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Volvo Developing Self-Driving Big Rig
AB Volvo unveiled a self-driving electric heavy-duty truck called the Vera this week at a conference in Berlin.
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AB Volvo unveiled a self-driving electric heavy-duty truck called the Vera this week at a conference in Berlin.
The concept features an autonomous chassis pod that is much more compact than traditional cabs because it doesn’t need to accommodate a driver. Volvo says the unit could pull 32 tons of cargo.
Powered by the same 300-kWH battery and electric motors used in Volvo’s latest all-electric trucks, the Vera generates 500 hp and has an estimated driving range of about 200 miles. An array of sensors and advanced processors facilitate autonomous driving.
Volvo says autonomous semi-trucks would be well-suited for use on relatively short, repetitive routes between fixed hubs. The Vera would be linked to a cloud service with its location, battery charge and cargo monitored by a logistics center.
Volvo plans to work with customers to further develop the technology. The company didn’t offer a timeline for commercialization.
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