Volvo launches fuel-saving software programme

What is Volvo Torque Assist?

Introduced in conjunction with the launch of Volvo’s upgraded D13 diesel engines, this software can take a fairly dreadful driver (like yours truly) and turn him or her into an economy champion.

The software – which only works when you’re not using cruise control – is designed to deliver more fuel-efficient driving by automatically adapting the truck’s torque and acceleration to the road’s topography, the load and speed changes.

According to Peter Hardin, Director Product Management at Volvo Trucks, I-Cruise (Volvo’s intelligent cruise control) is still the best way to optimise fuel consumption. “But sometimes cruise control isn’t applicable. We have seen that there is a need to help drivers save fuel also when the cruise control cannot be used,” he says.

Volvo reckons that Torque Assist can lead to a 3% fuel saving. “Drivers that are less skilled in economical driving benefit more than those who already have that driving style,” explains Hardin. “The new software also gives a more significant result with heavy loads, many slope changes or large speed variations, while drivers transporting lighter loads with constant speed on flat roads will save less fuel. In field tests, we have actually seen examples of a larger potential for savings than 3%.”

 

Delivers on its promises

I recently tested a Volvo FH440 6x4 truck tractor (you will be able to read my full truck test early in October) and I can confirm that this technology does indeed yield results. As I revealed to the chaps at Volvo prior to my test drive, I’m a bit of a cowboy of a driver. Economy has never been my thing. I’m simply far too impatient. Yet, at the end of the test, I received an astoundingly positive Dynafleet Online Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Report. I achieved a total score of 95 out of 100, which is quite earth-shattering for me. (In Volvo speak, a score of 80 to 100 is “good”, 60 to 79 is “average” and 0 to 59 is regarded as “improvable”.) While my average fuel consumption was 34.94 l/100 km, I achieved an almost unbelievable 99 out of 100 for “engine and gear utilisation”!

I obviously employed a combination of technology in my test drive – cruise control at times, for instance, and I-Shift, which is also known to save fuel. But (she types with a grimace), I’ve been known to record epic driving fails before – even with the help of fancy cruise control and transmissions. So, I reckon Volvo Torque Assist helped me. Big time!

Other fans too

I’m not the only fan of the technology. Jaco Conradie (pictured above) and Johnny Bosch, co-owners of Africa Transport Solutions (ATS), have given Volvo Torque Assist the thumbs up too.

ATS, founded in 2004, has a fleet of 45 trucks (including 33 Volvo FHs). It does long-haul transport across South Africa and into Botswana and Namibia, moving predominately agricultural produce (about 70%) and consolidated bulk cargo. The company invests significantly in driver training and is constantly looking at ways of improving fuel consumption, which accounts for around 50% of its total costs. So, Conradie and Bosch were keen to see what difference (if any) the new software would make. They were not disappointed…

 

Because Volvo Torque Assist works especially well over hilly terrain with large speed variations, ATS put it to test on the demanding Cape Town-Johannesburg route, which is characterised by its hills, frequent strong winds and heavy traffic. It did not take long to notice a difference in fuel consumption.

“With the current fleet, we are running at an average of 2.27 km per litre. With the new truck with Torque Assist, after around 45 000 km, it was running at 2.57 km/litre which is a phenomenal improvement,” reveals Conradie.

This translates into a saving of 11,8%, and in monetary terms, a monthly saving of around R11 000. Apart from saving fuel, Volvo Torque Assist also makes driving easier, particularly on hills.

Drivers like it too

Kudzai Mwoyondewenyu, one of ATS’s 52 drivers, reckons that Volvo Torque Assist rocks. “Since I started driving with the Torque Assist, I’ve noticed a lot of changes. The accelerator pedal is softer; the steering is almost self-driven. But when you go up a hill, that’s where I first really noticed the difference. You do not lose any momentum when you change gears. It just flows and the whole driving experience is much smoother.”

Mwoyondewenyu’s enthusiasm is shared by the other drivers. “All our drivers tell us that the truck is very strong on the uphill and just a much better drive than our existing vehicles,” says Conradie. “Considering the huge improvement it has made to our fuel consumption too, we can definitely recommend Volvo Torque Assist.”

That makes two of us!