Chevron introduces new fuel-saving synthetic engine oil

DALLAS, Texas -- Chevron has introduced a new Delo 400 LE synthetic 5W-30 engine oil it says can improve fuel mileage by up to 2% in Class 8 long-haul vehicles and 4.5% in medium-duty trucks.

The oil was formulated to maximize fuel economy while also meeting engine manufacturers’ performance requirements, Chevron announced at the Great American Trucking Show.

The fuel-saving potential is in comparison to SAE 15W-40 oil and has been validated through SAE J1321 fuel consumption testing, Chevron says.

The new oil compliments Chevron’s Delo 400 LE SAE 10W-30 oil to provide a line of oils that excel at improving fuel economy without sacrificing engine durability, the company claims. It insists its fuel-efficient engine oils have proven through lab and field durability tests to match 15W-40 oils in engine wear and drain intervals.

“We understand that many of our customers are focused on managing fuel costs. Lubricants can play an important role in improving fuel economy, allowing fleet owners to reduce operating costs and stay competitive,” said Jim Gambill, North America Commercial and Industrial brand manager, Chevron. “Chevron is committed to helping its customers decrease expenses by delivering products designed to reduce fuel consumption. Our new Delo 400 LE Synthetic SAE 5W-30 is part of Chevron’s vision to offer a line of lubricants that deliver fuel economy without sacrificing engine or component durability.”

In addition to improved fuel mileage, Chevron says its newest offering provides consistent cold engine staring, minimizes operating costs and extends emission control system life. Delo 400 LE Synthetic SAE 5W-30 will be available across North America in the fourth quarter of 2012, Chevron announced.

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Volvo launches I-See 'autopilot' fuel-saving technology in Europe

GOTHENBURG, Sweden -- Volvo Trucks in Sweden has developed a new I-See feature that uses a truck’s kinetic energy to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5%.

The system operates like an autopilot, using the transmission’s tilt sensor to determine topography and then uses the truck’s momentum to save fuel. It can: accelerate before an incline begins; avoid changing gears near the brow of a hill; avoid accelerate when approaching a descent; freewheel down downhill portions; brake before a downhill slope ends but release the brakes at the end of the slope to pick up speed ahead of a new ascent.

“If kinetic energy can be exploited to a greater extent, it may help cut fuel consumption. This will benefit both the environment and the industry’s economy, something that is very important today as fuel costs are becoming an increasingly heavy burden on many haulage firms,” relates Anders Eriksson, product developer at Volvo Trucks.

I-See can recall about 4,000 gradients, Volvo says.

“I-See is an autopilot linked to the truck’s cruise control, taking over and handling gear changes, throttle and brakes on gradients, ensuring they all operate in the most fuel-efficient way possible. I-See freewheels as much as possible – so on certain stretches of road no fuel is used at all,” explains Hayder Wokil, product manager at Volvo Trucks.

“In this way fuel consumption can be cut by up to 5%. This figure is based on the results of simulations and tests on public roads. I-See requires use of the cruise control, and we know that on average drivers use cruise control about half the time. For a truck in normal operation, covering 140,000 kilometres a year, the saving will be about 1,000 litres of fuel annually. This makes a big difference to the haulage firm’s profitability.”

The greatest fuel savings, Volvo says, come where there are an abundance of small hills.

“I-See works best in undulating terrain. With moderately long and steep slopes, I-See ensures that you can freewheel for long distances without using the engine,” explains Eriksson. “It is this freewheeling capability that makes the system special. When the truck rolls freely, virtually no fuel is used. But in order to freewheel, a whole lot of data is required.”

He said I-See also saves on brake and tire wear.

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