Volvo Trucks introduces new generation VNL

Volvo Trucks North America introduced a new version of its VNL on-highway truck, coming later this year. Let’s start with the big question: what’s changed? Volvo tells us they designed this new VNL line from the ground up, focusing on five key areas: fuel efficiency, safety, driver productivity, connected services and uptime.

Volvo says that the aerodynamic changes alone are expected to improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%. The redesigned windshield and wedge-shaped cab are responsible for much of the aerodynamic gains. Other improvements come from tighter clearances around areas of turbulent air like wheel openings, the bumper and the hood, chassis fairings and promoting a tighter trailer gap. These designs were developed and tested alongside Volvo Trucks’ SuperTruck 2. Additionally, an idle management tool helps reduce engine idling when stopped or parked, while still maintaining driver comfort, by switching the cab’s HVAC to a 24-volt battery system, Volvo notes.

The new Volvo VNL runs on the latest generation D13 engine, available in four horsepower ratings, ranging from 405 to 500 HP, and three torque ratings from 1,750 to 1,950 lb.-ft. of torque. This comes optimized with their I-Shift transmission, featuring up to 30% faster shift speeds.

The new Volvo VNL will also be the platform for all upcoming technologies, including battery-electric, fuel cell, and internal combustion engines running on renewable fuels including hydrogen, Volvo said.

Speaking of safety, Volvo says that its engineers focused on both active and passive features to keep people safe inside, and outside, of the truck. Some of the available active safety features include: lane centering, improved maneuvering, adaptive crosswind control, and pedestrian detection alerts, which can even trigger automatic emergency braking for objects directly in the path of travel. The passive features blend in with the cab, which Volvo says was designed around the driver. These features include things like the improved visibility from the new windshield, front and side-curtain airbags, Volvo Dynamic Steering to reduce fatigue, and the optional global rear air suspension system to improve stability, maintain a constant ride height and minimize road shocks.

Driver comfort amenities available include: upgraded insulation for climate control and noise reduction, a folding bunk for easy access to the dinette space, a singular multi-functional control panel in the back of the cab, a larger refrigerator and an increased power supply.

There’s also a laundry list of connectivity capabilities, depending on what your fleet needs. From vehicle maintenance insights, and fuel economy or safety reports, to real-time fault code diagnostics—there are multiple options through Volvo services to help prevent unplanned downtime.

“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,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “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 is 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. Those configurations are: