Volvo Unveils All-New Volvo VNL

Feb 27, 2024 - 2 years ago

Volvo Trucks North America has launched a completely reimagined Volvo VNL to set new industry standards in heavy-duty trucking.

The all-new Volvo VNL features the next generation of enhancements to improve total customer value, driver productivity, safety, and sustainability. The new Volvo VNL features striking aerodynamics and is engineered to achieve a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 10%. The new Volvo VNL is designed to meet the challenges and demands of the North American market and transform the driving experience. Sales will begin in the coming months with production at the Volvo Trucks New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia.

Volvo Unveils All-New Volvo VNL

“The all-new Volvo VNL was designed to change everything. However, change doesn’t only come with a redesigned truck — this product introduction is the start of a new era for Volvo Trucks, our customers, and their drivers — a quantum leap forward,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “We started this project with a blank sheet of paper and thoroughly analyzed the trends and transformations that will impact the industry and our customers’ needs, including the sustainability and transportation demands of the future. When we launched the first generation of the Volvo VN in 1996, its ‘unconventional’ aerodynamic body style set a new standard for the North American trucking industry. We did the unthinkable in 2007 when we introduced the I-Shift in North America and spurred the industry’s transition toward automated manual transmissions. As we bring the all-new Volvo VNL to market, we are excited to once again introduce innovations that will shape the future of the transportation industry for years to come.”

The new Volvo VNL will be the platform for all upcoming technologies, including future transportation solutions of battery-electric, fuel cell and internal combustion engines running on renewable fuels including hydrogen. The first 24-volt electrical infrastructure in the North American trucking industry and active safety features that are introduced in this new generation of Volvo trucks will be the standard for the future commercialization of fully autonomous trucks. The new Volvo VNL is integral to Volvo Trucks’ vision towards zero emissions and zero accidents.

With a focus on how Volvo Trucks can generate the most value for customers, their drivers, and society at large, the new Volvo VNL takes the commercial freight transport industry to the next level by working relentlessly on improvements in five key areas—Fuel Efficiency, Safety, Driver Productivity, Connected Services, and Uptime.

Transforming Truck Fuel Efficiency with Redefined Aerodynamics & Driveline Enhancements
Aerodynamic resistance has a major impact on the fuel efficiency of a truck. The streamlined and more angular, wedge-shaped cab design of the new Volvo VNL, featuring a dramatically redesigned windshield, is a key factor in achieving up to 10% improvement in fuel efficiency. Additional aerodynamic gains were created from the integration of the curved and bonded windshield, tighter clearances around turbulent air areas like wheel openings, the bumper and the hood, chassis fairings and promoting a tighter trailer gap. These designs, all key components of the aerodynamic gains, were developed and tested in parallel with Volvo Trucks’ SuperTruck 2.

Volvo Trucks engineers also made significant improvements to the already class-leading powertrain offering. The new Volvo VNL is powered by the latest generation D13 engine that delivers improved fuel efficiency, performance, and durability. The D13 engine is available in four horsepower ratings, ranging from 405-500hp and three torque ratings from 1,750-1,950 lb-ft of torque. These different power options are designed to suit different applications and incorporate the improved and optimized I-Shift transmission, which features up to 30% faster shift speeds. When combined with the I-Torque powertrain solution, the D13 can deliver even greater fuel savings, best-in-class versatility, and drivability.

Volvo Unveils All-New Volvo VNL

Comprehensive Approach to Elevating Safety Features
Safety is in Volvo Trucks’ DNA, and the engineers focused on new and improved proprietary active and passive safety features to continue the company's journey towards zero accidents. A variety of class-leading active safety systems are offered with the new Volvo VNL, including Volvo Active Driver Assist Plus with Pilot Assist which provides active lane centering. Volvo Active Driver Assist Plus is powered by Volvo Dynamic Steering which improves maneuvering at all speeds, including more controlled backing, increases stability at all road speeds, and adapts and corrects for crosswinds, highway crowning, soft shoulders, or emergency situations like tire failure. The new pedestrian detection feature alerts the driver when a pedestrian or bicyclist may be in their path or blind spots and will activate frontal automatic emergency braking for objects directly in the path of travel.

