Volvo launches second all-electric truck

Following the launch of the company's first fully-electric truck, the FL Electric, Volvo says its second electric truck, the FE Electric is designed for heavier city distribution and refuse transport operations with gross weights of up to 27 tonnes. Sales of the FE Electric will commence in Europe in 2019.

“With the introduction of the Volvo FE Electric we have a comprehensive range of electrically powered trucks for city operations,” said Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.

“This opens the door to new forms of co-operation with cities that target to improve air quality, reduce traffic noise, and cut congestion during peak hours since commercial operations can instead be carried out quietly and without tail-pipe exhaust emissions early in the morning or late at night,” he added.

The first Volvo FE Electric, a refuse truck with a body developed by Europe's largest truck bodybuilder, Faun, will start operating in early 2019 in Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg.

Rüdiger Siechau, CEO of Stadtreinigung Hamburg who will be using the vehicles for refuse and cleaning work, sees large potential for environmental benefits with electric trucks in the city.

“Today, each of our 300 conventional refuse vehicles emits approximately 31.300 kg carbon dioxide every year. An electrically powered refuse truck with battery that stands a full shift of eight to ten hours is a breakthrough in technology. Another benefit is the fact that Stadtreinigung Hamburg generates climate-neutral electricity that can be used to charge the batteries.”

The new Volvo FE Electric will be offered in several variants for different types of applications. For instance with Volvo’s low-entry cab, which makes it easier to enter and exit the cab and gives the driver a commanding view of surrounding traffic.

Battery capacity can be optimised to suit individual needs, and charging takes place either via the mains or via quick-charge stations.

Volvo FE Electric
>> Fully electrically-powered truck for distribution, refuse collection and other applications in urban conditions, GVW 27 tonnes.
>> Driveline: Two electric motors with 370kW max power (260kW continuous power) with a Volvo two-speed transmission. Max torque electric motors 850Nm. Max torque rear axle 28kNm.
>> Energy storage: Lithium-ion batteries, 200–300kWh.
>> Range: Up to 200km.
>> Charging: Two different charging systems are available. CCS2: Maximum charge power 150 kW DC. Low Power Charging: Maximum charge power 22 kW AC.
>> Charging time: From empty to fully charged batteries (300 kWh): CCS2 150 kW approximately 1.5 hours, Low power charging approximately 10 hours.