Volvo Trucks North America says it is ready to certify its newly launched CARB-24 Omnibus compliant engine capable of achieving a 0.05g NOx rating, the company announced during its press conference at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim.
The new low-NOx engine is built on Volvo’s new D13 VGT (variable geometry turbo) engine platform, the newest 13-liter variant in Volvo’s lineup. The low-NOx engine, which improves on Volvo’s existing CARB-compliant model, will hit the market this year once the company obtains approval from the California Air Resources Board for meeting the agency’s 2024 emissions standards that require significant reduction in particulate matter and NOx compared to current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
“Right now we have a 0.1 NOx engine that is [CARB] compliant, but today we announce an application for certification for the 0.05 NOx engine,” said Peter Voorhoeve, VTNA president. “We hope to be able to make that commercially available by the fourth quarter of this year.”
The new engine uses a 24-volt electrical architecture and will be available for order on the all-new VNR models as well as the new VNL daycab tractors. The engine is available in either 425 HP/1750 lb. ft. torque or 455 HP/1850 lb. ft. torque configurations.
At the heart of the engine’s new VGT engine platform is an advanced piston design that uses a shorter piston head paired with a longer connecting rod to reduce friction, improve combustion and boost fuel efficiency. Volvo says the seven-wave piston design disperses heat more effectively to lower temperature and reduce NOx output. The emission control system also includes a linear exhaust aftertreatment system and integrated 48-volt heater to help reach the 0.05g NOx target.
"To help customers successfully navigate evolving regulations, Volvo has developed an engine that is intended to meet both EPA and CARB requirements,” said Johan Agebrand, VTNA director of product marketing. “We continue to invest in powertrain and vehicle advancements that support our sustainability goals and our commitment to environmental stewardship. The Volvo VNR Electric continues to lead the Class 8 battery electric truck market in North America with over 40 percent market share and continue investments in developing other zero- and near-zero tailpipe emissions technologies.”
