New technology has emerged from the house of Volvo called Active Grip Control. This technology not only promises safety for truck operators, but also for other motorists and pedestrians around them.
Active Grip Control is designed to manage vehicle traction which will improve stability, acceleration, and braking when traction comes at a premium. There are plenty of situations wherein this system will be of benefit, namely with regard to snowy, wet, or dusty conditions where the tires might have a hard time getting a grip on the road surface.
It’s no secret that electric motors can offer drivers instantaneous response, but having all that torque on tap might overcome the tires, as such, it is important for the vehicle to be able to sense just how much traction it has and give out just the right amount of power so as to not slip. Paired with Volvo’s new technology, the system can control the amount of torque that reaches the ground instantaneously.
The tech is so good that during tests conducted by Volvo using an electric FH series, the company reported that there was a 45 percent improvement at full acceleration with a loaded trailer.
The improvement when going up a slippery, gravel road is really impressive. I believe this will increase productivity, not least for our construction customers.
Also programmed to save a truck in the event of a skid, the system comes with a myriad of sensors that allow the system to react to other conditions and use the vehicle’s electric motors to help the driver stay in control of the vehicle. This reduces the risk of jack-knifing and oversteering while driving without a load.
Another benefit of this system is the improvements to the vehicle’s braking system. Because of the sensors and the regenerative braking, the vehicle can stop efficiently without the need to use its anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The trucks that will come with this system include the FH, FM, and FMX series of Volvo.
