Volvo VN
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).
Volvo VN | |
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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" |
Length | 18'–25' |
Width | 96"–100" |
Height | 10'–12' |
Curb weight | 13,000–18,000 lbs. |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Volvo WIA |
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.
2018 model
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]
VNR Electric
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.[3] 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.[4][5]
References
- "Volvo, Mack Looking to Boost Sales in 2018 With New Highway Tractors". Transport Topics. September 25, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- Lockwood, Rolf (July 13, 2017). "Volvo Pushes Forward". trucknews.com. Today's Trucking. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- "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.