Volvo launches first all-electric trucks

Volvo Trucks has premiered its first all-electric truck for commercial use – the Volvo FL Electric. The electric truck will be used for urban distribution and refuse operations, among other applications.

Sales and series production of the new model will start in Europe next year and Volvo says that with this introduction the Swedish manufacturer takes the lead in solutions for electrified goods transport in cities.

"We're immensely proud to present the first in a range of fully electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic,” said Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.

“With this model we are making it possible for cities that aim for sustainable urban development to benefit from the advantages of electrified truck transports."

Nilsson added that an electric truck without any exhaust emissions can be used in indoor terminals and environmental zones. Their low noise level creates opportunities for doing more work at night, thus reducing the burden on the roads during the day.

The first electric trucks will have a GVW of 16 tonnes and are powered by a 185kW electric motor, with a two-speed transmission. Max torque from the electric motor is 425Nm and range is up to 300km.

Recharging time from empty to fully charged batteries is via a fast charge 1-2 hours (DC charging), or a night charge of up to 10 hours (AC charging) with maximum battery capacity of 300kWh.

Jonas Odermalm, head of product strategy Volvo FL and Volvo FE at Volvo Trucks said: "In order to make the transition [to electric trucks] secure and smooth, we will offer holistic solutions based on each customer's individual needs regarding driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters,” he said.

“Such a solution may encompass everything from route analysis and battery optimisation to servicing and financing. Volvo Trucks works closely with several suppliers of charging equipment. The aim as always is to offer customers high uptime and productivity," he says.

Volvo Trucks has plenty of expertise in electrified transport solutions with sister company Volvo Bus having sold more than 4000 electrified buses since 2010. Volvo says the technology used for propulsion and energy storage in the Volvo FL Electric has been thoroughly tried and tested from the outset and is supported by Volvo Trucks' network for sales, service and parts supply.

"From experience we know how important it is that cities, energy suppliers and vehicle manufacturers cooperate in order for large-scale electrification to become a reality. With attractive incentives, agreed standards and a long-term strategy for urban planning and expansion of the charging infrastructure, the process can go much faster," explains Jonas Odermalm.

The first trucks in the Volvo FL Electric range are now entering regular operation with refuse collection and recycling company Renova and haulage firm TGM in Gothenburg, the home of Volvo Trucks.