Volvo Trucks North America is introducing unattended over-the-air software updates. The new capability will allow fleets to update vehicle software without requiring drivers to remain with the truck during the process.

The new feature, scheduled to launch later this year, enables updates to run overnight, during driver breaks, or while vehicles are parked.

Drivers can initiate an update, lock the truck, and leave while the software installation is completed.

According to Volvo, the capability builds on the company's remote programming service and is made possible by its new connected 24-volt platform in North America.

“We are always striving to maximize our customers’ uptime, and this is an important milestone,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Drivers will be able to start a software update, lock the truck and walk away, whether that’s for a break or at the end of the day, and return to an updated vehicle.”

Connected Fleet Benefits

Volvo said more than 80% of connected trucks are now operating on the latest software, contributing to a 24% reduction in unplanned stops. That’s because over-the-air updates support ongoing improvements to systems including engine performance, transmission operation, and battery management.

The truck maker completed more than 18,000 over-the-air software updates in May and said its systems can dispatch up to 10,000 updates per day across its connected fleet.