2024 has been an eventful year for Volvo Trucks. At the beginning of the year, Volvo introduced the new FH Aero series trucks in Europe, featuring the all-new D17 series engine, reclaiming the title of Europe’s most powerful truck. Simultaneously, Volvo launched the new generation VNL long-haul trucks in North America, exuding a sense of vitality and growth.
At this year’s 2024 Hannover IAA show (referred to as the IAA show), the centerpiece of the Volvo booth was undoubtedly the FH 16 Aero tractor. It is equipped with the new D17 series diesel engine, boasting a displacement of 17.3 liters, producing 780 horsepower and 3,800 Nm of torque, making it the current “Power King” of European trucks.
The D17 engine is a newly developed model, not an expanded version of the D16. It features a unique “wave” piston design, which is concave on the outside and convex on the inside—one of Volvo’s patented technologies previously used in the D13TC engine, forming the core of Volvo’s I-Save fuel-saving technology. The wave-shaped piston allows for more concentrated combustion, optimizing the use of oxygen in the combustion chamber, achieving higher thermal efficiency and greater power output.
Volvo has increased the peak cylinder pressure on the D17 engine, raising the compression ratio from 16:1 in the D16 engine to 17.3:1, resulting in higher power output and improved efficiency. Additionally, the engine incorporates several low-friction technologies. New low-friction coatings reduce friction losses, contributing to lower fuel consumption and increased thermal efficiency.
The D17 engine offers three power options: 600 horsepower with 3,000 Nm of torque, 700 horsepower with 3,400 Nm of torque, and 780 horsepower with 3,800 Nm of torque. The 700-horsepower version can also run on B100 biodiesel, significantly reducing emissions and meeting toll discount and emission limit relaxation requirements in countries like France and Germany. All three power options (600, 700, and 780 horsepower) can use HVO renewable fuels, which dramatically reduce carbon emissions. To pair with the engine, Volvo introduced the ATO3812 I-Shift gearbox, featuring a 12+2 gear layout with advanced shift strategies to ensure smooth torque transmission and reduce power interruptions. The gearbox can also be equipped with ASO-C crawler gear and ASO-ULC ultra-low crawler gear to enhance heavy-load start-up performance.
As Volvo’s most powerful flagship model, the FH 16 Aero features Volvo’s largest cab in its Euro truck lineup: the Globetrotter XXL cab. The rear of this cab has been extended by 25 cm, hidden within the aerodynamic panels. Thanks to this extended section, the bed inside the Globetrotter XXL cab is over 1 meter wide, offering a more comfortable living space.
The entire FH Aero series features a new low-drag design, in line with the “Aero” name. The most noticeable change in the FH Aero series is the front end. Volvo’s iconic safety belt emblem, previously located on the upper front grille, has been moved to the lower part of the grille, almost level with the headlights. With the emblem relocated, the upper grille has been downsized, and its interior features a honeycomb structure, providing cooling airflow to the engine and other components.
In response to the EU’s 2020 cab regulations, Volvo has made adaptive changes to the FH Aero. The lower front end has been extended by 24 cm, and the overall design has been significantly reshaped. This increased the angle of the vehicle’s front, giving it a wedge-like shape to reduce air resistance. Thanks to these improvements, the FH Aero series meets the EU’s 96/53/EC Article 9A regulations, granting exemptions for increased cab length, allowing larger cabs without affecting transport capacity.
The Volvo FH Aero series adopts a low-drag design across all models, including diesel, natural gas, and electric variants, completing a unified, efficient, low-resistance lineup. At this year’s IAA show, Volvo also introduced the FH Aero Electric tractor, based on the diesel version.
The Volvo FH Aero Electric can be equipped with either dual or triple motor drive, paired with the traditional Volvo I-Shift 12-speed transmission and rear axle. The dual-motor version delivers a maximum of 450 horsepower, while the triple-motor version reaches 666 horsepower. The vehicle can be fitted with 4 to 6 battery packs, each providing 90 kWh of energy, with a maximum installed capacity of 540 kWh, offering a range of up to 300 kilometers.
