Eyes on the prize

October 17, 2025

Volvo Trucks has upgraded its Driver Alert Support system with an eye-tracking camera. The aim? To even better support truck drivers and increase road safety.

Long hours on the road demand constant attention from truck drivers. Volvo is now upgrading its Driver Alert Support system to enhance its ability to detect and alert drivers who show signs of inattention or drowsiness.

To achieve this, the upgraded Driver Alert Support uses two cameras. A new eye-tracking camera, placed on top of the side display in the truck, detects signs of distraction and alerts the driver with a pop-up message and a warning sound. It is engaged at speeds above 18km/h. The second camera, which is forward-facing and part of the current Driver Alert Support system, monitors driving behaviour and the position of the truck in relation to the lane and the roadside – detecting the typical characteristics of a drowsy or distracted driver.

“After several hours of driving, it can be difficult to stay alert and focused behind the wheel. Our upgraded Driver Alert Support is even better at detecting and alerting a driver who shows signs of drowsiness or distraction. Our goal is to support the drivers and help to protect both them and the people they share the road with,” says Anna Wrige Berling, traffic and product safety director at Volvo Trucks.

“We’re constantly developing and introducing additional safety systems. At Volvo Trucks, our long-term vision is zero accidents, and safety is at the core of everything we do,” she continues.

The upgraded Driver Alert Support already meets the EU’s updated safety legislation, the General Safety Regulation (GSR2) – including the second step that comes into effect in July 2026. From that date onwards, all trucks in the EU will have to be equipped with Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) systems.

Volvo’s new Driver Alert Support system will be standard for Volvo’s extra-heavy commercial vehicles (the Volvo FH and FM) as well as its medium commercial vehicles (the Volvo FL and FE) in the EU, as well as some markets outside it, such as Norway, Switzerland, and the UK. It will also be available to order for other markets.

The new system will come into production in November 2025. Outside of the EU, Volvo will also continue to offer the current Driver Alert Support with the forward-facing camera.

Fast facts: How it works

The system is based on two cameras. An eye-tracking camera detects signs of distraction based on where the driver is looking, while a front-facing camera is used to track lane markings and compare them to the driver’s steering movements.
If signs of distraction or drowsiness are detected, the driver receives a pop-up message and a warning sound.
If the inattentive driving continues, a new pop-up message appears together with an escalated acoustic warning.
The system is switched on automatically when the ignition is turned on.
The Driver Alert Support system can be deactivated using a switch, as required by GSR legislation.

More kilowatts and counting

A group of UK-based engineers has created a 200-kW fuel cell system for extra-heavy commercial vehicles (EHCVs), an important step towards making EHCVs more environmentally friendly.

Created under Project ARCHER (Advanced Research Consortium for Hydrogen Electric Revolution), the system was built by propulsion systems specialist Drive System Design (DSD), hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Intelligent Energy, and electronics engineering specialist General Engine Management Systems (GEMS).

The new IE-DRIVE HD fuel cell system tackles some of the biggest obstacles preventing extra-heavy trucks and buses from going electric, particularly the need for longer driving ranges and faster refuelling compared to battery-powered alternatives.

At the heart of the system is a multi-input, multi-output converter developed by DSD. It can deliver over 200kW of power – a big leap from the previous 150kW standard. The design lets multiple fuel cell systems work together to meet the high-power demands of EHCVs. Unlike conventional setups that use a separate converter for each fuel cell stack, this system uses one integrated converter. This eliminates the need for multiple voltage supplies, making it simpler and more compact.

“Our first-of-its-kind converter will give the heavy-duty vehicle [what we in SA know as EHCVs] industry a welcome power boost to drive it forward on its electrification journey,” says James McGeachie, DSD’s head of electrified powertrain. “Working closely with GEMS and Intelligent Energy has been key to this success. Each partner has brought sector-leading experience, expertise, and innovation to the programme, delivering a world-class fuel cell system solution.”

Dr Ashly Kells, Intelligent Energy’s programme director, adds: “With simplified vehicle integration, a longer life, and being certification ready, the IE DRIVE HD fuel cell is now even better positioned to provide a zero emissions solution for heavy duty applications.”