Volvo Unveils Prototype D13-LNG Engine

Volvo Trucks has unveiled its prototype D13-LNG engine, the first integrated natural gas solution for the North American market.

The Volvo D13-LNG compression-ignition engine utilizes liquefied natural gas (LNG) to deliver increased range and significant fuel efficiency improvements compared with other natural gas-powered offerings. Customers will also be able to specify a Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission. Volvo showed the prototype LNG solution in a Volvo VNL daycab during the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show.

Volvo’s D13-LNG engine is a continuation of its comprehensive Blue Power natural gas strategy for North America, joining previously announced spark-ignited natural gas engine options for the Volvo VNM and VNL model daycabs.

“Volvo remains focused on developing new technologies to meet our customers’ needs,” says Göran Nyberg, President, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “The Volvo D13-LNG offers outstanding power and performance for the long haul while improving fuel efficiency. The D13-LNG will enable our customers to increase their driving range through an integrated Volvo powertrain system that offers seamless communication among components.”

The Volvo 13-liter compression-ignition engine, utilizing a small amount of diesel fuel to ignite the LNG, delivers diesel-like durability and performance in terms of horsepower and torque. The D13-LNG also provides about a 20% fuel efficiency improvement compared with spark-ignition natural gas engines and an even greater fuel cost reduction when compared with diesel-powered engines. Volvo VNL daycabs powered by the Volvo D13-LNG engine will be available for order during the second half of 2014.

Volvo Natural Gas Vehicles in Production

As part of its Blue Power natural gas strategy for North America, Volvo previously announced two solutions powered by either compressed natural gas (CNG) or LNG, depending on the specification. The VNL daycab, equipped with a 12-liter Cummins-Westport ISX12 G engine, was introduced at the 2012 Mid-America Trucking Show. Full factory deliveries will begin during the third quarter of 2013. The other solution meeting demand for natural gas-powered trucks is a natural gas-powered VNM daycab, featuring a factory-installed 8.9 liter Cummins ISL G engine.