Volvo debuts industry's 'most powerful, most reliable, most fuel efficient' engine

Volvo Trucks North America unveiled a redesigned D13 engine aimed at slashing emissions while boosting power, positioning the company to meet strict federal environmental standards just before they take effect.

Making its debut at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas Monday, the new powertrain, is engineered to meet Environmental Protection Agency’s 2027 regulations, which require a dramatic reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Volvo’s latest iteration cuts NOx by more than 80% compared to current limits, hitting the EPA's target of 35 milligrams.

While manufacturers have long struggled to balance environmental compliance with engine performance, Volvo claims its newest model brings to market the best of both worlds. 

"The new D13 is most powerful, most reliable and most fuel efficient (engine) in the industry today," said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America.

Familiar but refined Technology

Rather than overhaul the platform with unproven tech, Volvo refined its existing aftertreatment system, which has been in commercial use for over a decade. 

"We have used the technology that we know," Voorhoeve added. 

A key piece of the new model is the use of electricity to increase exhaust temperatures, ensuring the aftertreatment system functions optimally even in cold conditions. Despite the added emissions hardware, the 13-liter engine spec'd in the VNL is expected to be 10% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

Performance gains

The engine is designed for versatility, meeting emissions requirements in all 50 states for highway, regional, and vocational use. 

It is available up to 540 horsepower and 1,950 pound-feet of torque and features a unique engine brake that delivers 630 braking horsepower for better control on heavy loads on steep descents.

The engine supports renewable diesel (R100) and biodiesel blends up to B20.

Voorhoeve said production lines, supply chains, and dealer networks are already being prepped for rollout, adding the company aims to ensure that fleet owners can transition to the 2027-compliant hardware without the "complexity" often associated with new emissions cycles.