Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/240655
INSIDE VOLVO CNG is stored under 3000 psi of pressure This VNM with ISL G 9 liter engine has 4 tanks (2 back of cab) which is equivalent to 170 DGE (diesel gallon equivalent). 170 DGE tanks can travel approximately 600 miles. The Fuel Management Module (shown on passenger side) has fueling ports and shut-off valve. PHOTOS: DENNIS K ALE 26 DRIVER 'S DIGEST #1/2014 "We learn a lot from our static testing, but the sooner you can get test trucks into fleets, the better," explains Horton. "Remember that we don't just look at individual vehicles — we look at overall fleet performance as well as on a vehicleby-vehicle basis and this is very useful data. Different fleets work in different ways, and we have to be able to offer our products on the basis of their needs." Volvo continues to lead the way in exploring viable and sustainable alternatives to diesel, but Horton urges caution: "I think we have to be careful to manage expectations as far as alternative fuels are concerned," he says. "The marketplace is evolving very rapidly, and customer requirements are changing all the time. We have to be able to anticipate these changes and be ready to react correctly." And while Volvo continues to lead the way in terms of research into sustainable alternatives to diesel, Horton points out that diesel is still king. "Diesel engines will remain at the heart of the majority of powertrain applications for many years to come," he says. "Alternative fuel types are complementary to our core diesel products and shouldn't be seen as being in competition with them." Volvo's approach to alternative fuels is one designed entirely to provide its customers with the best possible solution for their individual needs. By listening to and interacting with its customers every step of the way, Volvo's development and testing processes produce products that are not just suitable for the market but are defined and designed by the market. While there is no consolidated, global, one-size-fitsall alternative fuel technology, Volvo continues its agile, proactive leadership towards developing and testing new technology. It's no easy task, however. "Alternative fuel technologies can be tough projects to work on with unexpected challenges, but that's also what's exciting. It takes a lot of talented and hard-working people to develop and release good products like these, and it's motivating for everyone working on products on the cutting-edge that everyone is talking about," Horton says. "It takes a lot of talented and hard-working people to develop and release good products like these, Horton says. The market will continue to evolve as people understand better what is available and how best it can meet their needs. Volvo will continue to work to lead the way with ensuring customers get the products they want with the quality they demand." However interesting the business case may be, it is Volvo's business to ensure that its customers get the products they need to do the job they do in the most efficient and profitable manner possible. Through high levels of investment, infinite attention to detail, and regular dialog with its customers, Volvo has produced in Blue Power a portfolio of alternative fuel products that are setting the standards for