Volvo’s new VNL Series Truck Comes Equipped with the Next Generation of Adaptive Cruise Control Technology

Introduction

The cruise control feature revolutionized the way of driving. The trucking industry also reaps the benefits of this.

Now, let’s be clear on one thing. Cruise control isn’t really auto-pilot. However, it’s the next best thing.

Traditionally, cruise controls helped truckers maintain a specific speed without pressing the gas pedal. For longer truck hauls it’s a really useful feature.

However, due to modernization, this technology evolved massively. Now trucks such as Volvo’s new VNL Series Trucks use newer technology. Called the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

We’ll talk all about Volvo’s new VNL Series Truck’s Adaptive Cruise Control.

Volvo VNL Series Adaptive Cruise Control

Volvo is always one step ahead in finding the right solution to your truck problems. The Volvo VNL Series Truck is just the right example.

It checks all the boxes of tips and tricks for engine optimization.

The cutting-edge Adaptive Cruise Control of Volvo really revolutionized the long-haul trucking game.

This technology increases the safety and efficiency of the drivers. All while providing optimum comfort for them.

So, how does the adaptive cruise control help:

Feature 1: Automatic Speed and Distance Control

This is probably the most important feature of adaptive cruise control. Compared to traditional cruise controls, this system does more than maintain a certain speed.

The ACC actually analyzes the environment. With the help of sensors, it locates the cars around the truck and automatically sets the safe cruise control speed.

It continuously monitors the traffic conditions. And sets the speed accordingly.

Besides, it also sets a safe distance between the truck and the vehicle in front. If the safe distance is reduced for some reason the truck automatically brakes. This helps to retain a safe distance.

This feature ensures traffic safety. Besides, it also reduces the fatigue of the truck drivers. Because the drivers don’t have to constantly shift between brake and acceleration.

Additionally, it also increases the fuel efficiency of the trucks. Because this feature helps the truck to ride at optimum speed and velocity. Which helps reduce the wastage of fuel.

Feature 2: Active Braking System

As we mentioned above there is an automatic braking system. This particularly helps in distance control.

One additional thing is that this automatic braking system can be adjusted according to the driver’s preference.

Feature 3: Lane Departure Warning

Lane departure system is another safety feature of the ACC. This feature works using the camera and sensors.

These cameras and sensors work simultaneously to alert the drivers to stay in their lane. If the driver unintentionally deviates from the lane the camera and sensors detect it fast.

When the drivers do deviate from their lane the system sends audio and visual signals to the drivers. Which alerts them to stay in the lane.

Feature 4: Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is also a safety feature of the ACC.

Trucks are heavy vehicles with a large capacity. Because of this trucks have a lot of blind spots. It’s possible for drivers to check all the blind spots all the time while driving. Especially while changing lanes.

The (BSM) safety feature uses sensors that are mounted on the rear or side of the trucks. These sensors help detect if there is any car in the blind spot during changing lanes.

If there is a car in the blind spot the system sends the signal to the driver to alert them. Usually, the warning light flashes on the side mirrors. Or audio or visual signal beeps from the dashboard.

This feature is very helpful in adverse driving conditions. Such as low-visibility roads, bad weather, and heavy traffic.

Feature 5: Adaptive Gearing

Sometimes the trucks need to pass through hilly terrains. In these terrains, the drivers need to shift the gears quite a lot of times.

This makes the drivers fatigued. Which increases the chance of fatal accidents.

This feature automatically shifts the gears or holds a steady speed in order to avoid frequent shifting.

This feature also helps to save fuel consumption and reduces engine wear.

Adaptive Gearing operates by evaluating the vehicle’s speed and engine load. Along with the road grade and other driving situations.

The technology chooses a lower gear to keep the required speed and save engine strain when traveling uphill.

In contrast, the system chooses a higher gear when traveling downhill to avoid the car from accelerating too rapidly and overusing the brakes.

Feature 6: Automatic Emergency Brake

Adaptive Cruise Control’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) feature is intended to detect impending crashes.

This helps by deploying the brakes if the driver does not react. This function is especially helpful in emergencies where the driver could be distracted, exhausted, or unable to react quickly enough to prevent an accident.

The AEB system scans the road ahead for possible dangers like other cars, pedestrians, or obstructions using a range of sensors, including radar and cameras.

Depending on how serious the accident risk is, the AEB system will automatically use the brakes. It could slow or stop the car if the driver doesn’t react.

This may lessen the impact of an accident. Or possibly stop it from happening altogether.

Feature 7: Predictive Cruise Control

Predictive Cruise Control is a feature that predicts changes in terrain while driving. Such as hills, bends, and junctions, and adjust the vehicle’s speed appropriately.

Predictive Cruise Control can use GPS and mapping data to assess the road ahead. This helps to automatically change the vehicle’s speed and gear selection.

Which maximizes fuel economy and lessens wear and tear on the engine and brakes. To guarantee a smooth and effective ride, the system also considers road conditions, speed restrictions, and other criteria.

Conclusion

There are other features of the Adaptive Cruise Control of the new Volvo VNL series trucks. Cutting-edge technology really changes the whole meaning of trucking.

The new line of Volvo is fit for comfort and performance. Giving a new meaning to the word trucking.