Volvo Trucks Presents Future Transport Solution With Autonomous Electric Vehicles

PR75155

LONDON, Sept. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

         Volvo Trucks is now presenting a new transport solution consisting of

autonomous electric commercial vehicles that can contribute to more efficient,

safer and cleaner transportation. The long-term goal is to offer companies that

need continuous transport services between fixed hubs a complement to today's

offerings.

    To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:      

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8397251-volvo-trucks-future-transport-solutions/

    Growing world population and increasing urbanization are leading to

significant challenges to solve environmental issues such as congestion,

pollution and noise. Rising consumption, the fast growth of e-commerce and the

wide-spread shortage of drivers put higher demands on efficient transport

solutions.

    "The full potential of the transport industry is yet to be seen. Everything

suggests that the global need for transportation will continue to significantly

increase in the coming decade. If we are to meet this demand in a sustainable

and efficient way, we must find new solutions. In order to secure a smoothly

functioning goods flow system we also need to exploit existing infrastructure

better than currently. The transport system we are developing can be an

important complement to today's solutions and can help meet many of the

challenges faced by society, transport companies and transport buyers," says

Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.

    Volvo Trucks' future transport solution is intended to be used for regular

and repetitive tasks characterised by relatively short distances, large volumes

of goods and high delivery precision. Transports between logistic hubs are

typical examples, but additional use cases can also be applicable.

    "Our system can be seen as an extension of the advanced logistics solutions

that many industries already apply today. Since we use autonomous vehicles with

no exhaust emissions and low noise, their operation can take place at any time

of day or night. The solution utilises existing road infrastructure and load

carriers, making it easier to recoup costs and allowing for integration with

existing operations," explains Mikael Karlsson, Vice President Autonomous

Solutions.

    The operation is handled by autonomous electric vehicles linked to a cloud

service and a transport control centre. The vehicles are equipped with

sophisticated systems for autonomous driving. They are designed to locate their

current position to within centimetres, monitor in detail and analyse what is

happening with other road users, and then respond with high accuracy.

    The transport control centre continuously monitors the progress of the

transport and keeps an accurate watch of each vehicle's position, the

batteries' charge, load content, service requirements and a number of other

parameters. As with an industrial production process, speed and progress are

tailored to avoid unnecessary waiting and to increase delivery precision. In

this way it will be possible to minimise waste in the form of buffer stocks,

and increase availability. Vehicles that operate on the same route cooperate to

create optimal flow.

    In the near future, Volvo Trucks' transport solution will be further

developed together with selected customers in prioritized applications.

     Facts

    - Volvo Trucks is developing a new type of transport solution for

repetitive transports involving high precision between fixed hubs, as a

complement to today's solutions.

     - The transport solution consists of autonomous, connected, electric

vehicles and a transport control centre.

     - The vehicles are used as tractor units and are compatible with existing

load carriers/trailers.

     - The propulsion is entirely electric with zero exhaust emissions and low

noise levels. The driveline and battery pack are of the same type that are used

in Volvo Trucks' electric trucks.

    LINK to website: http://www.volvotrucks.com/vera

    LINK

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] to high resolution images

    LINK [https://youtu.be/2Gc1zz5bl8I ] to film

Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks image and film gallery

at http://images.volvotrucks.com

    Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and

demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks.

Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,100 dealers and workshops

in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 16 countries across

the globe. In 2017, more than 112,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide.

Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers

of trucks, buses and construction equipment and marine and industrial engines.

The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks' work

is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/742986/Volvo_Trucks.jpg )

For further information, please contact:

     Anders Vilhelmsson

     Vice President Corporate Communication & Public Affairs

     Email: anders.vilhelmsson@volvo.com

     Phone: +46-31-3223879

Source:  Volvo Trucks