Why European Trucks Have Up To 770 HP And US Don't

Have you ever wondered why the semi trucks in Europe are available with these massive engines such as the Volvo D16k with 750Hp and 3.550 Nm and the Scania V8 770 hp with 3.700 Nm. Where in the US, engines only have a maximum of around 605 hp and 2780 NM, even though they look so much bigger?

There are several factors that contribute to the difference in horsepower between European trucks and American trucks:

Regulatory Differences: Europe has stricter emissions regulations compared to the US, which has led to a greater emphasis on fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. European trucks are designed to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, which often means they have smaller engines with lower horsepower ratings.

Road Conditions: The road infrastructure in Europe is generally more congested and narrower than in the US, which means that smaller, more agile trucks are better suited to navigate these roads. The high horsepower engines found in American trucks are better suited for long, straight highways with fewer obstacles.

Market Demands: The European truck market is focused on medium to heavy-duty trucks that are optimized for fuel efficiency and lower emissions. In contrast, the American market has a higher demand for larger, heavier trucks with more powerful engines to handle long-haul transportation.

Engine Technology: European manufacturers have been more aggressive in developing and implementing new engine technologies, such as turbochargers, direct injection, and variable valve timing, which allow smaller engines to produce more power while still maintaining fuel efficiency. These technologies are less prevalent in American trucks due to differences in market demand and regulatory requirements.

There are several reasons why truck engines in Europe are somewhat larger and more powerful than in the US, so let's take a look at them.

Watch the video below and learn more about the differences between European and American trucks.