Volvo unveils EPA27-compliant D13 engine

LAS VEGAS—Volvo Trucks North America released details surrounding the OEM’s EPA27 NOx-compliant 13-liter D13 engine at ACT Expo 2026 in Las Vegas.

The EPA27 D13 will provide ratings up to 540 hp and 1,950 lb.-ft. of torque, and features engine braking up to 630 braking hp, a 26% increase from the previous 500 hp retarding power. The engine will still be paired with the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission in 12-, 13-, and 14-speed configurations.

VTNA President Peter Voorhoeve called it “the most powerful and most reliable, and most fuel-efficient 13-liter engine that we have in the industry today.”

Volvo became the third OEM this year to provide details on its 2027 model year engine, following International Motors and Daimler Truck North America’s Detroit diesel platform. Mack Trucks, also owned by Volvo Group, launched its new MP13 engine at ACT Expo as well. Cummins had announced several details on its EPA27 engine in 2024.

More efficient and more ECUs

Voorhoeve explained that an “all-new” VNL spec’d with the new ’27 engine will retain the 10% fuel efficiency over the previous model. Voorhoeve noted the new VNR equipped with the EPA27 D13 have 4% higher efficiency over the previous model.

Meeting the EPA’s new 35 milligram standard for NOx requires more energy to burn the emissions. To retain the previous engine’s fuel efficiency, Volvo—like Cummins and International with their EPA27 powertrains— will use an electric pre-heater in the aftertreatment system.

To further lower their carbon footprint, fleets can also use renewable diesel and biodiesel blends up to B20 with the new D13.

The overall electrical architecture moves from a 12-volt to a 24-volt system and expanded from four ECUs to 30.

“And why did we do that?” Voorhoeve asked. “In order to increase the computing capacity of the truck, because there's a lot of communication going on in that truck now.”

He explained this includes the software that controls steering, fuel efficiency, and engine management.

These are all subject to ongoing over-the-air updates, which Voorhoeve said have shown on over 16,000 new VNLs to reduce unplanned by 24%. Customers will be able to manage these with little effort thanks to the new “lock and leave” feature.

“The driver sees a little blink in the screen, pushes a button, and then the truck starts downloading and the software,” the VTNA president said, calling the capability “an industry first when it comes to connectivity and over-the-air updates.”