Despite the good results in the development of electric trucks, the Swedish automaker remains an ardent supporter of internal combustion engine technology: the range of power units for the FH16 long-haul tractor has been expanded to include the super-powerful D17 diesel engine.
The news became known during a presentation at Volvo’s home campus in Gothenburg, where journalists were shown a completely new FH 16 tractor with the aforementioned D17 diesel engine under the cab on a test track.
The D17 is the largest and most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a Volvo truck. It is available in three power versions – 600, 700 and 780 hp.
Compared to the diesel version of the D16, which it replaces, the modern engine technology gives drivers maximum performance and, importantly, improved fuel economy compared to its predecessor.
Volvo sees the D17 engine as a clean, low-emission, high fuel economy option for diesel fleets currently operating in Europe. The developers assure that the new engine is fully compliant with its zero-emission mission.
This powertrain had to be developed in response to the new rules on the increased length and weight of Class 8 trucks that came into force throughout Sweden on December 1, 2023. Combined trailers with a total length of 34.5 meters and a gross weight of up to 100 tons (93 tons) are now allowed to be used there.
The Swedish government has agreed with scientists who have proven that the use of longer and heavier road trains will reduce energy consumption by up to 30% for individual vehicles and by 4-6% overall. These figures apply to BEVs, hydrogen fuel cells, biofuels, and diesel engines.
Six tractors pulling six single trailers, each with a total length of 16.5 meters, can be replaced by three FH16 780s, each pulling two trailers with a total length of 34 meters, resulting in a 27% reduction in CO2 emissions.
However, such combined tractor-trailer systems are only allowed on about 5,900 kilometers of the best and most modern roads out of Sweden’s 100,000 kilometers of road network. However, everything is heading towards more such sites soon.
The new engine will facilitate the operation of vehicles with such a load. According to Lars Martesson, Director of Environment and Innovation at Volvo Group, the engine is equipped with a single efficient turbocharger to increase engine responsiveness. To further optimize the combustion process of the D17, the developers relied on Volvo’s highly successful and patented wave piston design.
The result is a cleaner engine that actually delivers more power and fewer emissions than the D16 engine it replaces. The D17 engine is certified for use with biodiesel at all power ratings. The new injection system ensures optimum fuel economy, while the increased maximum cylinder pressure provides high power output.
The braking power of the D17 engine has been enhanced across the entire speed range, Martensson said. This ensures quick gear changes and results in less wear on the brake pads and disc brakes, while also making descending more efficient.
A truck of this length is equipped with StoneRidge MirrorEye rearview cameras. The system includes rearview display screens mounted on the front pillars. These screens can be customized to show different angles and viewpoints behind the truck.
