Volvo Trucks enables over-the-air software updates

Unattended over-the-air software updates will enable drivers to leave and return to an updated vehicle. (Photo: Volvo Trucks)

Updated Sept. 11, 2026

This week, Volvo Trucks North America announced is making its unattended over-the-air, or “lock and leave”, software updates available in trucks across the U.S. and Canada, completing the rollout of the new remote programming capabilities announced in early June.

The remote programming service is possible due to the company’s new, connected 24-volt electrical architecture, which it said expands the amount and quality of vehicle data available to support remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance and future product development. The feature allows updates to run overnight, during driver breaks or while trucks are parked, without requiring drivers to remain with the vehicle. 

“Drivers will be able to start a software update, lock the truck and walk away, whether that’s for a break or at the end of the day, and return to an updated vehicle,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “It’s a simpler way for fleets to keep trucks current without interrupting operations.”

Over six months, the company said it has increased the share of its connected trucks running the latest software from 25% to over 80%. More than 7,500 updates were completed in August and Volvo Trucks’ connected systems can dispatch up to 20,000 software updates per day. Volvo Trucks estimates that it has helped customers avoid more than 100,000 days of unplanned downtime, representing approximately $60 million in avoided costs.

“While this type of functionality is becoming standard in the passenger car industry, its impact is significantly greater in trucking, where vehicles are in operation for eight to 11 hours a day. Any time saved directly translates into increased productivity for our customers,” said Voorhoeve.