Class-leading passive safety systems offered in the new Volvo VNL include the bonded and wrapped windshield providing panoramic views. This not only improves aerodynamics for the Volvo VNL, but it also improves visibility for drivers, bolstering safety and reducing wind noise in the cab. The cab of the new Volvo VNL is designed according to Volvo Trucks’ leading crash test standards and will offer a side-curtain airbag, with options for driver-only or driver and passenger airbags, a North American industry first. Cabs are constructed of high-strength steel to deflect the energy of a crash to reduce the chance of injury. Additionally, Volvo Trucks’ flared frame rails allow the powertrain to drop down below the cab to protect the driver. E-Call, an innovative new safety feature, connects the driver to emergency services where cellular connectivity is available and provides precise location details. This occurs automatically in the event of a rollover crash or airbag deployment.

Volvo Unveils All-New Volvo VNL

Redefining Comfort and Efficiency with a Driver-Centric Design
The new Volvo VNL is designed with the driver in mind to optimize comfort, efficiency, and safety when working, living, and resting. A new, optional air suspension system, GRAS (Global Rear Air Suspension), uses dual leveling rods to reduce roll and pitch angles, improve lateral stability, and minimize road shocks, maintaining a constant ride height. The GRAS system offers superior ride quality, stability, and handling for the new Volvo VNL. The GRAS and the supporting Volvo Smart Suspension software work seamlessly with the Volvo Dynamic Steering system to provide precise steering control and reduce driver fatigue regardless of load, terrain, road condition and varying engine torque levels. GRAS with Volvo Smart Suspension is designed to make deliveries easier as drivers are provided with three different settings to adjust the suspension for different loading and unloading conditions.

The new Volvo VNL features Volvo Trucks’ most efficient idle management tool to help reduce or eliminate engine idling when the vehicle is stopped or parked. The new ultra-quiet, proprietary, integrated Volvo Parking Cooler is a climate-control option that utilizes the onboard 24-volt battery system to power the cab’s HVAC when parked, reducing emissions, engine wear, and fuel costs. The Volvo Parking Cooler enhances the resting experience by eliminating noise and vibration from idling. For drivers parked in areas where idling is prohibited, the integrated Volvo Parking Cooler maintains a comfortable climate to maximize driver health, safety, and well-being.

Volvo Trucks evaluated every detail of the driver experience, from selecting materials that provide a premium look and feel, to redefining cab lighting and optimizing storage to create a “home away from home” experience for drivers. The new Volvo VNL features newly introduced or dramatically improved amenities, including an optional folding bunk to allow easy access to the dinette space, a singular multi-functional control panel in the back of the cab, upgraded insulation for climate control and noise reduction, a larger refrigerator, and enough power options to support any device.

Seamless Connectivity with Integrated Digital Solutions
The integrated Volvo Connect, an all-in-one fleet management portal, houses all of Volvo Trucks’ digital services under one platform, including vehicle data insights, diagnostics, remote programming, fuel economy reports, safety reports, and location services. A complimentary, 24-month Volvo Connect subscription comes standard with all new Volvo trucks.

With the new Volvo MyTruck app, drivers can stay in touch with their truck by seeing their estimated remaining fuel range, DEF levels, and coolant levels as well as receiving notifications about potential issues such as light malfunctions, low washer fluid levels and other important items so they can address them at rest breaks or in their pre-trip inspection. Additionally, with the MyTruck app, drivers can schedule specific days and times to start the climate control to have the cabin climate reach their preferred temperature before arriving to their truck to start their workday.

Proactive Approach to Maximizing Uptime and Efficiency
The Blue Service Contract, an optional, comprehensive dealer managed service plan, leverages Volvo’s connected services to boost uptime and efficiency. By utilizing Volvo’s connected services, dealers have real-time data when maintenance is due and diagnostic information for any detected fault codes. This enables the customer to schedule service in advance and have dealers perform remote programming updates to maintain the health of the truck and prevent unplanned downtime. During dealer afterhours, Volvo Trucks’ Uptime Center continues to remotely monitor the truck and will alert plan subscribers if any critical issues arise.

