EPA SmartWay® Program

Volvo Trucks North America has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a comprehensive package of vehicle components for the Volvo VN to deliver high fuel efficiency and low emissions, as part of EPA's new SmartWay™ tractor program.  Trucks ordered with this set of components are eligible to receive EPA's SmartWay Tractor designation.

The components required for the SmartWay-eligible designation to reduce fuel consumption and minimize emissions include:

• Engines certified to the new US'07 emissions standards
• Enhancements to reduce wind resistance, including integrated high roof fairings, fuel tank side fairings, side fairing gap reducers, aerodynamic bumpers and aerodynamic mirrors
• Anti-idling options
• Low-rolling resistance tires

Tractors meeting these specs can have a special SmartWay decal displayed inside the cab.

EPA has developed a similar program for manufacturers of trailers.  The agency estimates that more than one million barrels of oil would be saved if 30% of the trucks and trailers sold industry-wide in 2007 were SmartWay tractor-trailer combinations.

Volvo has long been known for the fuel efficiency and aerodynamics of its trucks.  In fact, 78% of Volvo VNL (long hood) sleeper cabs sold in 2006 -- nearly 19,000 tractors -- were equipped with the full aerodynamic package called for by the SmartWay program.  Volvo also offers low-rolling resistance tires and systems to reduce the need for overnight idling of truck engines.

The SmartWay tractor-trailer is a component of EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership, a comprehensive public-private program designed to improve the transportation industry's fuel efficiency and reduce its emissions.  SmartWay also provides public recognition for companies that meet its challenging standards.  Volvo has been a member of the SmartWay Transport Partnership since 2003 through Volvo Logistics North America.