Volvo Trucks North America’s first latest over-the-road VNL in seven years encompasses a more powerful electrical system to assist power eventual autonomous driving while aerodynamics and powertrain improvements boost fuel efficiency by as much as 10%.
The truck is available in 4 configurations led by flagship VNL 860 sleeper cab. Two other sleeper configurations and a day cab round out the offerings. All 4 trucks feature an aerodynamic wedge-shaped cab, a reshaped windshield and tighter clearances around wheel openings, the bumper and the hood paired with chassis fairings.
Volvo leads in aerodynamic design dating to the 1996 Volvo VN model. It applied plenty of lessons from its SuperTruck 2 concept truck to the brand new VNL. The present VNL introduced in 2017 borrowed aerodynamic gains from SuperTruck 1.
The truck goes on sale within the third quarter. A brand new speccing process introduces packages for interior and exterior, powertrain, and safety packaging options. Simplified configuring and ordering processes streamline assembly.
24-volt power system future-proofs for autonomy
Powertrain improvements, led by an industry-first move from a 12-volt to a 24-volt electrical system, make the most important contribution to fuel savings. A 24-volt system provides more power for accessory systems. One example: the brand new Volvo Parking Cooler that reduces emissions, noise and vibrations from engine idling during stops.
The 24-volt system also future-proofs the VNL for driverless operation. Volvo is partnering with autonomous truck developer Aurora Innovation to create a chassis with redundant braking, steering and compute power. Dual components require more energy than a standard truck where the human driver iakes over when something goes awry.
“With 24-volt systems you may ensure components smaller and lighter,” said Johan Agebrand, Volvo Truck North America director of product marketing. “Truly developing redundant systems means we’ve got two of every little thing in there. That’s more weight.”
Aurora is partnering with Tier 1 supplier Continental AG to mass produce Aurora Driver systems for integration into OEM assembly lines in 2027.
Platform enables other technology scaling
Standardizing the VNL platform enables more efficient scaling of technology platforms including battery-electric, fuel cells and internal combustion engines running on hydrogen and other renewable fuels.
“Progressive solutions are needed to assist tackle the challenges of the transportation industry, including the necessity for increased productivity and efficiency while also reducing costs and emissions. Corporations must prioritize driver retention and well-being with driver-friendly features and advanced technologies,” VTNA President Peter Voorhoeve said in a news release.
Volvo invested $400M for brand spanking new cab constructing
Volvo spent $400 million to construct a brand new cab plant next to its Recent River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia. For the primary time, sub-assemblies created by 164 latest robots in the brand new shop flow to the primary plant.
“We began this project with a blank sheet of paper and thoroughly analyzed the trends and transformations that may impact the industry and our customers’ needs, including the sustainability and transportation demands of the long run,” Voorhoeve said.
The absence of a manual transmission offering is an example of an out-with-the-old mentality that engineers took in redesigning 90% of the truck over the past six years. Volvo led the industry toward today’s nearly complete adoption of the automated manual transmission (AMT) with the introduction of the I-Shift in 2007.
“The AMT has all of the features we want,” Agebrand said.
And not using a floor shifter, Volvo moved functions to a steering wheel-mounted stalk. Moving the stalk up and down regulates engine braking. Rotating the stalk governs AMT shifting.
Host of safety features ‘just about all standard’
From the brilliant colours of the security belts to pedestrian and cyclist detection features, Volvo rolls out quite a few latest safety features. Most of them come standard.
The brand new Volvo VNL cab offers a side-curtain airbag as standard equipment. Driver-only or driver and passenger airbags are optional. An E-Call feature routinely connects the motive force to emergency services in a rollover crash or airbag deployment, providing precise location details.
Murphy bed riff in redesigned interior
Contained in the redesigned interior, an optional Murphy bed-style folding bunk within the sleeper berth gives approach to a pop-up dinette.
“You don’t need to make the bed,” Agebrand said. “You only fold it up with its sheets.”
Also featured: A streamlined control panel, enhanced insulation and a bigger refrigerator, powered by the 24-volt power system engineered to handle most electricity-powered functions within the truck.
The inside of the brand new Volvo VNL. (Photo: Volvo Trucks North America)
![](https://www.freightwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/23/0122324-Volvo-VNL-interior-1200x822.jpg)
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