Successful journey for Volvo’s truck convoy through Europe
The Volvo Group’s journey through Europe and participation in the EU Truck Platooning Challenge was a great success, with very positive reactions from decision-makers, politicians and the general public. Three Volvo trucks drove closely behind one another using wireless communication, in a platoon, from Gothenburg to Rotterdam.
“It has been fantastic to see people’s reactions. In Denmark, families were sitting with picnics along the side of the road to see us drive by,” says Anders Kellström, Project Manager for the Volvo Group’s participation in the EU Truck Platooning Challenge. “We drove in a convoy for over 1,500 km on public roads and gained a lot of great experience, not just about the technology but also about traffic environment. Everything went totally according to plan, which is a great feeling.”
The purpose of the journey was to discuss and highlight the changes required in European transportation legislation that would facilitate the introduction of platooning. It is currently not possible to utilize the advantages of platooning on Europe’s roads, since legislation in the various countries governing the driving distance between trucks differs.
“We have now created a unique collaboration in terms of future transport solutions that goes beyond both national and organizational boundaries,” explains Andreas Svenungsson, Head of Public Affairs at the Volvo Group. “We note that there are varying interpretations of laws and provisions in different countries with regard to self-driving vehicles, but we feel that the tangible collaboration we have now commenced is an important step toward increased harmonization and more efficient transportation.”
Platooning involves trucks driving closely behind each other while communicating wirelessly. The vehicles’ fuel economy is improved as a result of the reduction in drag. Drag accounts for up to 25% of a truck’s total fuel consumption, and the closer the trucks drive to each other, the greater the fuel-saving potential. By communicating with each other wirelessly, the trucks automatically match each other’s speed and braking. This means that, in principle, reaction times is reduced to zero when braking. This in turns leads to improved safety and a reduced “accordion effect” linked to traffic congestion.
April 8, 2016
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The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Volvo Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo, which employs about 100,000 people, has production facilities in 18 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets. In 2015, the Volvo Group’s sales amounted to about SEK 313 billion (EUR 33.4 billion) and its shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. For more information, visit www.volvokoncernen.se or www.volvogroup.mobi for those using a mobile phone.
