New FlowBelow AeroKit™ improves aerodynamics
Volvo Trucks is adding to its aerodynamic offerings with the new FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit™. The package includes a system of wheel covers and fairings designed for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
“The new FlowBelow package offers our customers an enhanced aerodynamic option, providing up to an additional 1% increase in fuel efficiency when combined with our most aerodynamic truck spec. By pairing it with the Xceed fuel efficiency package, and a dry van with trailer skirts, we can further reduce the environmental footprint and provide even greater fuel efficiency increases,” says Allison Athey, product marketing manager, Volvo Trucks North America.
The FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit minimizes turbulence and improves aerodynamics by surrounding the drive wheels to better manage the air that moves around the tractor while in motion. The system consists of wheel covers, a center fairing between the wheels and a rear fairing behind the wheels.
These pieces maintain control of the air flow from end to end, keeping the air running along the side of the truck and around the wheels. the air is then funneled out at the back of the truck, jumping the gap between truck and trailer.
" The aerodynamics of our trucks have a significant impact on fuel efficiency and our customer's bottom line."
Allison Athey, Product Marketing Manager
“Heavy-duty trucks experience a great deal of turbulence and drag due to their sheer size and the speed at which they travel down the road,” according to Josh Butler, president and founder, FlowBelow Aero, Inc. “The FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit significantly decreases the impact of those factors, optimizing the surface along the side of the truck to make it more aerodynamic, leading to better fuel mileage and real savings for customers.”
Volvo Trucks currently offers factory-installed FlowBelow wheel covers and fairings separately, as well as the full FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit included with the Xceed fuel efficiency package as a customer option for truck orders in a variety of axle configurations. Factory installation of the FlowBelow system is now available for all VNL and VNR models.