Volvo BeeVan could be the truck of the future

While the Volvo "BeeVan" only exists now as a one-quarter-scale model truck concept from Volvo Trucks North America, produced for the Michelin Challenge Design competition, it does give an amazing glimpse of where truck aerodynamics and technology are likely to go.

The reason the BeeVan looks like no other truck is the placement of the driver, who now sits front and center in the truck’s cab, instead of the traditional left-side position. The folks at Volvo call this FVDP – Full-View Driver Position.

FVDP has more than 180 degrees of uninterrupted visibility, as the huge windshield arcs around the driver, while remote vision cameras eliminate blindspots.

The windshield reduces drag and improves engine efficiency. Engine cooling is enhanced by positioning two radiators at the base of the A-pillar/dash transitions. Air is directed from the wraparound grille, through the radiators and exits via the roof. This means the heat transferred from the radiator to the air is never in contact with the engine, for increased cooling efficiency.

While the seat and dash may look like something Captain Kirk would be comfortable with, the dual armrest consoles place an array of other advanced technologies literally at the driver’s fingertips, including: lane tracking, vehicle proximity sensors and driver drowsiness detectors.

The cab includes sleeper berths, a dinette table and other versatile components to combine office, relaxation, dining, personal storage and sleeping functions.

If you want to know more about the BeeVan, check out the Volvo Trucks website.