INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Allison Transmission has unveiled a new software package that will boost fuel economy by 6% over its existing FuelSense offering.

Known as FuelSense 2.0 with DynActive Shifting, it’s available for Allison 3000 and 4000 transmissions, and comes in three packages depending on the applications. Autocar Trucks is the first manufacturer to offer the option.

The benefits come from infinitely variable shift points, using a learning algorithm to find the ideal balance between fuel economy and performance, the company says. The biggest value is expected to be realized by applications with heavy stop-start needs such as city bus, school bus, refuse, construction and distribution.

The promised boost in fuel economy could save operators US $300 to $900 per year based on today’s fuel costs, Allison says. Distribution applications could see improvements as high as 6.3%, with transit vehicles seeing 4.3%, and construction dump trucks 2%.

The FuelSense 2.0 Plus and Max versions also offer improved Neutral at Stop, while FuelSense 2.0 Max also has enhanced Acceleration Rate Management.

The Neutral at Stop reduces or eliminates engine loads when the vehicle comes to a stop. The standard FuelSense 2.0 offers partial neutral at stop, while a premium version has full neutral at stop as well as low-speed coasting capabilities. Both versions have a locked output at stop to keep vehicles from rolling backwards.

Enhanced Acceleration Rate Management controls aggressive driving by controlling engine torque. It adds five levels of control currently available, and more precisely limits vehicle acceleration to a customized rate.

The packages will be available in mid-April.

FuelSense software can also be retrofitted on transmissions with fifth-generation controls, although an additional valve body needs to be installed at the factory to support neutral stop-start features.

See www.allisontransmission.com/fuelsense for more details.