The Volvo Trucks North America flagship tractor, the Class 8 VNL, has officially received a full makeover. This marks the first time in which this truck has been redone since 2017. The President of Volvo Trucks, Peter Voorhoeve, called this new release “a quantum leap forward.” This new release marks a shift for Volvo Trucks, signifying a great future for the automotive manufacturer.
There are six cab configurations in which this updated truck will be made available.
To start, there is the VNL 300-day cab. Then we move up to the 440 42-inch midroof sleeper. Following this is the 640 62-inch midroof sleeper. After this comes the nearly identical 660 62-inch full-height sleeper. Next is the 840 74-inch midroof sleeper. And last but not least is the 860 74-inch full-height sleeper. Each of these models will have the same VNL engine installed, the new 13-liter D13 direct injection diesel engine. This new engine is supposed to provide better fuel efficiency, driving performance, and have better durability meaning it can withstand more and last longer.
The intention behind the six different models is to have a different model designed for different uses in mind. They also wanted to be able to incorporate a better transmission which is reported to have anywhere up to a 30% faster change in speed. Additionally, the aerodynamics were changed for these six models. Volvo Trucks went back to the drawing board and reshaped the windshield and created a wedge-shaped cab as well to improve the way in which the vehicle cuts through wind. Furthermore, they reduced the space of the wheel openings, the bumper and the hood both got new fixes, and they cut the amount of space that would be present between the cab and trailer.
These updates to aerodynamics will create an expected 10% increase in fuel efficiency.
Experts who track truck releases are also expecting a different truck option to be offered which would involve an electric power point as well as one run off of a hydrogen fuel cell. This battery powered truck would be one of the first from Volvo Trucks after they bought a battery business. Volvo Trucks has now begun a pledge for all new truck sales to only include zero-emission power banks as of 2040.