Volvo showcases prototype VN780

March 21, 2003
Volvo Trucks North America has unveiled a prototype VN780 that incorporates new design modifications for road testing. Volvo's tech truck has a built-in shower with hot-and-cold running water, along with a fully functioning bathroom with toilet. An onboard electric water heater produces hot water for the system that runs on either shore power, an onboard generator or from the truck's electrical system,
Volvo Trucks North America has unveiled a prototype VN780 that incorporates new design modifications for road testing.

Volvo's tech truck has a built-in shower with hot-and-cold running water, along with a fully functioning bathroom with toilet. An onboard electric water heater produces hot water for the system that runs on either shore power, an onboard generator or from the truck's electrical system, Volvo said.

The shower/tub unit is incorporated into the bench seat/berth in the sleeper and folds away into rear seats when not in use.

The passenger seat swivels around to face a fold-down desk, which has electrical and communications connections in the wall panel behind it. The desk also is accessible from the rear seat, so two people can use it at the same time, said Volvo.

Another feature is an onboard HVAC system, which runs on AC electrical power. The automated climate control system includes a heat pump, electric heater and air conditioner, and allows a driver to have a consistently comfortable cab/sleeper temperature without idling the engine.

The AC power can be supplied through the onboard auxiliary generator or from shore power, said Volvo.

The truck was specially prepared as a test platform and demonstrator to experiment with a wide variety of new truck technology, said VP-Marketing Susan Alt.

"We use the truck to install experimental concepts in an existing production vehicle, so we learn how we can best create a true solution for customer acceptance and for commercial production," she said.

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Tim Parry

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