Volvo Trucks North America’s new 24-volt electrical architecture, the first in North America, helps to minimize battery and electrical failures and improve serviceability when it comes to pinpointing and repairing electrical issues. A new linear exhaust aftertreatment system will be easier to service and deliver better DEF treatment for an even cleaner system.

Industry-First Option Packaging is Introduced in North America
Volvo Trucks has transformed the spec’ing process for the new Volvo VNL series by introducing packaging options for powertrain and safety, an industry first that simplifies and optimizes the configuration and ordering process and streamlines the assembly operations. Customers can choose the optimal powertrain package for their application duty cycle and fuel efficiency goals by selecting from three powertrain packages that feature the Volvo D13 engine with five different horsepower and torque ratings available. Additionally, customers can select from several safety packages to ensure that their truck is equipped with the appropriate technology to meet their fleet safety goals of protecting their drivers, those around their trucks, and the assets they are hauling. Bundling the proper safety features promotes Volvo’s goal of zero accidents.

The all-new Volvo VNL is conveniently packaged into four exterior and interior trim levels — Core, Edge, Edge Black and Ultimate — with six cab configurations, each designed to fit customers’ preference, brand identity, and operational use.

New Volvo VNL Available with Six Cab Configurations:

VNL 300 Day Cab
VNL 440 42-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper
VNL 640 62-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper
VNL 660 62-inch Full-Height Sleeper
VNL 840 74-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper
VNL 860 74-inch Full-Height Sleeper
New Configurator Tool Helps Customers Explore and Design the Ideal Truck

To explore the new Volvo VNL features and trim levels in an interactive way, Volvo Trucks has developed a new state-of-the-art online Volvo VNL configurator. The configurator provides detailed information on the features and benefits of each trim level and cab option, as well as a 360-degree view of the truck interior and exterior.

Dealers Prepared to Guide Customers on Transition to New Volvo VNL
Training will be available to dealer sales staff to enable them to consult with customers on the ideal Volvo VNL configuration for their respective transport applications. Dealers’ service representatives have access to extensive competency development, with e-learning and in-person instructor-led courses from Volvo Academy, to be fully trained to support the new Volvo VNL when trucks start to arrive at dealerships.

“Progressive solutions are needed to help tackle the challenges of the transportation industry, including the need for increased productivity and efficiency while also reducing emissions. Companies must prioritize driver retention and well-being with driver-friendly features and advanced technologies, providing an exceptional driving experience that is key for fleets to attract and retain drivers,” said Voorhoeve. “With an interior and exterior design that stops you in your tracks, every innovation introduced in the all-new Volvo VNL was made with the goal to make a driver’s job a little easier and safer and provide a new level of customer value. As we completely reimagined the Volvo VNL, we looked at the future of transportation and saw an opportunity to set new industry standards and sustainably shape the world we want to move.”

With the announcement of the all-new Volvo VNL, the truck designed to change everything, Volvo Trucks North America further extended its class-leading fuel efficiency by enhancing the dependable Volvo D13 engine and I-Shift transmission. Design enhancements to the D13 engine include a new wave piston with a shorter piston height, as well as a longer connecting rod; smaller injector needle control valves; a variable vane oil pump; and improvements to the turbo compounding (TC) unit and turbocharger. To further drive the fuel efficiency benefits of I-Shift, Volvo Trucks engineers introduced enhancements that improve shift speeds by up to 30%. These efficiency increases are critical to Volvo Trucks’ customers’ bottom line, while also providing tremendous reductions in carbon emissions.

“Bringing the all-new Volvo VNL to the market has been seven years in the making,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “As we’ve said, this is not just a face lift, it’s a 90% redesign of the product and the platform for all future powertrain solutions. A 10% fuel efficiency increase is the result of radically improved aerodynamics and a dedication to improving upon our already class-leading powertrain offering. Setting the new standard for the North American trucking industry, these efficiency improvements represent not only a quantum leap forward in the way our customers do business, but also in our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions. A 10% savings in a nearly 300,000 Class 8 truck market would equate to the same carbon reductions delivered by 30,000 battery-electric Class 8 trucks. Efficiency gains in our all-new Volvo VNL are crucial to our three-pillar strategy for decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation.”

