Volvo’s Euro 3 D13A delivers 4% fuel savings in first UK comparative trial

Results from realistic UK comparative fuel trials conducted by Volvo Trucks - between a EURO 3 FM fitted with the outgoing D12 - 420 engine and a EURO 3 new FM equipped with the latest D13A - 440 powerplant - have been announced with the latest 13 litre artic achieving a 4% improvement in overall fuel consumption over the 12 litre.

The recently completed trials took place over a demanding test route which took two days to complete and included a mix of road types and driving conditions from motorway running to tough ‘A’ roads and long gradients. For comparitive purposes, the two vehicles ran the route back to back only minutes apart – thus ensuring that near identical traffic and weather conditions were experienced. Fuel economy was measured using on-board fuel meters and calibrated ‘tank to tank’ comparisons. Both trucks were fully freighted to 44 tonnes GCW.

Both outfits were hauled by ‘Globetrotter’-cabbed FM 6x2 Pusher-Axle tractor units which had been specified with I-shift with the Fuel & Economy software package. Specifications were almost identical with both trucks featuring 2.85:1 final drive ratios and both running on 295/80 Energy tyres. Underlining the achievement of the new 13 litre FM is that it only had 29,500 kms on the odometer compared to the 81,500 kms on the older FM12, which bodes well for further improvement.

A factor which further underlines the significance of the 4% fuel savings achieved by the D13 engined truck is that the D12-engined FM was equipped with Volvo’s Ecopower - which enabled the 420 to deliver torque and efficiency levels in top gear equivalent to a 460.

Says Volvo Trucks’ Product Manager Brian Smith. "As a result of these preliminary tests, we believe that the message to UK and Irish operators has to be that, when compared to the 12 litre engine, the new 13 litre at EURO 3 is capable of delivering significant fuel savings that could have a positive impact on their business’s bottom line."