Volvo Trucks invents stop/start for heavy trucks… that keep moving
- Published on 05/11/2025 17:04
- Modified on 05/11/2025 17:08
Volvo Trucks takes a new step in decarbonizing road transport with an innovative engine stop/start technology.
After dominating the 2025 Green Truck Award with its FH Aero, Volvo Trucks continues to push the limits of energy efficiency. The Swedish manufacturer has just unveiled an unprecedented innovation in the heavy transport world: an engine stop/start system capable of automatically shutting off the engine on downhill slopes, without compromising safety or vehicle control.
This technology, developed in-house, relies on Volvo’s proprietary I-See and I-Roll systems, already known for their predictive consumption management. By continuously analyzing the topography and GPS data, the software can now turn off the thermal engine as soon as a favorable slope is detected. During this phase, the truck moves by inertia: no fuel is consumed, and therefore no grams of CO₂ are emitted from the exhaust.
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Engine off, but truck under control
Contrary to what one might think, the engine being off does not mean the truck is “free” or uncontrollable. Volvo has planned a set of technical solutions to guarantee the vehicle’s complete safety.
The braking and power steering systems remain powered thanks to auxiliary electric motors and independent electronic management. The air compressor, essential for pneumatic braking, also continues to operate thanks to a dedicated electric power supply.
The transmission, for its part, is managed by the I-Roll system. Depending on speed and slope, it can:
• allow the truck to roll freely to maximize inertia,
• or automatically re-engage the engine as soon as speed increases too much or the slope flattens, in order to use engine braking.
Restarting is almost instantaneous and imperceptible to the driver, thanks to a reinforced starter system and predictive software intelligence.
Up to 1% fuel savings
The new I-Roll mode with engine stop/start activates above 60 km/h. Depending on topography and ambient conditions, it could reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to an additional 1%, on top of the savings already achieved with I-See and I-Roll.
This gain might seem modest on paper but becomes very significant at the scale of a truck fleet, both for carriers and for the planet. The system will be available on the Volvo FH and FH Aero equipped with the 13-liter diesel engine, from November 2025.
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This page is translated from the original post "Volvo Trucks invente le stop/start pour poids lourds… qui roulent" in French.
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