Volvo Builds on VNL Launch with New Global Heavy-Duty and EV Models

Hard on the heels of its launch of the new VNL tractor in North America, Volvo Trucks has unveiled an all-new heavy-duty truck platform for the North American market in parallel to a new heavy-duty truck range for Europe, Australia, and markets in Asia and Africa. New energy-efficient models – including trucks running on electricity and renewable fuels – will reduce CO2 emissions and take the company closer to the target of having a net-zero emission product range by 2040, the OEM said in a press release.

This means a significant overhaul and expansion of Volvo Trucks' heavy-duty offering globally and a vital step to reduce the carbon footprint from the product portfolio, according to Volvo.

“This is a bold move– we are launching new best-in-class trucks that will set a benchmark for energy efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions across the entire product range,” said Roger Alm, president, Volvo Trucks. “They have been designed to accelerate the journey towards our ambitious 2040 net-zero emission target, but they also offer higher levels of safety, productivity, and uptime for our customers.”

New Global Product Portfolio

With the new NVL, the North American truck market gets an all-new energy-efficient platform, cutting fuel consumption by up to 10%, according to Volvo. Additionally, the new VNL also enhances fleet safety levels significantly, the OEM added. The new VNL platform will also be the base for a range of new models in the coming years, utilizing Volvo’s palette of electric- and renewable-fuel technologies, as well as efficient combustion engines.

The all-new Volvo VNL model is the first of these models to appear. The truck will replace Volvo’s best-selling truck on the North American market for long-haul transport. Sales are set to start at the end of the first quarter of 2024.

At the same time, in Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa, Volvo is launching the new Volvo FH Aero cabover model. According to Volvo, this truck is optimized for energy-efficient heavy-duty transportation. The truck features a new, highly aerodynamic design which Volvo said lowers energy consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 5%. The FH Aero will be offered with a choice of propulsion systems including electric, biogas, and diesel. The new Volvo FH Aero will be rolled out market by market during 2024 and 2025, with sales starting in the first quarter of 2024.

“The wide range of trucks we are launching will enable our customers around the world to reduce their CO2 footprints, no matter where they are on their sustainability journey,” said Alm. “The supply of green energy varies from market to market, and therefore as a global truck manufacturer, we need to offer our customers a range of decarbonization solutions – from efficient combustion engines that can run also on renewable fuels to electric powertrains, enabling the shift to fossil-free transports.”

New Aerodynamic Design for Optimal Efficiency

The move reflects Volvo Group’s commitment to decarbonization built on three pillars – one that incorporates battery-electric and hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric solutions, as well as internal combustion engines running on renewable fuels.

This major launch also includes the company’s first model developed only with a battery-electric powertrain, designed for city transport. In total, Volvo Trucks’ electric offering expands from six to eight models, covering a large part of the transport needs worldwide.

“The new Volvo FH Aero is our most efficient truck ever as we continue to reduce CO2 from our entire product range”, Alm added. “This is a Volvo truck at its best – a safe, beautifully designed, and superior quality truck for tough long-haul tasks, designed for the success of our customers.”

Selected as International Truck of the Year 2024, the Volvo FH Electric will also be offered in the new Aero version, an energy-efficient addition to Volvo’s already wide range of electric trucks. Further, the Volvo FH16 becomes the most powerful truck in the industry with an all-new efficient 780hp engine for the toughest assignments.

Volvo engineers said the front of the Volvo FH Aero cab has been extended by 24 centimeters versus the regular Volvo FH. This extension has been instrumental in creating a more aerodynamic truck cab. Not only does the better aerodynamics give lower fuel consumption – it also provides better driving stability in windy conditions, the company said.

The improved aerodynamics also benefits the FH Aero Electric model through better free-rolling properties, according to Volvo. This allows increased energy regeneration for feeding back into the battery while braking or going downhill, ready for use when needed in the next acceleration or uphill climb.

Rear-View Cameras for Safety and Efficiency

A new advanced Camera Monitor System contributes greatly to both aerodynamics and safety, according to Volvo. This new solution, replacing traditional exterior mirrors, opens the visual field for the driver, improving the safety of the driver as well as the surrounding road users.

The company said the camera system has a positive impact on the driver’s visibility in rainy and dark conditions, but also in direct sunlight and when driving in tunnels. When driving with a trailer, the camera system has an auto-panning function, following the turning trailer.

Features and Benefits

Highlights, features, and benefits of the new Volvo FH Aero, according to the company, include:

• Volvo’s I-See technology has been refined to save energy and carbon emissions, using a cloud-based topographic map to optimize driving and enable more driving time in cruise control mode that can both save energy and give more relaxed driving.
• Updated brakes with Volvo’s patented drag-free brake discs improve the braking capacity while reducing energy consumption and emissions.
• Upgraded user-friendly infotainment system that can be personalized depending on individual needs.
•  Improved sound system, available with six premium high-quality speakers, a new power amplifier, and a subwoofer adding massive power to the sound experience.
•  A new built-in navigation system will be offered with improved maps adapted to truck-specific needs, with automatic map updates enabling efficient delivery of goods.
• Interior updates also include an integrated microwave oven and USB-C power outlets.
• Volvo Trucks’ My Business Apps offering has been introduced to more markets. This is a subscription-based service that enables customers to download business-related apps from different providers and use them in the trucks’ side display, bringing real benefits to the uptime and everyday use of the truck.
• The new Tire Monitoring Service gives fleet operators a complete view of the truck and trailer through Volvo Connect, reducing the risk of costs and disturbances related to tire issues.

The Volvo FH will continue to be offered also with a standard non-extended cab depending on market needs.

Regardless of which powertrain customers choose – electric, gas or diesel – all variants of the new FH Aero will benefit from lower energy consumption, longer range and an improved level of safety and enhanced driving experience, Volvo said.

The new Aero truck models will be rolled out step by step to markets during 2024-2025 in four versions – the FH Aero, FH Aero Electric, FH Aero gas-powered and FH16 Aero.