Skip to main content

Volvo Trucks previews a heavy-duty model that’s up to 30 percent more efficient

Volvo Trucks — a company completely independent of Volvo Cars — has introduced an experimental heavy-duty truck powered by a hybrid drivetrain. The prototype showcases realistic, close-to-production ways to begin weening the long-haul transport industry off of fossil fuels.

Called simply Concept Truck, the model is an update of a prototype originally introduced in May of last year. The most important modifications are found under the skin, where the truck is equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain. Full technical specifications haven’t been published yet, but we know the concept’s main sources of power are a 12.8-liter, six-cylinder turbodiesel engine — called D13 in Volvo-speak — and a powerful electric motor.

Recommended Videos

The electric motor takes over for the oil-burning six up to 30 percent of the time, which improves fuel economy by up to 10 percent depending on the type of road the truck is traveling on and what it’s hauling. A brake energy recuperation system similar to the one used in hybrid cars tops up the batteries when the truck is driving down a hill or braking.

A hybrid-specific navigation system analyzes topographical data to figure out the most efficient way to use the two power sources, and the best time to deploy the juice stored in the battery packs. The tech helps the Concept Truck drive on electricity alone for a little over six miles; that’s not much compared to today’s plug-in passenger cars, but every little bit helps in an industry where single-digit fuel economy figures are still common.

The Concept Truck is based on the FH, one of Volvo Trucks’ regular-production models. Engineers have made the prototype more aerodynamic by replacing the side mirrors with cameras, covering up the rear wheels to reduce air resistance, and adding spoilers to the back of the trailer. They’ve also maximized air flow to the engine compartment, and reduced the truck’s weight.

Volvo stresses the Concept Truck is just that: a concept truck. However, the company promises some of the tech features — like the diesel-electric drivetrain — will make the transition from prototype to production in the near future.

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more