Volvo VN
| Volvo VN | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Trucks North America |
| Also called | VN Series |
| Production | 1996–present |
| Assembly | United States: Dublin, Virginia (New River Valley Plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Class 8 heavy-duty tractor |
| Body style | Conventional daycab, sleeper |
| Layout | RWD single or tandem axle |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | Eaton Corporation Fuller® Manual 9, 10, Super 10, 13, 18-speed, 10-speed AutoShift®, Ultrashift® PLUS, Advantage™Automated Volvo I-Shift 12-speed |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 186"–243"[citation needed] |
| Length | 18'–25'[citation needed] |
| Width | 96"–100"[citation needed] |
| Height | 10'–12'[citation needed] |
| Curb weight | 13,000–18,000 lbs.[citation needed] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volvo WIA |
The Volvo VN (also known as the Volvo VNL) is a heavy-duty truck produced by the Swedish vehicle manufacturer Volvo Trucks. Initially developed in North America, it was introduced in 1996 as the second generation Volvo Class 8 tractor. For the 2004 model year the third generation model was introduced with a revised hood, headlamps, fairings and interior, and the VN was officially renamed VNL. Other models included the VNM (until 2017) and the VNR (from 2017).
The "L" in VNL signifies a long bonnet, compared to the medium-bonneted VNM and the regional VNR. Other parts of the model name (for example, VNL64T760) include the number of wheels and wheels driven ("64"), followed by a "T" for tractor, followed by a three-digit code for the cab style. The 300 cab is a day cab and the 400 is a short sleeper, with 640/660/740/760/780 representing various full sleeper cabs with flat or high roofs.
It was the first Volvo commercial vehicle to be assembled in the United States after the discontinuation of the WhiteGMC brand (although Volvo did not purchase the remainder of General Motors' interests in truck tractors until 1997, rechristening its U.S. truck division from Volvo GM to Volvo Trucks North America). It is currently available exclusively for the North American market.
In 2013 Volvo Trucks added the VNX, the highest model in the VN series.
First generation (1996–2024)[edit]
The first generation Volvo VN series was produced from 1996 to 2024, and manufactured exclusively in the United States at the New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia.
2018 update[edit]
On July 11, 2017, Volvo Trucks launched the redesigned 2018 VNL series at the event in Greensboro, North Carolina. On September 25, 2017, the display of the new 2018 VNL series to a public audience occurred at the 1st annual North American Commercial Vehicle Show held in Atlanta, Georgia.[1] The new design brought aerodynamic improvements, a new dashboard, and a reclining bunk in the sleeper.[2]
Available engines are Volvo's D11 and D13, as well as the Cummins X15.[2]
VNX[edit]
The VNX is the vocational model in the VN series. Launched in 2013, it came standard with the Volvo D16 engine – which delivers up to 600 horsepower (450 kW) and 2,050 pound-feet (2,780 N⋅m) of torque – and I-Shift automated manual transmission, and was initially available with 6×4 and 8×4 axle configurations;[3] an 18-speed manual transmission was also offered as an option.[4] An 8×6 axle configuration was offered from 2015.[5]
After the D16 was discontinued in January 2017,[6] the VNX was relaunched in March 2018, which Volvo states is "much more purpose-built for [vocational use]".[7] The updated VNX offers several improvements, such as chassis modifications and longer fifth-wheel slides. The truck is available with the D13 and Cummins X15 Performance engines, as well as 13- and 14-speed I-Shift transmissions (D13 only) with crawler gears and 13- and 18-speed Eaton Fuller manual transmissions (all engines).[7]
VNR Electric[edit]
In December 2020, Volvo launched the VNR Electric, a battery-electric version of the VN regional truck. Maximum range is rated at 150 miles (240 km) from a 264 kWh battery.[8] As of mid-2023 the batteries can be optioned as 600 V, 375 or 565 kWh. The batteries support 250 kW DC charging on CCS1 or CCS2.[9][10]
Second generation (2024–)[edit]
On January 23, 2024, Volvo Trucks unveiled the second generation VN series (consists of the flagship VNL and regional VNR), albeit in diesel and electric versions. The design of the all-new model with upgrades such as digital mirrors and a full digital dash display. Diesel powertrain options of the new truck will include the 10.8-litre Volvo D11, 12.8-litre Volvo D13, and 14.9-litre Cummins X15 (limited only to the VNL). It will continue to be manufactured in the New River Valley Plant, with sales to begin later in that year.
References[edit]
- ^ "Volvo, Mack Looking to Boost Sales in 2018 With New Highway Tractors". Transport Topics. September 25, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ a b Lockwood, Rolf (July 13, 2017). "Volvo Pushes Forward". trucknews.com. Today's Trucking. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ Cannon, Jason (March 25, 2013). "Volvo rolls out new truck, I-Shift standard". Trucks, Parts, Service. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ "The Volvo VNX heavy-hauler". Truck News. August 14, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ Grayson, Wayne (April 13, 2015). "Volvo now offers its VNX 630 heavy hauler in a tridem axle model". Equipment World. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ Gilroy, Roger (January 26, 2017). "Volvo Discontinues D16 Engine". Transport Topics. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ a b "VNX heavy-haul tractor revamped by Volvo". Commercial Carrier Journal. March 14, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ "Volvo Trucks to Showcase VNR Electric and 25th Anniversary VNL 760 at NPTC Conference" (Press release). AB Volvo. June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ Adler, Alan (October 13, 2022). "Volvo VNR Electric stakes early Class 8 leadership claim". FreightWaves. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ^ "Next Gen Volvo VNR Electric Truck Gets Bigger Battery, More Range". InsideEVs. Retrieved July 6, 2023.