New Volvo I-Shift saves fuel

A new version of Volvo’s celebrated automated gearchanging system - I-Shift - has now been introduced featuring a number of intelligent features that save fuel, improve traction and increase gearchanging comfort.

“Volvo I-Shift is already considered the market’s best gearchanging system, but with the new features, it is now an even stronger contender,” says Ricard Fritz, head of strategic planning at Volvo Trucks.

Lower fuel consumption – better driveability
When Volvo Trucks invests heavily in reducing fuel consumption and improving the performance of its trucks, the focus is not just on engines but on the entire driveline. And it is here that Volvo I-Shift plays a central role. More than half of all Volvo FH and Volvo FM trucks sold in Europe are fitted with I-Shift.

Now the automated gearchanging system has been adapted to match the performance levels of the new engines and to minimise power losses in the driveline. What is more, the operational sphere for I-Shift has now been further extended through a new range of practical and fuel-saving functions.

Here are the main features:

Improved freewheel function (‘I-Roll’).
Saves fuel and is automatically activated when neither engine power nor engine braking is needed.

Fuel-saving for heavy transports.
For the best fuel consumption and driving comfort, the driver can indicate if the truck is heavily loaded or not. Gearchanging can thus be optimised. When the vehicle is not heavily loaded, fuel consumption is as low as it is for trucks with the ‘Long haul and fuel economy’ software package.

Better driving comfort on slippery surfaces
There are several new functions that aid driving in difficult situations. For example, ‘Enhanced Performance – Poor roads’ optimises gearchanging and results in fewer changes, thus helping to improve starting ability and driveability on poor roads. These functions are designed for applications such as construction and timber-haulage operations.

Easier driving in traffic tailbacks.
In order to avoid unnecessary down-changes and to more easily adjust speed in traffic queues, it is now possible to drive using the idling regulator.

Makes life easier
“Volvo I-Shift contributes to far better total economy in a variety of other ways too,” explains Ricard Fritz. “Progress is safer. Wear and maintenance costs drop. And, not least, you can attract and keep good drivers. With the gearchanging comfort that I-Shift offers, there is no reason to change gears manually. It makes life behind the wheel far simpler so it is hardly a surprise that so many drivers love I-Shift.”