Trucks

New unique safety feature for Volvo’s electric trucks

Volvo Trucks launches a new, patented safety feature for electric trucks – Active Grip Control. The new technology significantly improves stability, acceleration and braking in slippery conditions.
New unique safety feature for Volvo’s electric trucks
Tests performed on a low friction surface showed 45% improvement at full acceleration.

LINK to film about the Active Grip feature.

Thanks to the fast response of the electric motors, the force generated between the wheels and the road can be controlled in an instant to proactively prevent wheel spin.
 

The feature clearly improves acceleration in slippery conditions. Tests performed with the Volvo FH Electric on a low friction surface with a loaded trailer showed ​45% improvement at full acceleration.​​
 

“The improvement when going up a slippery, gravel road is really impressive. I believe this will increase productivity, not least for our construction customers,” says Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic & Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.
 

If the truck starts to skid, multiple sensors allow the vehicle’s control system to react to the road surface conditions and utilize the vehicle’s electric motors, along with other actuators, in an intelligent way to help the driver stay on the road.   
 

The new feature is also designed to reduce the risk for jack-knifing ​and oversteering when driving unloaded.
 

“With Active Grip Control we are giving our drivers further improved ability to traverse difficult roads and terrain – even during the most challenging of conditions. This is a unique function that Volvo Group has protected by patents,” explains Anna Wrige Berling.
 

Improvements can also be seen when braking, as the function can be used for controlled regenerative braking without going into ABS. This increases efficiency, since more time is spent in regeneration, allowing for a smoother braking experience.​
 

The Active Grip Control feature will be available on the heavy-duty Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX Electric trucks, that are used for regional haul and construction operations. A version of the feature will also be available on trucks with a diesel or LNG driveline.
 

Facts about Volvo’s electric trucks:

  • Volvo Trucks have a range of six all electric trucks designed to cover a wide variety of different transport assignments.
  • The Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX Electric are heavy-duty trucks with a gross combination weight of 44 tonnes. Sales are ongoing in Europe and production will start in the second half of 2022.
  • Serial production in Europe of the Volvo FL and Volvo FE Electric, for city distribution and refuse handling, started in 2019.
  • Production of the Volvo VNR Electric for North America began in 2021.

 

LINK to film about the Active Grip feature

LINK to high resolution images

LINK to web site about electromobility

For further information, please contact:

Jan Strandhede
Media Relations Director, Volvo Trucks
Tel: +46 31 3233715
Email: jan.strandhede@volvo.com

Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,300 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2022 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.