01-23-2024 | Written by Martin van der Westen

But don’t worry: The new Volvo VNL is still the quintessential American truck you know and love. So: a large grille, a long hood and a huge sleeping cabin. Yet it’s also new, modern, and packed with gadgets.

The first thing you notice is the large grille that extends to the bumper. For an American truck, the bumper is very small and low. Obviously this was done for better simplicity. In a way, the slightly elongated grille reminds us of the noses of the past, so they’ve done a good job. The cabin flows seamlessly into the sleeper compartment. The rising lines along the side, in which the side windows of the cabin and the sleeping cabin are combined, are beautiful.

24 volt!

What’s new for America is that the electrical voltage on board is now 24 volts. This has been the standard in Europe for years, but in the US they still run on 12 volts. This has limits, especially now that all sorts of European systems are being installed in American trucks. Volvo is the first company to offer this European standard in North America, but other brands will likely follow soon. Almost all of them have family in Europe and want to exchange systems with them. There is of course a 12V connection to control the trailer, as the entire trailer area is designed for this purpose.

The new Volvo VNL is a completely new truck. Volvo designers have been working on it for six years. According to the brand, everything is better about VNL: more economical, more reliable, safer and better for the driver and owner. According to the Americans, Volvo’s I-Shift system shifts 30% faster than before. The new platform is set for all types of propulsion: diesel, battery electric (BEV) and fuel cell electric (FCEV, i.e. hydrogen). Fully self-driving trucks should also be possible on this platform in the future.

Mirror cameras also made their first appearance in America. Just as we saw in the spy shots of the new Volvo FH, these are located above the side windows. Interestingly, the blind spot mirrors on the hood are still not digital, so it looks a bit funny. The dashboard is fully digital, with two beautiful displays. The new Volvo VNL is also equipped with a beautifully curved windshield, improving all-round visibility. Naturally, the VNL has all the safety features we know in Europe from FH and FM.

Volvo wanted to make a driver’s life much better with the new VNL. In addition to the day cab, a high and low sleeper cab is available. The sleeper cabin may have a traditional design, but it is full of innovations. The spacious bed can be completely folded against the back wall, creating a seating area with two sofas and a table. We would like to see that again in Europe. With standard air conditioning and heating in the parking lots, as well as special lighting, Volvo provides driver comfort.

The reveal of the new Volvo VNL also had a Dutch touch: Volvo USA’s director is Dutchman Peter Voorhoeve. He spoke proudly of his new masterpiece in a somewhat Dutch accent. However, the Volvo VNL is purely American: it is manufactured entirely in America.

The question is whether the new Volvo VNL will really change everything. On the surface, he is quite conservative. Maybe we are used to European Volvo cars. However, the new VNL represents a big step forward: a modern truck with the latest technology in a new but thankfully familiar form factor. The new Volvo VNL can be ordered within a few months.

What will we see in FH soon?

The new Volvo FH will be unveiled in Gothenburg on January 29, and we may see details from VNL in it. First of all, the cameras that replace the mirrors, but perhaps also parts of the new digital dashboard. It’s also notable that the I-Shift controls are now located on the steering column on the right behind the steering wheel. Just like with most other brands. Volvo may be saying goodbye to its popular seat-based I-Shift box. Stay tuned, we’ll know more next week!