Volvo Trucks has introduced what it claims to be a world’s first in a heavy truck – auto stop/start engine technology.

The technology will be rolled out in Europe in its Volvo FH and FH Aero trucks with 13-liter engines.

Volvo says the capability is based on its I-Roll and I-See technologies, which use GPS to monitor road data and curvature information. When an upcoming downward slope is detected, the engine will shut off, consuming no fuel and producing no tailpipe emissions as it rolls down the grade.

“Our engineers have done it again – innovating a new engine technology that contributes to making transport by truck more fuel-efficient,” says Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management, Volvo Trucks. “As part of our decarbonization strategy, we will continue to innovate to make our combustion engines even better and to reduce our impact on the environment.”

The stop/start function is enabled at speeds above 60 km/h. Volvo says it could provide up to 1% fuel economy savings and corresponding emissions reduction on top of existing efficiencies.