Reduced fuel consumption is influenced by three key factors, as stated on the official Mercedes Benz website: equipment, services (such as driver training), and driving style. Of course, other factors such as driving, road and weather conditions, and the load on the truck are also important. Based on various calculations and tests, the average fuel consumption of Mercedes Benz Actros long-haul diesel engines ranges from 25 to 35 litres per 100 km (l/100 km).

The notable technological advancements and advantages of the Mercedes Benz Actros that contribute to reducing fuel consumption are:

1. Advanced fuel-efficient OM 470 and OM 471 engines with higher rear axle ratios compared to earlier generation engines.

2.Various engine displacement classes and power levels (up to 460 kW) with finely tuned transmission configurations.

3.Economy and fleet driving programs.

4.Fuel-efficient ancillary equipment.

5.Improved aerodynamic properties to minimise wind resistance.

6.Cost-effective ancillary equipment such as on-demand adjustable pneumatic steering, a power steering pump and tire pressure monitoring system to help reduce fuel consumption.

It is worth mentioning that the advanced technology and engines of the Mercedes Benz Actros not only ensure lower fuel consumption but also result in lower emissions, which is an important consideration when contemplating fleet renewal in today’s context.

Fuel consumption is one of the essential criteria when choosing commercial trucks, as it directly influences operating costs and overall profitability. According to Mercedes Benz, three crucial factors affect lower fuel consumption – technology, services (e.g., driver training), and driving style. Additionally, external factors such as driving, road, and weather conditions, as well as the load carried by the truck, are also important. In the case of the popular Mercedes Benz Actros series, the average diesel engine consumption ranges from 25 to 35 litres of fuel per 100 km.

The most efficient fuel savings start at the heart of the truck – its engine. The Mercedes Benz Actros engine incorporates innovative engine technologies such as common rail fuel injection, a turbocharger, etc., optimising fuel consumption. Advanced combustion processes and a precisely timed fuel delivery ensure that the engine extracts the maximum amount of energy from every drop of fuel. The Actros engines OM 470 and OM 471 are designed with different volume classes and power levels to ensure an optimal balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

In addition to the significant work performed by the engine, the transmission system and special auxiliary equipment also contribute to lower fuel costs. In the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) transmission system, the driving mode and shifting automation are adapted based on the topography. (Fig. 1). Precision and timely gear changes, based on GPS data and 3D maps, ensure up to 5% lower fuel consumption. Utilising satellite information-based positioning and 3D street maps, PPC recognises road profiles, inclines, and declines. Based on this data, the shifting moments, leaps, and speed maintenance parameters are optimised. The kinetic energy of the vehicle is utilised to avoid unnecessary acceleration, gear shifting, or braking. PPC recognises approximately 350,000 km (95%) of European roads and can be used at speeds ranging from 25 to 90 km/h.

Fig. 1. The standard Predictive Powertrain Control system not only facilitates the driver’s work but also contributes to reducing fuel consumption on rural roads.