by that securing safety and uptime.
Under-inflated tyres also cause increased rolling resistance and, by extension, increased fuel and energy consumption, so it always pays to keep them at the optimal pressure.
Volvo Trucks’ Tire Monitoring Service gives fleet operators a complete overview of their trucks and trailers through Volvo Connect, reducing the risk of costs and disturbances related to tyre-related issues. It offers warnings for under and overpressure, as well as puncture warnings and malfunction detection. It also offers sensor battery status, tyre temperature overviews and slow leak detection.
Learn more about the impact that rolling resistance and tyres can have on fuel consumption.
In an electric truck, preconditioning the batteries ensures their full power is utilized and helps to maximize energy efficiency. It also helps to extend the batteries’ lifetime. Through the ready-to-run function in the My Truck App, it’s possible to remotely preset the cab’s heating systems via your smartphone so that they switch on automatically. This way, the truck’s battery is at the optimal temperature at the time of departure.
Discover more tips for extending an electric truck’s range.
Overcoming air resistance is a significant contributor to a truck’s fuel consumption but can be minimized through deflectors, spoilers and fenders.
Roof and side deflectors, spoilers, fenders, chassis fairings and wheel caps can all contribute to improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. However, to maximize efficiency gains, such accessories must be customized according to the truck and its trailer configuration.
“Everything you can do to make the truck’s surface smoother and to close gaps, will help improve its fuel efficiency,” says Helena Knappe, Genuine Volvo Parts Manager. “It’s highly recommended that you use parts and accessories from the truck’s original manufacturer because they have been designed to fit perfectly with the vehicle to ensure optimal aerodynamics.”
Everything you can do to make the truck’s surface smoother and to close gaps, will help improve its fuel efficiency.”
Here is more information about the importance of aerodynamics. For more information about any of the services mentioned, contact your nearest Volvo Trucks dealership.
Learn even more about how technology can contribute to more fuel-efficient driving, including:
