Volvo VNL Series – Redefines Trucking in 2024

The Volvo VNL series marks a big step forward for the trucking industry, mixing the latest technology, designs focused on the driver, and a commitment to save the environment. With a focus on fuel efficiency, safety, and making the driver’s experience better, Volvo has built a range of trucks that go beyond just meeting the needs of long-haul trips. In this blog, we’ll dive into the standout features and new ideas behind the Volvo VNL series.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The interior design of the Volvo VNL series prioritizes driver comfort and ergonomics, addressing the needs of truckers during long-haul trips. The seats are engineered for superior comfort, with adjustments for slide, height, recline, swivel, and tilt. These features allow drivers to personalize their seating position, reducing fatigue and enhancing focus. Heating and ventilation options are available, along with a unique Back Cycler feature to alleviate back pain.

Cabin controls are strategically placed to be within easy reach, minimizing the need for drivers to stretch or take their eyes off the road. This design philosophy extends to the sleeper area, where controls for lighting, climate, and entertainment systems are easily accessible, ensuring that drivers can relax and rejuvenate in a comfortable setting.

Driver-Centric Design & Performance

The Volvo VNL series introduces a significant redesign focused on performance and driver-centric features. A key highlight is the stalk-mounted shifting mechanism, designed to minimize driver distraction by placing control of gear selection and engine braking within easy reach. This ergonomic improvement enhances safety and operational comfort, ensuring that drivers can maintain focus on the road.

An industry-first feature in the series is the remote and push-button ignition system. This allows drivers to start the truck from inside the cab or remotely via a key fob, which also controls external lighting and climate settings. This innovation not only adds convenience but also enhances security and pre-drive comfort, especially in extreme weather conditions.

The Position Perfect Steering system in the VNL series is engineered for customizable comfort. It offers adjustable steering positions, including tilt and telescopic adjustments, ensuring that drivers of all sizes can find their optimal driving posture. Paired with Volvo Dynamic Steering, it reduces steering effort and enhances control, particularly during low-speed maneuvers and over long distances.

Technology & Connectivity

The Volvo VNL series is equipped with an advanced infotainment system that integrates critical vehicle monitoring functions such as suspension loading, axle interlock status, and I-Shift transmission oil levels. This system provides drivers with essential information for safe and efficient operation. Additionally, navigation and entertainment features are included, ensuring that drivers have access to both necessary operational data and comfort during long hauls.

The MyTruck App offers drivers complete remote access to their truck, allowing for pre-adjustment of cabin settings and monitoring of engine fluid levels. This app simplifies vehicle management by enabling drivers to interact with their truck’s systems from a distance, thereby improving convenience and operational efficiency.

Integrated controls within the VNL series allow for easy management of lighting, audio systems, door locks, alarms, and the climate control system directly from the sleeper area. This integration ensures that drivers can maintain a comfortable living and working environment without unnecessary idling, contributing to fuel efficiency and noise reduction.

The climate control system featured in the Volvo VNL series is designed for optimal energy use, providing a comfortable rest area for drivers without the need for the engine to be running. This system is part of Volvo’s commitment to improving the driver experience while also considering environmental impact and operational costs.

Rest & Space Optimization

In the Volvo VNL series, significant attention has been given to optimizing rest areas and maximizing space within the cab. The sleeper models feature a reclining mattress, an industry-first, ensuring that drivers can achieve restorative sleep between shifts. This focus on sleep quality is crucial for driver health and safety over long distances.

Space utilization is thoughtfully designed, with the inclusion of a versatile foldable bunk that secures against the back wall, similar to a Murphy bed. This design provides a large, flexible space for sitting or working, addressing the multifunctional needs of drivers during stops.

Storage solutions in the VNL series are both expansive and intelligently designed. The cabin offers secure, easy-to-access storage options, including an upper bunk with a load-protection lip and cargo net, maximizing space efficiency. These storage features are essential for long-haul truckers who spend extended periods on the road, requiring ample and organized storage for personal items and work essentials.

The telescopic ladder for upper bunk access in larger sleeper models represents a thoughtful addition, enhancing safety and convenience. Additionally, the all-new VNL introduces improved insulation and climate control options, including Volvo’s Integrated Parking Cooler, which allows for a comfortable sleeping environment without idling the engine.

Fuel Efficiency & Engine Power

The Volvo VNL series is engineered for exceptional fuel efficiency and high performance, reflecting Volvo’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational cost reduction. The series features the D13 Turbo Compound engine, which is designed to offer significant fuel savings without compromising on power. This engine achieves up to 11% fuel savings compared to model-year 2015 trucks, making it a leading choice for fleets concerned with fuel economy and environmental impact.

Volvo’s I-Torque system plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel efficiency. It combines the benefits of direct-drive and overdrive configurations, allowing the truck to operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds. This system is particularly effective in achieving up to 8.5 mpg at 85 mph, showcasing Volvo’s innovation in creating more fuel-efficient trucks.

Additionally, the VNL series is equipped with advanced aerodynamic features that contribute to its fuel efficiency. These include redesigned body panels and fairings that reduce air resistance, further enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. Volvo’s focus on aerodynamics, combined with the D13 Turbo Compound engine and I-Torque system, positions the VNL series as a leader in fuel-efficient, powerful trucking solutions. By prioritizing fuel efficiency and engine power, Volvo addresses two of the most critical concerns in the trucking industry: operational costs and environmental impact.

Advanced Safety & Management:

The Volvo VNL series incorporates advanced safety features and management tools designed to protect drivers and optimize fleet operations. Safety is paramount in the design of the VNL series, with Volvo introducing systems that actively prevent accidents and enhance driver awareness.

Key safety features include:

Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the truck’s speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Uses radar and camera technology to detect imminent collisions, alerting the driver and applying brakes if necessary.
Pedestrian Detection: Identifies pedestrians and cyclists in the truck’s path, issuing alerts to prevent accidents.
Blind Spot Detection: Monitors blind spots on both sides of the truck, providing visual and audible warnings to reduce side-swipe incidents.
Lane Departure Warning: Alerts drivers when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, helping to maintain lane discipline.

In terms of fleet management and operational efficiency, the VNL series is supported by Volvo’s suite of connectivity tools, including:

Remote Diagnostics: Offers real-time monitoring of the truck’s health, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.
Remote Programming: Allows for over-the-air software updates and parameter changes, ensuring that trucks are always running the latest software without needing to visit a service center.
Volvo ASSIST: A comprehensive service management platform that facilitates communication between drivers, fleet managers, and dealers for efficient service planning and execution.

By integrating these systems into the VNL series, Volvo not only enhances safety on the road but also offers tools that improve the operational aspects of trucking, making fleet management more streamlined and responsive.

Innovative Safety & Structural Integrity:

The Volvo VNL series integrates advanced safety features and structural integrity enhancements. The inclusion of the Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) system represents a comprehensive approach to collision avoidance and driver support. This system includes features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning, which work together to prevent accidents and improve driver reaction times.

Structural integrity is a cornerstone of the VNL series’ design. The cab is constructed with high-strength steel, providing superior protection in the event of a collision. This robust construction is complemented by Volvo’s innovative safety cage design, which further enhances occupant safety by distributing and absorbing impact forces, minimizing the risk of injury.

The VNL series also features passive safety elements designed to protect the driver and passengers. These include driver and passenger-side airbags, which deploy in milliseconds to provide cushioning and reduce the risk of severe injuries in a crash. Side curtain airbags are also available, offering additional protection against side-impact collisions and rollovers.

Moreover, the series is equipped with intelligent safety lighting, including automatic high beam control and cornering lights, which improve visibility and road awareness, especially during nighttime driving or in poor weather conditions. The flared frame rail design not only contributes to the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also enhances safety by allowing the engine and transmission to drop away in a frontal collision, reducing the risk of intrusion into the cab.

The bottom line

The Volvo VNL series is a top choice for truckers and fleet operators due to its advanced safety features, superior comfort, and commitment to sustainability. Its design prioritizes the driver’s needs, offering ergonomic seating and customizable steering for unparalleled comfort. The integration of cutting-edge technology, such as the MyTruck App and an advanced infotainment system, ensures connectivity and control.

Safety is at the top of the priority list in the VNL series, with the Volvo Active Driver Assist system providing comprehensive support to prevent accidents. Fuel efficiency is enhanced by the D13 Turbo Compound engine and aerodynamic design.

Choosing the Volvo VNL series means investing in a truck that balances operational efficiency, driver well-being, and sustainability. It’s a smart choice for those looking to advance in the evolving trucking industry with a reliable, innovative partner.

What do you think about the new Volvo VNL series? Would you consider them for your next truck? Let us know in the comments – your insight drives our community forward!