Redesigned Volvo D13 Engine
Improvements to the D13 engine are abundant for the launch of the all-new Volvo VNL. Engineers looked at every area possible to improve combustion, reduce friction, make a reliable product even more robust, and reduce fuel consumption to increase customers' uptime and profitability.

Combustion Improvements
Smaller needle control valves in the fuel injectors provide improved fuel flow into the D13 engine's combustion chamber. The control valve size reduction provides for more precise and rapid control over the fuel flow rate out of the injector tip, leading to improved fuel atomization, better combustion efficiency, and enhanced engine performance.

In 2017, Volvo Trucks introduced its patented six-wave piston, which received broad industry recognition for its results in reducing fuel consumption. With the launch of the new Volvo VNL, Volvo Trucks has introduced an improved seven-wave piston that provides further directional control of the air and fuel mixture to create even more efficient combustion. Additionally, the piston height was decreased and paired with a longer connecting rod to minimize cylinder sidewall pressure, decreasing friction and improving overall performance. These improvements provide smoother internal movement, reducing parasitic loss and increasing the overall efficiency and engine longevity.

Turbo Improvements
Because the turbo compounding unit on the Volvo D13 engine is a pivotal element in enhancing fuel efficiency, Volvo Trucks engineers focused on opportunities to further optimize its design. To minimize heat loss and increase efficiency, complete insulation was added to both the turbocharger and the turbo compounding unit. Internally, the turbo compounding unit refinements include a smaller compressor and turbine wheel. This strategic improvement enables the system to recover surplus energy more effectively, converting it into usable power.

“The advancements made in the latest generation of the Volvo D13 engine are nothing short of remarkable,” said Duane Tegels, product marketing manager for powertrain, Volvo Trucks North America. “While our previous generation D13, particularly the D13TC engine, performed extremely well, our dedicated team of engineers were able to seek out and successfully implement changes to make it even more reliable and efficient than ever before. When you’re designing a truck to change everything, every detail inside the engine matters. Where there are opportunities to make improvements, our team is focused on continuing to work towards decarbonizing our product offering.”

Variable Displacement Oil Pump
The integration of a variable displacement oil pump within an engine represents a pivotal advancement in optimizing oil pressure regulation while effectively minimizing parasitic losses. This innovative pump employs adjustable vanes that dynamically adapt to the engine's oil pressure demands, ensuring a consistent and precise delivery of oil throughout various operating conditions. By dynamically altering the vane angles, the pump can tailor its output to match the engine's requirements, thereby preventing excess oil flow when not needed and maintaining optimal pressure when demanded. This adaptability not only enhances engine efficiency by reducing the energy required to drive the pump but also minimizes unnecessary strain on the engine components, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced wear and tear over time.

I-Shift Even Faster
The latest iteration of the I-Shift transmission features up to 30% faster shifting speeds compared to its predecessor. When Volvo Trucks introduced the I-Shift transmission in the North American market in 2007, it was met with skepticism. Today, automated manual transmission has become the industry standard, with traditional manual transmissions almost non-existent outside of extremely rare applications. The impressive efficiency gains and reliability achieved with the I-Shift have led Volvo Trucks to officially mark the end of its manual transmission offering.

The impressive increase in shifting speeds has been achieved through a comprehensive overhaul of the software, electronics, clutch mechanisms, and precision engineering. Volvo Trucks engineers have redefined algorithms, reduced clutch throw, and introduced an enhanced clutch brake system to revolutionize gear shifts, significantly reducing the transition times between gears to ensure seamless power delivery. This monumental improvement not only amplifies acceleration, but also minimizes energy loss during gear changes, resulting in heightened overall efficiency.

“Vehicle efficiency transcends mere engine performance; it encompasses the synergy between various components, where the transmission plays a pivotal role,” said Tegels. “The transmission's ability to optimize gear shifts, reduce energy loss, and harmonize power delivery significantly influences overall vehicle efficiency, showcasing that a holistic approach beyond the engine is vital in achieving optimal performance and fuel economy.”

Source: Volvo