Volvo also showcased the integrated electric axle on the FH Aero Electric model. This design improves transmission efficiency, enhances regenerative braking performance, and has a compact, lightweight structure, allowing for flexible chassis layouts. With the electric axle, the new FH Aero Electric achieves a significantly higher battery capacity, featuring a superior battery management system, delivering a range of up to 600 kilometers on a single charge. It will be available for sale in 2025.
At this year’s IAA show, Volvo displayed the electric axle system, showing its integrated motor (the cylindrical component at the front), transmission, and electronics, with only the right-hand half-shaft installed.
Volvo has long held a leading position in Europe’s electric truck market, thanks to its rapid product rollouts and comprehensive product lineup. At this year’s IAA show, Volvo also presented the FMX Electric, a 6×4 electric construction vehicle with a three-way dump body powered by an electric PTO.
The Volvo FMX Electric shares the same electric drivetrain as the FH Electric model, offering dual or triple motor setups paired with the I-Shift transmission. It can also be equipped with 4 to 6 battery packs, each providing 90 kWh, with a maximum range of around 300 kilometers. As a model designed for heavy-duty construction work, the FMX Electric’s advantages include noiseless operation, vibration-free driving, and zero emissions, making it suitable for restricted urban and underground work environments. Its electric PTO also reduces energy consumption when powering on-board equipment like cranes.
The Volvo FMX Electric retains the design of its diesel counterpart and features robust components like a steel three-piece bumper, enhancing the vehicle’s durability for construction tasks.
To comply with EU GSR general safety regulations, the Volvo FMX Electric is equipped with more sensors, such as side radar for blind spot detection, enabling features like AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) and side blind spot assist, enhancing vehicle flexibility. Volvo’s CMS electronic rearview mirror system is also present on most of the displayed models, reducing aerodynamic drag and eliminating the wind noise caused by traditional mirrors. The system uses a single-camera setup with integrated infrared technology, providing excellent visibility even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the mirror arms can fold inwards, reducing the vehicle’s profile for better maneuverability in narrow spaces.
**2024 IAA: Diesel Power King, Long-Haul Sleeper
Cab Unveiled, Electric Truck Advancements – A Detailed Look at Volvo Trucks’ Exhibition – Image 16**
Lastly, Volvo presented the new FM Electric 4×2 rigid truck with a cargo box. It can be fitted with 4 to 6 battery packs, offering a maximum driving range of around 300 kilometers. It can be equipped with either a dual or triple motor setup.
Additionally, the Volvo FM Low Entry also made its debut at this year’s IAA show. It is Volvo’s first truck built on a fully electric platform, developed based on the FM series. On the foundation of the FM model, the cab has been moved significantly forward, and the height has been lowered. The entire cab is located in front of the front axle, facilitating easier entry and exit for the crew and offering improved driving visibility to meet the EU’s direct vision requirements for trucks.
The electric drive system of the Volvo FM Low Entry uses a combination of dual motors and a 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, delivering a continuous output of 330 kW (450 horsepower). It is equipped with four battery packs, with a total energy capacity of 360 kWh. With a full load, the vehicle’s range is approximately 200 kilometers, which meets the operational needs of urban environments. The show model was equipped with a FAUN-built garbage truck body, and as the product line expands in the future, the Volvo FM Low Entry is expected to have variants such as urban distribution models.
In addition to diesel and electric models, Volvo also brought the FH fuel cell test truck to this year’s IAA show. It is based on the fifth-generation Volvo FH electric version, equipped with a heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell system developed by CellCentric, a joint venture between Volvo and Daimler Trucks, along with a saddle-mounted hydrogen storage tank.
The scalable heavy-duty fuel cell system developed by CellCentric.
Volvo aims to offer only alternative energy-driven trucks starting in 2040, such as electric, hydrogen fuel, and biodiesel or biogas-powered models. Volvo also plans for half of its revenue to come from electric trucks by 2030. By then, hydrogen fuel cell trucks will become a strong complement, suited for more demanding, extreme heavy-duty operations.
Reference photo: Volvo FH and FM natural gas trucks
Volvo has not abandoned the natural gas technology route and continues to advance the development and utilization of natural gas trucks. At this year’s IAA show, Volvo also brought a natural gas-powered FM tractor equipped with the latest G13C 500 engine. This engine is based on the diesel D13 engine, featuring an inline six-cylinder structure with a 12.8-liter displacement. The G13C series engine is quite unique in design, as it has two high-pressure common rail systems, one for diesel and one for natural gas. During operation, natural gas is mixed with diesel and injected into the cylinder, where the diesel is ignited to ignite the natural gas.
