Improving fuel efficiency, aerodynamics and driver comfort. Those were the main reasons behind the decision to allow longer truck cabs on European roads. The regulations align with the EU’s climate goals and could have significant implications for trucking businesses.
Truck designs in Europe have remained largely unchanged for many decades, featuring a short-nosed cabin to maximize the length of the load. These short-nosed cabs, often called cab-over engine (COE) designs, dominate mainly because European legislation limits the entire length of the vehicle, including trailer and tractor. In the US on the other hand, length limits apply only to the trailer, explaining why long-nosed cabs dominate American roads.
However, changes in European legislation introduced in 2020 now permit for slightly more long-nosed trucks in Europe as well. This opens for design changes that can make trucks more aerodynamic, safer, and more comfortable.
“We welcome this legislation since it gives us the opportunity to improve energy efficiency of the cabs through design even more, which will benefit both our customers and the environment,” says Tomas Thuresson, Commercialization Manager New Offer at Volvo Trucks.