Environmental issues: a challenge, not a problem for Volvo

DAF, MAN, Renault Trucks, Scania Trucks, Mercedes, IVECO, Volvo Trucks: we have taken a closer look at the innovations of these 7 manufacturers. In our today\'s article, we will present you an overview of the existing eco-friendly technologies. Then each week you will discover the green mission of a particular truck manufacturer and its unique sustainable solutions.

Truck manufacturers and sustainable development!

DAF: minimizing the environmental impact

MAN: for a higher transport efficiency

RENAULT TRUCKS: new solutions for a better transport of tomorrow

SCANIA: preserving the world\'s natural resources

Mercedes-Benz is investing in the future

IVECO: its vehicles get greener and greener

Environmental issues: a challenge, not a problem for Volvo

Environmental issues: a challenge, not a problem for Volvo

The priority for Volvo Trucks is to create and launch new transport solutions that combine market competitiveness and minimal environmental impact. Thus, the truck manufacturer has been concentrating its efforts on the development of alternative fuels and the improvement of fuel efficiency of its trucks.

The hybrid solution to minimize fuel consumption

Volvo is particularly interested in hybrid solutions enabling to ensure a substantial fuel economy. For instance, its new tractor unit, the Volvo FE hybrid (its production in limited quantity was launched in June 2011), will allow to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions by 15 to 20%. The Volvo FE hybrid truck is propelled in parallel by a 7-litre diesel engine (430 hp) and a 120 kW electric motor. It is worth noting that Volvo Trucks is currently the only truck manufacturer in the world to produce hybrid distribution trucks for up to 26 tonnes.

Gas-powered engines, now available for long haul

At present, Volvo Trucks is actively investing in the solution that may provide a transition from fossil to renewable fuels: diesel engines running on methane gas. Based on the manufacturer's calculations, an engine running on a tank of 80% liquefied methane gas and 20% diesel could allow a new Volvo truck to drive about 500 km before needing to refuel! Even though its production has been barely launched, the European transport companies are already genuinely interested in the new Volvo FM MethaneDiesel. With the significant financial savings due to low price of natural gas and the reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 70%, the new truck just might be the «magic bullet» the transporters had been looking for. The only real drawback: the refuelling network for liquefied methane gas is underdeveloped in most of the European countries.

Volvo Eco-Driving Course: a profitable investment

Similar to its competitors, Volvo Trucks is perfectly aware of the driver's importance for ensuring fuel efficiency of its trucks. That is why the truck manufacturer has created a comprehensive programme of driver training courses, including the Eco-Driving Course. Designed to help drivers acquire the concepts and practices of efficient driving, this course enables its participants to cut down their fuel consumption by 5 to 10 %, while considerably increasing the life span of their vehicles.

Mean Green: the hybrid truck beats all records

The three speed records established by the famous Swedish driver Boije Ovebrink driving its Mean Green hybrid truck, a modified Volvo VN, have been recently confirmed by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). Thus, the automotive industry authorities reinforced the conviction of the pilot and Volvo's engineers that Mean Green is indeed “the world's fastest hybrid truck”. This will definitely encourage the truck manufacturer and its team, already highly motivated to provide more and more hybrid solutions.