The update is notable for the simulation community because the VNR Electric is the first battery-electric truck added to the game. The VNL, Volvo’s flagship long-haul tractor, also joins the game as part of the update from SCS Software.

American Truck Simulator allows players to haul freight, purchase equipment, manage expenses, and build a virtual trucking business across U.S. routes. According to Volvo, the game has sold more than seven million copies worldwide.

“This is a very exciting way to introduce our trucks, both the diesel and the battery-electric version, to millions of truck enthusiasts around the world,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “American Truck Simulator has built an incredibly passionate community that appreciates great trucks and authentic driving experiences.”

Volvo said the in-game VNL was developed with input from its design and engineering teams so the truck’s appearance, sound and driver environment would reflect the production model.

“As designers, we obsess over every detail of the driver experience, from the way the truck looks and feels to the sounds drivers hear every day on the road,” said Brian Balicki, head of design for Volvo Trucks North America. “Together with the SCS Software team, we translated that experience into the virtual world with an exceptional level of authenticity.”

The addition of the VNR Electric also gives players a look at a truck designed for regional haul and urban freight operations. Volvo introduced the VNR Electric in the U.S. and Canada in 2020. The company said more than 750 units are now operating across the region, with more than 30 million miles logged.

The Volvo VNL and Volvo VNR Electric are available now through a free American Truck Simulator update here.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 13, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Volvo

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Connor Hudziak didn’t grow up around big rigs. There were no truckers in the family, and his first exposure to the lifestyle came through a screen, not a highway. But while others were battling dragons or playing first-person shooters, Connor was clocking hours in American Truck Simulator—a game designed to mirror real trucking down to the finest detail. From handling deliveries and navigating logistics to managing a digital fleet, it gave him a taste of the industry without ever leaving home.

And Connor didn’t just play casually. He recreated the truck driving experience with a custom setup that included a steering wheel, shifter, control box, and pedals—choosing to haul loads in a candy-apple red Western Star 57X.

At the time, he couldn’t have imagined how closely that virtual truck would mirror his future.

A Sim Turns Into Something Real

Western Star Trucks, in partnership with SCS Software—the creators of American Truck Simulator—recognized the simulator’s impact. With the game’s popularity among both enthusiasts and aspiring drivers, Western Star saw an opportunity to connect with the next generation of truckers in a fresh, meaningful way.

They launched the “Star Nation Customer Experience” at their Madras, Oregon test center and invited two lucky sweepstakes winners from the simulator community. One of them was Connor.

The event brought Connor face-to-face with professionals in the field and digital influencers like trucking YouTuber Casey LaDelle. Though new to the real-life trucking scene, Connor quickly found common ground—and even stole the spotlight during a backing challenge on the test track, beating seasoned drivers despite never having driven a real semi before.

A CDL Gift That Changed Everything

Impressed by his talent and passion, the Western Star team, along with LaDelle, took things a step further. At the closing dinner, they surprised Connor with news that would change his life: they had come together to fund his Commercial Driver’s License training.

The moment was emotional and unforgettable.

“It’s honestly been life-changing,” he said. “This was more than just a trip—it was a doorway into a future I’ve always dreamed about.”

Steering Toward a New Career

Today, Connor is actively working on obtaining his CDL and has plans to start driving part-time for his current employer, with hopes of going full-time in the near future.

His story highlights what’s possible when a digital passion is met with real-world support. More importantly, it shows how companies like Western Star are thinking outside the box—using gaming, mentorship, and opportunity to help passionate individuals like Connor turn a virtual dream into a tangible career.

From simulator pedals to real truck brakes, Connor’s journey is proof that the road to trucking doesn’t always start at a truck stop—sometimes, it begins with a keyboard.

Source: Trucking Info
Image Source: Western Star

The post From Simulator to Semi Truck: How a Virtual Drive Changed Connor Hudziak’s Life appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.