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Volvo Trucks North America’s first new over-the-road VNL in seven years features a more powerful electrical system to help power eventual autonomous driving while aerodynamics and powertrain improvements boost fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
The truck is available in 4 configurations, driven through the flagship VNL 860 sleeper cab. Two other sleeping configurations and a day cabin complete the offer. All 4 trucks feature an aerodynamic wedge-shaped cockpit, a reshaped windshield, and tighter spaces. around the wheel openings, bumper and bonnet combined with chassis fairings.
Volvo has been a leader in aerodynamic design since the 1996 Volvo VN model. It has implemented many classes, from its SuperTruck 2 concept truck to the new VNL. The existing VNL in 2017 borrows the aerodynamic improvements of the SuperTruck 1.
The truck goes on sale in the third quarter. A new speccing process introduces packages for interior and exterior, powertrain, and safety packaging options. Simplified configuring and ordering processes streamline assembly.
Powertrain improvements, led by an industry-first transfer from a 12-volt electric formula to a 24-volt electric formula, contribute the most to fuel economy. A 24-volt formula provides more force for accessory formulas. Case in point: the new Volvo Parking Cooler that reduces engine emissions, noise and vibration at idle.
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 traditional truck where the human driver iakes over when something goes awry.
“With 24-volt systems you can make certain components smaller and lighter,” said Johan Agebrand, Volvo Truck North America director of product marketing. “Truly developing redundant systems means we have two of everything in there. That’s more weight.”
Aurora is partnering with Tier 1 Continental AG to mass-produce Aurora Driver systems for integration into OEM meeting lines in 2027.
VNL platform standardization allows for more effective scaling of generation platforms, adding battery electric motors, fuel cells and internal combustion engines running on hydrogen and renewable fuels.
“Innovative responses are needed to help cope with the demanding conditions of the maritime sector, adding the need to increase productivity and power while reducing costs and emissions. Companies will need to prioritize driving force retention and well-being through easy-to-use features and complex technologies,” VTNA President Peter Voorhoeve said in a press release.
Volvo has spent $400 million to build a new cab plant next to its New River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia. For the first time, the sub-assemblies created by 164 new robots in the new workshop are transported to the factory.
“We started this assignment with a blank sheet of paper and analyzed very well the trends and transformations that will affect the industry and the desires of our customers, adding up the sustainability and transportation needs of the future,” said Voorhoeve.
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.
“AMT has everything we need,” Agebrand said.
Without a gear lever on the floor, Volvo has shifted the purposes to wheel-mounted control. Moving the joystick up and down regulates the braking of the engine. The rotation of the rod governs the gear change of the AMT.
From the bright colors of the safety belts to pedestrian and cyclist detection features, Volvo rolls out numerous new safety features. Most of them come standard.
The Volvo VNL’s new cab offers a side curtain airbag as popular equipment. Driver-only or driver-only and passenger-only airbags are optional. An E-Call function automatically connects the driver to emergency in the event of a rollover or airbag. deployment, providing details of exact location.
Inside the redesigned interior, an optional Murphy bed-style folding bunk in the sleeper berth gives way to a pop-up dinette.
“You don’t need to make the bed,” Agebrand said. Just fold it with your sheets. “
Also included: a simplified panel, improved insulation, and a larger cooler, forced through the 24-volt force formula designed to take maximum care of the truck’s electrical functions.
The interior of the new Volvo VNL. (Photo: Volvo Trucks North America)
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