Volvo Trucks Expands ESP System to More Rigid and Multi-Trailer Models
Volvo Trucks introduced an upgraded Electronic Stability Program in 2009, extending advanced rollover and skid prevention to a wider range of heavy-duty vehicles, including those carrying dangerous goods.
Volvo Trucks launched an updated Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 2009, making advanced stability control available across a broader spectrum of its heavy-duty vehicles. The new system covers not only tractor units but also 6×2 and 4×2 rigid trucks, including those operating with one or more trailers. This development aimed to address stability risks in vehicles most vulnerable to rollovers and jack-knifing, especially those transporting dangerous goods such as fuel tankers.
Single-vehicle accidents involving rollovers or trucks leaving the road account for about half of all serious truck-related injuries and fatalities. Volvo’s upgraded ESP was developed in response to these figures, aiming to cut the number of such incidents. The system’s expansion means that more operators, particularly those running FE, FM and FH models, could equip their fleets with technology proven to reduce the risk of severe accidents and the associated economic costs of vehicle and cargo damage.
How Volvo’s ESP Works
The ESP system in Volvo trucks is governed by an onboard computer that continuously analyses data from wheel sensors, the steering system and a gyroscope. When a risk of rollover or skidding is detected, the system can intervene instantly. It applies braking force to individual wheels on both the truck and trailer and, if necessary, reduces engine revs to regain stability. In skid scenarios, ESP focuses on braking the wheels that offer the best chance of correcting the vehicle’s path.
For operators of dangerous-goods vehicles, the expanded ESP coverage is particularly relevant. Tankers and similar rigs are at high risk of rollover due to their high centre of gravity and shifting loads. By extending ESP to these configurations, Volvo addressed a key safety concern in the sector.
Implications for Hauliers and Safety
Haulage firms adopting ESP-equipped trucks could expect fewer rollover and skid incidents, according to Volvo’s collision simulations and physical tests. The system’s ability to stabilise both single vehicles and multi-trailer combinations makes it a practical investment for companies seeking to protect drivers, cargo and equipment. The economic benefits include reduced downtime and repair costs following accidents, as well as potentially lower insurance premiums for fleets equipped with advanced safety systems.
The move to make ESP available on a wider range of models placed Volvo Trucks among the early leaders in heavy vehicle safety technology. For more on Volvo Trucks’ safety initiatives, see Volvo Trucks Wins Ad of the Year for Van Damme Split Stunt.
