(June 10, 2013) Volvo Trucks now takes yet another important step forward with vehicles running on alternative fuels. Within a couple of years, trucks running on DME — an energy-efficient fuel with low environmental impact — will be introduced in the North American market.

“It’s clear that DME technology shows great potential for North America and allows Volvo to further its commitment to both our customers and the environment,” says Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North American Sales and Marketing.

DME (dimethyl ether) is a clean, colorless gas that is easy to liquefy and transport. It has remarkable potential for increased use as an automotive fuel, for electric power generation, and in domestic applications such as heating and cooking. DME can be derived from many sources, including renewable materials (biomass, waste and agricultural products) and fossil fuels (natural gas and coal).

There are two things above all others that make DME highly interesting as a vehicle fuel. First, it is energy efficient. Secondly, emissions of air pollutants are extremely low. It is currently produced and used all over the world, but for other purposes than as a fuel for vehicles. What is more, DME can be produced from both fossil energy sources and from renewable sources (biomass).

Behind Volvo Trucks’ decision to start commercial production of DME trucks in the USA lies many years of development work, co-operation with scientists and fuel producers and excellent results from field tests in Sweden and North America.

“With high energy-efficiency and good environmental properties, DME is one of the most promising alternatives we have found to today’s diesel fuel. By offering trucks running on DME we also hope to hasten the expansion of DME production and distribution – essential in order to establish a presence on other markets too,” says Lars Mårtensson, director Environmental Affairs at Volvo Trucks.

Volvo’s DME technology in the U.S. will be available in a Volvo VNL powered by a D13 engine.