Buyer's Guide: Truck Fuel-Saving Technologies for long-haul
Fuel represents about 30% of total fleet operating cost around Europe, according to “The European Road Freight Rate Development Benchmark Q4 2024”, and with diesel prices and sustainability pressures rising, the European trucking industry is pushing hard for efficiency gains.
Modern trucks from the top manufacturers now include:
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Predictive cruising systems
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Turbo-compound diesel engines
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Aerodynamic cab designs
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Automated manual transmissions (AMT) with included “economy modes”
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Digital mirror systems
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Low-rolling-resistance tyres
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Low-friction rear axle
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Free-roll functions
These technologies don’t just reduce emissions, they translate directly into lower cost-per-kilometre and a competitive fleet advantage for your business.
Below are the must-know fuel efficiency technologies, organized by truck manufacturers.
✅ Volvo Trucks
| Technology | What It Does | |
|---|---|---|
| I-Save | I-See* | Predictive cruise control using GPS data to optimize speed & gears |
| D13TC Turbo-Compound Engine | Recovers exhaust energy for extra power & efficiency | |
| I-Shift* - “Economy” mode | Adaptive gear shifting for fuel-optimized driving instead of power | |
| Fuel-Efficient Rear Axles | New, highly efficient rear axles that further reduce friction losses | |
| I-Roll* | Free-roll function disengaging the clutch on descents | |
| Aero Cab | Extended cab and refined airflow to reduce drag for the FH and FH16 models | |
| Volvo Camera Monitor System | Digital mirrors reduce aerodynamic drag |
* these options can be acquired outside the i-save package
📝Tip: To confirm that your Volvo FH is equipped with the optional I-Save package, check the side badge outside the cabin or the engine model directly. The Turbo-Compound engine version, which includes I-Save, will be marked as D13K...TC. If the engine is designated as just D13K (no TC at the end), it does not have I-Save.
If you are interested in the Volvo FH16, these can still come with I-See, check the system menus for hints that it is installed.
✅ DAF
| Technology | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Predictive Cruise Control | GPS-based terrain response for smoother driving |
| MX-11 / MX-13 Engines | High-efficiency Euro-6 performance, standard since 2021 |
| TraXon AMT - “eco” mode | Tunes the transmission for maximum efficiency |
| EcoRoll | Free-roll function disengaging the clutch on descents |
| Full Aero Package | 19% aerodynamic improvement + LRR tyres |
| DAF Digital Vision System | Digital mirrors reduce aerodynamic drag |
| DAF Efficient Axles | Low-friction design and bearings + lower oil use |
✅ Mercedes-Benz Trucks
| Technology | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Predictive Powertrain Control | Uses GPS & 3D maps to optimize speed & coasting |
| MirrorCam | Digital mirrors reduce aerodynamic drag |
| PowerShift Advanced - "Economy" and "Fleet" modes | Fuel-efficient automated shifting. Companies can set the Fleet option and force fuel-efficient settings to be always ON |
| ProCabin | Highly aerodynamic cab design to reduce drag |
| OM471 3rd gen engine | New turbochargers + improved combustion + reduced friction design |
| Rear axle, with active lubrication | Less friction in the axle means less wasted power |
| EcoRoll | Free-roll function disengaging the clutch on descents |
✅ Iveco
| Technology | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Hi-Cruise | Predictive cruise control & coasting functions |
| XCursor 13 Engine | Turbo-compound diesel for heavy long-haul, launched in 2023 |
| Hi-Tronix AMT - "ECO-FLEET" mode | Deliver maximum fuel efficiency and driver comfort |
| Fuel-Efficient Rear Axles | High-efficiency and low-friction rear axles |
| EcoRoll | Free-roll function disengaging the clutch on descents |
| Iveco aerodynamic cab | Roof, side spoilers and front wings improve aerodynamic performance |
| Mirror cams | Digital mirrors reduce aerodynamic drag |
✅ Scania
| Technology | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Scania Super Engine | 6 - 8% fuel savings vs previous gen |
| Opticruise - “Economy” mode | Fuel-efficient automated shifting |
| Active Prediction | GPS-enabled coasting & speed optimization |
| R756 Rear axle | Latest generation of high-efficiency and low-friction axles |
| Scania Mirror View Camera system | Digital mirrors reduce aerodynamic drag |
| Eco-roll | Free-roll function disengaging the clutch on descents |
✅ MAN
| Technology | What It Does |
|---|---|
| EfficientCruise | Detects uphill and downhill gradients (GPS-based) to optimise speed and gear-selection |
| EfficientRoll | Free-roll function disengaging the clutch on descents |
| TipMatic AMT - "Efficiency" and "Efficiency Plus" modes | Optimizes gear shifts for fuel economy |
| OptiView | Digital mirrors reduce aerodynamic drag |
| D26 Engine Series | High-efficiency engine focused on running at low RPM’s |
| HY-1344 Drive Axle | Lightweight, low-friction rear axle and highly efficient by reducing internal power losses |
📝Tip: In 2020, the EfficientLine was absorbed into the standard design of the new MAN truck generation, making the separate "EfficientLine" brand unnecessary.
✅ Renault Trucks
| Technology | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Optivision | Predictive cruise control (GPS-based) |
| DE13TC Turbo-Compound Engine | Recovers exhaust energy for extra power & efficiency |
| Optidriver Gearbox - "FUEL ECO ON" mode | Running at low RPM’s and "softening" the accelerator pedal response |
| Digital Vision Mirror System | Digital mirrors reduce aerodynamic drag |
| Optiroll | Free-roll function disengaging the clutch on descents |
| Renault "optimised driveline" | High-efficiency, low-friction single-reduction axles |
📝Tip: Both Volvo and Renault use the same key "Turbo-Compound" engine technology, they use a different branding and tuning on their respective engines.
Which Technology Delivers the Biggest Fuel Savings?
Real-World Fuel Reduction Potential
| Technology Category | Typical Fuel Savings* |
|---|---|
| Predictive cruise & coasting | 3 - 10% |
| Turbo-compound engines | 5 - 15% |
| Digital mirrors | 1 - 6% |
| Aero improvements | 2 - 9% |
| Smart transmissions | 1 - 5% |
| Free-roll functions | 0.5 - 3.5% |
| Fuel-efficient rear axles | 1 - 3% |
* estimates based using information self-reported by the manufacturers
Some of these estimates might look small but even a 3% fuel reduction is a powerful financial move that directly translates into thousands of euros in annual savings per truck across your long-haul fleet. Next time you are looking to upgrade a vehicle, remember to think beyond the sticker price; evaluate how the integrated fuel-saving technologies will fundamentally improve your long-term bottom line.
TheTruckCompany is a trusted partner in used commercial vehicles across Europe, with more than 500+ hand-picked, fully inspected trucks, tractor-heads, trailers and vans in stock. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your fleet with the latest fuel-saving tech or optimize total cost of ownership, our team of dedicated specialists is ready to help.