Volvo Group North America will receive $20 million in federal funding under a SuperTruck II award announced by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Volvo will use the funding to improve the freight-moving efficiency of heavy-duty trucks. The Volvo Group and its partners will match the development funds dollar-for-dollar.

The Volvo Group’s team of researchers and engineers will use alternative engine designs and an integrated system approach to build a lightweight tractor-trailer concept that exceeds the freight efficiency goal of 100% improvement on a ton-mile-per-gallon basis compared with a 2009 baseline. The team also will demonstrate a powertrain capable of 55% brake thermal efficiency.

The group will leverage its expertise in vehicle development, along with established partnerships with technology and trailer equipment vendors.

The Volvo Group’s partners include Michelin Americas Research Company (tires), Wabash National (trailer), Metalsa (lightweight frame), Johnson-Matthey (exhaust aftertreatment system catalysts), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (exhaust aftertreatment system testing/analysis), Peloton Technology (connected vehicle / platooning), Pennsylvania State University (connected vehicle testing), Knight Transportation (long-haul fleet) and Wegmans Food Markets (regional-haul fleet).