The new G13C 500 natural gas engine produces 500 horsepower and 2,500 Nm of torque, with a maximum torque range from 980 to 1,404 RPM, providing power output comparable to a 500-horsepower 13-liter diesel engine. In emergencies, the G13C engine can run on diesel alone, serving as a backup. Moreover, the G13C engine is compatible with BIO-LNG bio-liquefied natural gas, enabling cleaner and more renewable transportation solutions.
At this year’s IAA show, Volvo also introduced a highly anticipated product: the new generation VNL 860 American-style long-haul truck, in the Full Spec “Ultimate Configuration” model. Although this model is primarily sold in the United States, it has significant connections to Europe. First, it was developed under the leadership of Volvo’s European center and involved several European suppliers, undergoing long-term testing in Europe. Moreover, the truck features a 24V electrical system, unlike the 12V system commonly used in American trucks, aligning with European standards.
In terms of the powertrain, the new generation VNL is fully Europeanized, offering only the D13TC series 13-liter inline-six turbo compound diesel engine, with horsepower ranging from 405 to 500 and torque ranging from 2,370 to 2,640 Nm. Additionally, the new generation Volvo VNL is only available with Volvo’s own I-Shift transmission and features Volvo’s proprietary rear axle, consistent with Volvo’s European products.
There have long been rumors that Volvo would officially introduce the VNL series to Europe as a special edition model. With the release of the new generation VNL, these technical concerns have been addressed, and even side blind spot radar, required by EU GSR regulations, has been integrated. Now, it remains to be seen what Volvo’s next steps will be. Of course, these technical updates are also made with efficiency in mind: the new powertrain delivers lower fuel consumption, and the 24V electrical system provides higher energy efficiency.
The VNL 860 showcased at this year’s IAA show is a top-spec model, equipped with the ULTIMATE LEVEL appearance package, the highest-tier product in the Volvo VNL family. This appearance package features chrome elements as its core, with chrome treatments on the bumper and front grille, complemented by polished trims, giving the vehicle a bold and powerful look.
Furthermore, the VNL 860 is also the largest sleeper cab model in the Volvo family. It comes with an extra-long high-roof cabin, with a living space length of 185 cm. Note that this length doesn’t include the driving area. When included, the total cabin length reaches about 3 meters. With its spacious interior, the VNL 860 can accommodate large storage cabinets, a bigger microwave, and even optional TV equipment. It also offers the choice of an 80-liter large refrigerator, providing long-distance travel capabilities similar to that of a motorhome.
The interior of the new generation Volvo VNL is also synchronized with European models, featuring a new multifunction steering wheel, fully digital instrument panel, and a touchscreen multimedia screen, enhancing the vehicle’s level of intelligence and connectivity.
The large curved roof provides excellent aerodynamics and includes storage cabinets to maximize interior storage space.
In terms of the living area, the Volvo VNL features dual bunks, with the lower bunk being foldable, which can be stowed against the rear wall. Beneath the bunk is a foldable table, which, combined with the under-bed storage, creates a seating area where drivers can work.
Fold up the bed, unfold the table, and you’ve got a cozy dining or reading spot for two—perfect for relaxation.
A variety of living amenities is one of the hallmarks of American trucks. This Volvo VNL is equipped with a large-capacity refrigerator and storage cabinets, with the option to further equip a microwave and TV, truly making it a “home on wheels.”
They’ve even prepared a TV mount for you. Wouldn’t it be nice to watch TV while lying in bed?
For Volvo Trucks, 2024 has undoubtedly been an extraordinary year. With a dazzling array of new models and technologies, Volvo has reclaimed the title of European truck horsepower king while making further strides in electric heavy-duty truck development. At the same time, Volvo’s exhibits demonstrate its continued commitment to the diesel heavy truck market and its strong push into alternative energy solutions like electric and hydrogen fuel for future transportation. Thank you for reading this article! If you want to see more of the latest and most in-depth IAA show content, don’t forget to follow us!
