Buyer's Guide: Truck Fuel-Saving Technologies for long-haul
Fuel represents about 30% of total fleet operating cost around Europe, according to “The European Road Freight Rate Development Benchmark Q4 2024”, and with diesel prices and sustainability pressures rising, the European trucking industry is pushing hard for efficiency gains.
Modern trucks from the top manufacturers now include:
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Predictive cruising systems
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Turbo-compound diesel engines
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Aerodynamic cab designs
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Automated manual transmissions (AMT) with included “economy modes”
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Digital mirror systems
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Low-rolling-resistance tyres
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Low-friction rear axle
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Free-roll functions
These technologies don’t just reduce emissions, they translate directly into lower cost-per-kilometre and a competitive fleet advantage for your business.
Below are the must-know fuel efficiency technologies, organized by truck manufacturers.
✅ Volvo Trucks
| Technology | What It Does | |
|---|---|---|
| I-Save | I-See* | Predictive cruise control using GPS data to optimize speed & gears |
| D13TC Turbo-Compound Engine | Recovers exhaust energy for extra power & efficiency | |
| I-Shift* - “Economy” mode | Adaptive gear shifting for fuel-optimized driving instead of power | |
| Fuel-Efficient Rear Axles | New, highly efficient rear axles that further reduce friction losses | |
| I-Roll* | Free-roll function disengaging the clutch on descents | |
| Aero Cab | Extended cab and refined airflow to reduce drag for the FH and FH16 models | |
| Volvo Camera Monitor System | Digital mirrors reduce aerodynamic drag |
* these options can be acquired outside the i-save package
📝Tip: To confirm that your Volvo FH is equipped with the optional I-Save package, check the side badge outside the cabin or the engine model directly. The Turbo-Compound engine version, which includes I-Save, will be marked as D13K...TC. If the engine is designated as just D13K (no TC at the end), it does not have I-Save.
