New feature of Volvo electric trucks
Volvo Trucks continues to enhance its electric heavy goods vehicles. The manufacturer has launched Active Grip Control, a new patented safety feature for electric trucks. In slippery conditions, the new technology dramatically increases stability, acceleration, and braking. 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 in Europe.
The new feature has gone through testing conducted with the Volvo FH Electric on a low friction surface with a loaded trailer and demonstrated a 45 per cent improvement at full acceleration. The force created between the wheels and the road may be regulated instantly thanks to the electric motors’ quick response, proactively preventing wheel spin. The feature clearly improves acceleration in slippery conditions. “The improvement when going up a slippery, gravel road is really impressive. I believe this will increase productivity, not least for our construction customers,” said Anna Wrige Berling, traffic & product safety director at Volvo Trucks.
Unique function
While the truck is sliding, multiple sensors allow the vehicle’s control system to react to the road surface conditions and utilise the vehicle’s electric motors, along with other actuators, in an intelligent way to help the driver stay on the road. This new feature is also designed to reduce the risk of jack-knifing and oversteering when driving without a load.
Moreover, improvements are also seen during braking, as this function can be used for controlled regenerative braking without going into the ABS. This increases efficiency, as more time is spent regenerating, allowing for a smoother braking experience. “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,” added Anna Wrige Berling.