This is what Volvo is showing at the IAA

Incredible global product range

At the IAA 2024, which takes place from 17 to 22 September, in Hannover, Germany, Volvo Trucks will showcase a global product lineup that is more robust than ever before. Among the highlights will be the new Volvo FH Aero range, recently launched across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Volvo FH16 Aero, equipped with the new D17 17-litre engine, delivers increased power while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The Aero can run on both Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and biodiesel B100.

The show will also mark the European debut of the all-new Volvo VNL, which has already been introduced to the US market. Built on an entirely new platform, the Volvo VNL – which we tested recently – is one impressive truck.

Volvo Trucks will also show the new Volvo FM Low Entry – its first truck developed exclusively with a battery-electric powertrain. This model offers exceptional driver visibility to enhance safety in busy urban environments.

Hydrogen to the fore

While Volvo has accumulated five years of experience with electric trucks in customer operations across 47 countries (including South Africa), it believes that hydrogen is the next step when it comes to future powertrains. Hence, hydrogen for fuel cell applications and hydrogen combustion engines are being developed in parallel.

While both trucks have hydrogen in common, they are two completely different animals. A fuel cell truck uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity. In this process, hydrogen gas (H₂) stored in tanks is fed into a fuel cell, where it reacts with oxygen (O₂) from the air.

Inside the fuel cell, an electrochemical reaction occurs, splitting hydrogen into protons and electrons. The electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity, while the protons move through a membrane and combine with oxygen on the other side to form water (H₂O) as a byproduct. The electricity generated by the fuel cell powers an electric motor that drives the truck.

A truck with an internal combustion engine (ICE) running on hydrogen has an ICE engine that has been modified to run on hydrogen instead of diesel. In this setup, hydrogen is injected into the engine's combustion chamber, where it is mixed with air and ignited by a spark plug (in spark-ignited engines) or through compression (in compression-ignition engines). The combustion of hydrogen releases energy that drives pistons, which, in turn, powers the truck in the same way as with diesel.

Both hydrogen-based technologies are expected to reach customers towards the end of this decade. For now, at the IAA, visitors will be able to see Volvo’s fuel cell test truck.

CMS on display

Several of Volvo’s trucks at the IAA will be fitted with Volvo’s new Camera Monitor System (CMS), which brings benefits in terms of fuel savings thanks to improved aerodynamics. Safety is also enhanced thanks to better visibility. This is because, without the bulky mirror casings to block the view, the driver’s direct vision improves. Furthermore, digital features enhance the driving experience, such as the Zoom-out Field of View, a unique Volvo feature. It helps the driver manoeuvre safely by providing more information about the traffic surrounding the truck.

The Volvo line-up at the IAA will consist of eight trucks:

• The Volvo FH Aero Electric 4x2 with Volvo’s Camera Monitor System (CMS)
• The Volvo FH16 Aero 4x2 with HVO-fuel, XXL cab and CMS
• The Volvo FMX Electric 6x4 with a three-way tipper
• The Volvo FM Low Entry 6x2 garbage compactor
• The Volvo FM Gas-powered 4x2 with CMS
• The Volvo FE Electric 4x2 with skip loader
• The Volvo VNL 860, with full specification
• Volvo’s fuel cell test truck

In addition to the truck models, Volvo will also show the new technologies and services that are in pipeline for the next generation of trucks, including charging services for battery-electric trucks. The company will also demonstrate its upcoming e-axle technology, specifically designed for its next-generation battery-electric and fuel cell electric trucks. This new technology will enable longer electric ranges and optimised driveability.

Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, is eager to see the reaction of visitors to the company’s stand. “I’m excited to see the reactions from customers and media on our new truck ranges and future technologies. Our line-up at this year’s IAA will show the global strength of the Volvo Group and will demonstrate our commitment to reaching zero emissions and zero accidents – both are equally important for the success of our customers.”

Visitors to IAA will find Volvo Trucks in Hall 21, booth B01. The company will also offer IAA visitors test drives in its products at the IAA test track.