Volvo Trucks’ Over-the-Air Updates Drive Uptime, Efficiency Gains

Volvo Trucks North America has significantly expanded its over-the-air (OTA) software update program, increasing the percentage of connected trucks running the latest software from 25% to over 80% in just six months. This expansion has contributed to a 24% reduction in unplanned stops, demonstrating improved uptime for its connected fleet.

Automatic Updates Streamline Fleet Management

The increase in successful OTA updates has been substantial, growing from approximately 1,000 per month to roughly 1,000 per day. This surge in update frequency highlights the benefits of automation in maintaining vehicle currency.

Madeline Sullivan, product expert at Volvo Trucks North America, emphasized the evolving nature of modern trucks at this year’s American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) annual meeting. “On our new trucks, the VNL and the VNR, they’re basically smartphones on wheels, which means that the truck you buy today is not necessarily the same truck even just six months later,” Sullivan said. “It’s constantly evolving.”

Automation simplifies the update process for fleets. “With automatic software updates, it’s easier than ever to keep them updated,” Sullivan added.

Scalable Updates with Minimal Disruption

Volvo Trucks can now evaluate its connected fleet daily and deploy up to 10,000 updates per day. Software updates are delivered in the background, minimizing the require for fleet managers to manually schedule or manage updates.

Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, explained, “Our new trucks here in North America—the all-new Volvo VNL and the all-new Volvo VNR—function much like smartphones on wheels. A truck delivered today will not be the same truck one year later; it continues to evolve.” He continued, “With automated updates, fleets no longer need to manage software versions or request releases. Their trucks simply stay current, allowing us to continuously enhance performance, efficiency, and uptime based on our customers’ needs.”

Driver-Focused Implementation

Drivers receive notifications when updates are available and can initiate installation although parked or during scheduled breaks, avoiding service interruptions. “Drivers get updates to notify them when an update is available, and then they can install it when they’re parked or on a scheduled break without taking the truck out of service,” Sullivan said.

Previously, fleets had to contact Volvo customer service or visit a dealership to complete software updates. Automatic updates allow installation to occur at times that align with fleet operations. Updates can include enhancements to engine, transmission, and battery management systems without requiring a dealer visit.

High Fleet Adoption Rate

Volvo Trucks collaborated with customers before implementing automatic updates as the default setting. Less than 1% of fleets opted out of automatic updates, indicating strong acceptance of the new system.

“Fleets see real value in keeping their trucks continuously updated,” Voorhoeve said. “The results so far are impressive—fewer faults, fewer unplanned stops, and more uptime where it matters—on the road.”