Trucks
Trucks
Over the next two years, all trucks used for cross-border transportation within the EU will need to be fitted with second generation tachographs, as part of new regulations that came into force from August 2023. Here is what you need to know about making the upgrade and ensuring compliance.
The new legislation is part of the EU Mobility Package, which aims to protect truck drivers’ working hours and resting times. From 21st August 2023, all new trucks over 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with second-generation smart tachographs. By the end of 2024, all non-smart analog or digital tachographs must be replaced, and by August 2025, all first-generation smart tachographs must be upgraded.
“If you own a truck that is currently used in cross-border assignments within the EU, then it’s time to start planning for these new regulations now,” says Helena Knappe, Genuine Volvo Parts Manager. “Ideally, the best time to retrofit a smart tachograph is during your next service as this will save you time and avoid an additional workshop visit. It’s just a matter of finding a tachograph that is most compatible with your truck and a workshop with technicians who are authorised to complete the full retrofit and calibration.”
Volvo Trucks’ latest Smart Tachograph generation 2 has been developed to support the new EU Mobility Package. It registers times and locations for border crossings, while the GPS is programmed to automatically record the start and end of each daily shift as well as the truck’s position after every three accumulated hours of driving. DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) enables remote communication between the on-board unit and roadside enforcement officers, so drivers can avoid unnecessary roadside stops and checks. For Volvo truck owners, it is the most compatible unit on the market.
“The Volvo Trucks tachograph has been designed and developed to be perfectly integrated into a Volvo truck,” says Helena. “Even its physical design is fully compatible with the interior design of the cab. It is easily incorporated into the vehicle’s electronics, and it can be connected with the infotainment system. So, when you’re driving, any messages or icons from the tachograph appear right on the truck’s dashboard.”
In addition, the Volvo Trucks tachograph enables seamless installation with less wiring and auxiliary equipment required compared to a non-Volvo product, as well as the peace of mind that comes from using Volvo Genuine Parts.
The Volvo Trucks’ tachograph has been designed and developed to be perfectly integrated into a Volvo truck. Even its physical design is fully compatible with the interior design of the cab.
Volvo Trucks’ Smart Tachograph generation 2 has been developed to support the new EU Mobility Package and designed to be perfectly integrated into a Volvo truck.
To further assist with compliance and provide a better overview of all tachograph data, Volvo Trucks also offers its Driver Times digital service , which is available as a subscription service via Volvo Connect and the Volvo Connect App. The service makes it easier to track driving times, and maximise drivers’ working hours, while planning for their breaks and rests and avoid penalties and infringements. It also presents the optimal driver and vehicle for the next assignment based on their remaining driving hours.
Driver Times automates daily remote downloads of all memory data and digital driver card data, which is securely stored and available via Volvo Connect. This function continues seamlessly even after the installation or upgrade to a new tachograph.
“With Driver Times, you have nothing to worry about when retrofitting your truck with the new tachograph,” says Johan Rundberg, Service Owner Fleet and Transport services, Volvo Trucks. “It will continue handling the tachograph data and driver card data in full compliance with EU legislation, so you can just continue to run your business as normal.”
To retrofit your truck with the Smart Tachograph generation 2, contact your nearest Volvo Trucks dealership when booking your next service and they can guide you through the process to ensure the installation and calibration is performed by an authorised technician.
You can read more about the new tachograph regulations here, as well as download a guide on how route planning and time management can help with compliance.
