Volvo Trucks Releases 13-Liter (13,000 cc) Diesel Engine

Volvo Trucks has officially introduced its latest 13-liter (13,000 cc) diesel engine platform, designed to improve fuel efficiency while expanding the use of renewable energy sources. This move reinforces the company's strategy of continuing to optimize conventional engines alongside electric vehicle development, in order to gradually reduce fuel consumption and operational emissions.

The new engine was developed to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Through a redesigned mechanical structure, the platform can reduce fuel consumption by up to 4% compared to its predecessor.

This saving complements the achievements of the Volvo Aero truck variants launched earlier in 2024, which were previously claimed to cut fuel consumption by up to 5% through aerodynamic improvements.

“This new engine is not only the most fuel-efficient powertrain we have ever built, but it also takes our internal combustion engines into the future,” said Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

“With its flexibility and readiness for all diesel and gas fuels, we can offer efficient trucks with the potential for net-zero emissions to all our customers worldwide,” he explained on Saturday (16/5/2026).

The mechanical architecture of the new platform introduces several technical updates to the cylinder design, turbocharger components, and engine brake functionality, which now operates with greater precision to improve vehicle control.

The engine is available in two main variants: the diesel D13, offering power outputs from 380–560 hp and torque up to 1,800–2,900 Nm, and the gas G13, delivering 420–500 hp and torque of 2,400–2,800 Nm.

Both variants are designed to meet Euro 6 standards and have passed New Noise Regulation Phase 3 (NNR3) certification for noise limits, while also being prepared for future emission regulations.

One of the main advantages of this engine is its ability to operate on various alternative fuels, such as B100 biodiesel, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and biogas-based liquefied natural gas (bio-LNG).

To maximize efficiency on highways, Volvo Trucks has also updated the I-Shift transmission system and expanded the availability of the I-Roll feature with engine stop/start functionality.

This feature allows the engine to shut off automatically when the truck is decelerating or coasting downhill using momentum, significantly reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions during the journey.

However, in real-world operation, the level of fuel savings will still be influenced by external factors such as driving speed, payload weight, road topography, driver experience, and weather conditions, as well as vehicle maintenance.

The engine will be fitted to Volvo’s flagship models, including the FM, FMX, FH, and the aerodynamic FH Aero variants. Official marketing and order opening are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026.

Distribution and product launches will be rolled out gradually across global markets. The first phase targets Europe, Morocco, Turkey, and India. Volvo Trucks will then expand availability to North America, Asia, and South Africa.

In the initial phase, engine assembly will be concentrated at the company’s home facility in Skövde, Sweden, while complete truck assembly will take place at the Tuve plant in Sweden and Ghent in Belgium.

This innovation is an integral part of Volvo Trucks’ long-term roadmap toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, combining the development of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

I-Roll with engine stop/start is an advanced fuel-saving technology from Volvo Trucks, integrated into their I-Shift automated transmission system. It is an evolution of the existing I-Roll coasting/freewheeling function.

How It Works

- Traditional I-Roll: When the truck is on flat roads or mild downhill sections where neither engine power nor engine braking is needed, I-Roll disengages the driveline (freewheels). This allows the truck to coast using its momentum with minimal resistance, reducing fuel consumption.

- New Engine Stop/Start Enhancement: The updated version (introduced with the new 13-liter engine platform) can temporarily shut off the engine entirely during coasting. This is claimed to be the world’s first such system in heavy-duty trucks.

The system uses I-See (Volvo’s predictive cruise control technology) to constantly monitor:

- Road topography and curvature (via GPS/map data)

- Vehicle speed, weight, and other parameters

When it detects an upcoming downward slope (where gravity can maintain momentum), and conditions are safe, it automatically:

1. Activates I-Roll coasting.

2. Turns off the engine at speeds above 60 km/h (approx. 37 mph).

3. The truck coasts on momentum alone → zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions while the engine is off.

When power is needed again (end of the slope or acceleration required), the engine restarts smoothly and instantly without noticeable jolts.

Benefits

- Fuel and CO₂ savings: Up to 1% additional reduction on top of other efficiency improvements (like the 4% from the new engine and 5% from Aero aerodynamics). Actual savings depend on route, topography, load, and conditions.

- Particularly effective on highways with rolling terrain.

- Reduces overall operational emissions.

Limitations and Conditions

- Only activates under specific safe conditions (e.g., sufficient speed, appropriate temperature, safe topography).

- Not active in all driving scenarios — the driver can also influence or override it.

- Real-world savings vary based on external factors (as mentioned in the original article).

This technology perfectly aligns with Volvo’s strategy of maximizing efficiency from internal combustion engines while transitioning toward zero-emission solutions. It’s currently available on models like the FH and FH Aero with the new 13-liter engines.