Volvo FH

Volvo FH at a glance

The FH is Volvo Trucks' flagship and one of the best-known heavy trucks in Europe. It is built mainly in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Ghent, Belgium, with further assembly in Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, India and other countries. The brand's story is told in the history of Volvo, and Volvo cars, from the Volvo XC60 to the Volvo XC90, are in the Volvo catalogue.

First-generation Volvo FH (1993–2001)

Development and cab

Development took about seven years from the first sketches to series production. The FH replaced the F series cab-over, and its cab was almost completely new. Made from hot-dip galvanised high-strength steel, it was about 30% lighter than before and was shaped in the wind tunnel for lower drag and fuel consumption. Crash tests included a frontal impact against a 15-tonne concrete block and a one-tonne pendulum against the rear wall, after which the doors still had to open normally. Inside, the cab was more spacious and ergonomic than the F series. A four-spoke steering wheel framed two large dials for engine speed and road speed. The gear lever and parking brake sat close to the driver, and a fold-out table to the right of the seat was useful on long trips. In 1995 the FH became the first heavy truck with an SRS driver's airbag, and the FH12 won International Truck of the Year 1994.

Engines and the 1998 update

The FH12 used the new D12A, a 12.1-litre six-cylinder with an overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and electronically controlled unit injectors, producing 309 kW (420 hp). The FH16 had the 16-litre D16A. The engines were built on an automated line at Volvo's Swedish engine plant. The 1998 update, shared with the FM, brought the TEA electronic architecture with a CAN bus and an LCD display. It also added a new gearbox and the D12C with a redesigned head and stronger bottom end, raising output to 340 kW (460 hp). The gearbox was strengthened for torque of up to 2,500 Nm, while shifting effort was halved.

Second-generation Volvo FH (2001–2012)

Cab, I-Shift and engines

Introduced in 2001, with series production from 2002, the second FH had a redesigned cab with four versions, a longer day cab and new mirrors, headlights and seats. It introduced the I-Shift automated 12-speed gearbox, alongside a 14-speed manual with splitter, range change and crawler gears. The D12D with turbo compound produced 370 kW (500 hp). The FH16's D16C (16.1 L) arrived in 2003 with 410 kW (550 hp) and 450 kW (610 hp), rising to 490 kW (660 hp) in 2005. The D16E later offered outputs of up to 700 hp with 3,150 Nm. Engines progressed from Euro 3 to Euro 4 and Euro 5.

The 2008 update

Launched in August 2008, the update brought a new grille, headlights, steps and sun visor and better driver comfort, with adjustable seats, rain and light sensors, blind-spot radar and lane departure warning. The new 13-litre D13A offered 270–390 kW (360–520 hp), the D13B added exhaust gas recirculation, and the FH16 reached 520 kW (700 hp). A 750 hp version of the D16 was announced in 2011. The chassis uses a ladder frame of high-strength steel, parabolic springs or air suspension, hydraulic power steering and electronically controlled drum brakes with ABS.

Third-generation Volvo FH (2012 to today)

New cab and interior

Presented in September 2012, with series production from 2013, the third FH has a completely new cab. Its interior volume grew by about one cubic metre, partly to fit Euro VI cooling and exhaust systems without compromising space or aerodynamics. The front pillars are slimmer for better visibility, the mirrors sit on thin brackets, and the grille has a two-level design with fold-out steps. Storage grew by about 300 litres, the sleeping berth widened to 815 mm. The steering column can be adjusted in height and angle with a foot pedal, with the steering wheel tilting a further 20 degrees. Independent front suspension was offered, and new driver-assistance and driveline functions included I-See and I-Torque.

Engines and gearboxes

Gearbox options include I-Shift and, from 2016, the I-Shift Dual Clutch, which shifts without interrupting torque.

2020 update, FH Aero and FH Electric

The 2020 update brought new headlights, a new interior, more safety features and better efficiency; older versions continued in some markets as the FH Classic. In 2024 the D16K was replaced by the 17.3-litre D17 with 441 kW (600 PS) and 3,000 Nm, 515 kW (700 PS) and 3,400 Nm or 574 kW (780 PS) and 3,800 Nm. The FH Aero of 2024 has an extended, more aerodynamic cab and camera monitors instead of mirrors, and it is offered as a diesel, gas, electric and FH16 version.

The FH Electric went into production in 2022 at Gothenburg and from 2023 also in Ghent. It uses a 540 kWh battery, with 330 kW for 4×2 and 6×2 tractors and 490 kW for the 6×4, charges at up to 250 kW DC and can operate at up to 44 tonnes. Its WLTP range is quoted at about 300 km unladen. In November 2023 it became the first electric truck to be named International Truck of the Year, for 2024, the fourth such title for the FH.

Rivals: how the Volvo FH compares

The FH competes with the Scania R and S series, the Mercedes-Benz Actros, DAF XF, MAN TGX, Iveco S-Way and Renault Trucks T. Its strengths are a comfortable, safe cab, the I-Shift gearbox, the most powerful engines in the class with the FH16, and an early lead in electric trucks. Its weaknesses are high purchase and parts costs and, on older trucks, high fuel consumption compared with the latest models. Because so many FH trucks have been built since 1993, used examples and specialist workshops are easy to find across Europe. Other heavy trucks on 1cars are collected in the trucks section.