Solstor UK is reaping the rewards of Volvo Trucks’ turbo compound technology, with several drivers recording fuel economy improvements of up to 20 per cent after switching to I-Save-equipped vehicles following a detailed two-year trial.
Since replacing 12 standard Volvo FH tractor units with the new assets in 2024, the customer has noted significantly better MPG figures, contributing to a notable drop in carbon emissions with a reduction in fuel consumed and associated fuel cost savings in its operations.
Volvo customer Solstor UK has recorded notable fuel economy improvements after switching to I-Save-equipped trucks following a successful two-year trial. Image: Volvo Trucks
Graham Doe, Managing Director, Solstor UK, says: “Switching to Volvo’s turbo compound technology has been a game-changer for our fleet. The substantial improvements in fuel efficiency and our drivers’ overall experience highlight the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.
“Over the two-year assessment period we witnessed firsthand how this innovative technology can transform our fleet operations, recording MPG figures previously thought unattainable. In the end, it was a no-brainer to welcome the 12 new trucks into the business earlier this year.”
Supplied by Steve Moon, Truck Sales Director, MC Truck and Bus, the new FH with I-Save 6×2 tractor units feature powerful 500 hp Euro-6 compliant Step E engines, capable of generating a peak torque of 2,800 Nm.
Each vehicle benefits from ultra-efficient turbo-compound technology, which sees the use of an extra turbine after the turbocharger to reuse excess energy from the exhausts. This allows energy to be converted to torque directly on the crankshaft to create a powerful and extremely fuel-efficient engine.
In practice, this allows Solstor UK’s drivers to maintain lower revs and a higher gear for a longer time, contributing to a smoother and quieter journey in addition to generating sizeable economy gains.
The I-Save package also includes Volvo’s predictive cruise control system, I-see, which analyses and adapts to gradients in the road ahead, and I-Cruise with I-Roll, which adjusts speed to further optimise fuel consumption.
Image: Volvo Trucks UK
Additional efficiency gains are unlocked thanks to roof and cab side air deflectors, while a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox analyses factors such as speed, weight, road grade and torque demand to perfectly time every shift.
Complementing the I-Save technology, Solstor UK has also found huge value in utilising Volvo Connect, which it has used in conjunction with the manufacturer to provide tailored driver training programmes focused on elements such as reducing idling time and cruise control usage.
“Our driver trainer worked closely with Volvo, analysing detailed reports generated every month to refine our team’s driving style over time for optimal performance,” adds Doe. “Through the initial trial, it became clear the I-Save trucks were the best fit for our operations, which led us to transition our entire Dartford-based fleet to these models.”
The new vehicles join Solstor UK’s busy 24/7 operations. They have been paired with temperature-controlled trailers to deliver chilled and frozen goods, and are expected to clock up to 110,000 km annually working across the next three years.
Founded in 1983, Solstor UK provides temperature-controlled and dry freight general cargo services across Europe. Operating from offices throughout the UK and Spain, Italy, Belgium, France and Poland, the business provides full load, part load and groupage services complete with a fully integrated suite of customs solutions to simplify UK imports and exports for customers.
