New safety feature for Volvo electric trucks

Volvo Trucks introduces a new, patented safety feature for electric trucks: Active Grip Control. This new technology improves stability, acceleration and braking in slippery conditions.

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

The feature improves acceleration in slippery conditions. Tests conducted with the Volvo FH Electric on a slippery road surface with a loaded trailer showed an improvement of 45% at full acceleration.

"The improvement when going up a slippery, unpaved road is really impressive. I believe this will increase productivity, not least for transport companies in the construction segment," says Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic & Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.

If the truck begins to skid, multiple sensors allow the vehicle's control system to react to road surface conditions and use the vehicle's electric motors, along with other actuators, to help the driver stay on the road.

The new feature is also designed to reduce the risk of shearing and oversteering on empty runs.

"With Active Grip Control, we give our drivers even more ability to drive over difficult roads and surfaces, even in the most challenging conditions. This is a unique feature that is protected by the Volvo Group through patents," explains Anna Wrige Berling.

Improvements can also be seen in braking, as the feature can be used for controlled regenerative braking without engaging ABS. This increases efficiency as more time is spent regenerating, allowing for a smoother braking experience.

The Active Grip Control feature will be available on the Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX Electric, which are used for regional transport and construction work. A similar feature will also become available on trucks with diesel or LNG powertrains.

Facts about Volvo electric trucks:

• Volvo Trucks has a range of six all-electric trucks designed for a wide range of transportation tasks.
• The Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric can be used for heavier transport with a GCW of 44 tons. Sales in Europe have started and production will begin in the second half of 2022.
• Already in series production since 2019, the Volvo FL and FE Electric for urban distribution and waste handling.
• In North America, sales of the Volvo VNR Electric began in 2020.