The Volvo FE is a medium-duty truck built by Volvo Trucks since 2006, now in its second generation. It comes in several rigid versions and a tractor version across three weight classes, and shares its engines and gearboxes with the smaller FL.
Volvo FE at a glance
| Production | since 2006 |
|---|---|
| Type | medium-duty distribution truck and tractor |
| Cabs | day cab, comfort cab and sleeper cab |
| First-generation engines | Deutz common-rail diesel, Euro III and Euro IV with SCR |
| Power example | 320 hp |
| Injection pressure | up to 1,600 bar |
| Gearboxes | ZF Ecomid six- and nine-speed manuals, Allison six-speed automatics |
| Brakes | EBS with APM air production management |
| 2013 model | 7.7-litre D8 engine, I-Shift, ESP |
| Hybrid | FE Hybrid with 1.5 km of electric range, Quiet Truck certified in the Netherlands |
History of the Volvo FE
The first-generation FE appeared in 2006, sharing its engines and gearboxes with the Volvo FL and offering a 320 hp version. Its cab-over cabs came as day, comfort and sleeper versions, all tested to Volvo’s Swedish crash standards and to its barrier and head impact tests.
The engines were Deutz-built common-rail diesels, available to Euro III and to Euro IV with selective catalytic reduction, with injection pressures up to 1,600 bar. Following Volvo practice, the timing gears sat at the rear of the engine for better airflow, and the unit could be had with either a butterfly exhaust brake or a Jacobs bleeder compression brake giving up to 188 kW of braking at 2,800 rpm. Gearboxes were ZF Ecomid six-speed and nine-speed manuals with servo assistance, or Allison six-speed automatics with an optional hydraulic retarder of 1,700 Nm.
Chassis and brakes
The FE used the braking layout of the FM and FH families with EBS, but introduced an integrated air dryer called APM that combined the dryer, regulator, protection valve, pressure sensors and blocking valve in one electronically controlled unit, cutting the number of separate parts and the risk of leaks. Two frame heights were offered, for general distribution or light construction work, with full air suspension or a mix of parabolic springs and air bags, and a wide choice of rear axle ratios in single and hub reduction form.
Volvo also built a hybrid FE that could run 1.5 km on its electric motor and received a Dutch Quiet Truck certificate for use in towns. A redesigned FE was launched on 14 May 2013 alongside the new FL, adding the option of I-Shift and Electronic Stability Program, and using a 7.7-litre D8 six-cylinder engine.
Design and features
- Three cab types: day, comfort and sleeper, all crash tested.
- Common-rail diesels: Deutz units from Euro III to Euro IV with SCR.
- APM air system: one integrated unit for the air dryer, valves and sensors.
- 2013 update: D8 engine, I-Shift and ESP.
- Hybrid version: electric running in town and a Quiet Truck certificate.
Volvo FE versions
- FE rigid: distribution and light construction bodies.
- FE tractor: for lighter combinations.
- FE Hybrid: diesel-electric with 1.5 km of electric range.
- 2013 FE: 7.7-litre D8, I-Shift and ESP.
The FE sits between the Volvo FL and the larger Volvo FM, with which it shares its braking layout. More trucks are in the Volvo collection.
Sources
- Volvo FE, English Wikipedia: engines, gearboxes, brakes, chassis, 2013 model, hybrid
