Volvo presents Vera: A self-driving electric truck

The sector of electric traction, also autonomous, is booming and of great interest, especially in the field of handling any type of goods. In a company where it is now obvious to have any kind of good available in a few hours at home, the transport sector seeks a qualitative leap in order to try to keep up with the times, finding new solutions that can optimize and speed up all the procedures for handling the various products.

Volvo presents its prototype truck, already working, called Vera, original because of the flat shape and no cab, as it is completely autonomous, that is without the need to at all costs to host a driver inside.

Designed for short distances, also because of its low aerodynamic shape at great speeds, it is proposed as a valid integrative solution, especially in environments such as external stores, hubs, ports, etc. where an autonomous operation, 24 hours a day and with possible precise interactions between all the vehicles of the fleet, can bring enormous advantages in speeding up the operations of moving the goods.

Claes Nilsson, president of Volvo Trucks, explains, ” The full potential of the transport industry is yet to be seen, it all suggests that the global transport need will continue to increase significantly over the next decade, if we are to meet this demand in a sustainable and efficient way, we need to find new solutions: In order to ensure the smooth functioning of the goods flow system, we must also take advantage of the existing infrastructure better than it has been doing so far. The transport system we are developing can be an important complement to today’s solutions, and it can help meet many of the challenges faced by society, transport companies and transport buyers. ”

Mikael Karlsson, vice president of the Autonomous Solutions section of Volvo Trucks, commented, ” Our system can be seen as an extension of the advanced logistics solutions that many industries already apply today. ” Because we use autonomous vehicles without exhaust emissions and reduced noise, the they can operate at any time of the day or night. The solution uses the existing road infrastructure and loading platforms, facilitating cost recovery and allowing integration with existing operations. ”

The first rumors indicate for Vera the use of a Volvo branded electric engine, with a power of 185 kW able to guarantee a range of use of approximately 300 km with the possibility of towing standard trailers with loads up to 32 tons.