Volvo teases VNR Electric truck

Volvo Trucks has announced it will be introducing a number of demonstrators of its new Volvo VNR Electric truck to regional-haul, distribution and drayage operations fleets in California next year, with a view to selling the eco-friendly vehicle in North America the year after.

Although the specifics of the model are yet to be revealed, Volvo has said the VNR Electric's drivetrain will be based on that of the Volvo FE Electric, which was unveiled last May.

The Volvo Group is ramping up its electrification program, with news of an electric truck from Japanese subsidiary UD Trucks expected soon. Under the Volvo Group's Common Architecture Shared Technology (CAST) framework, Volvo Group brands including UD Trucks and Mack can 'cherry pick' technologies developed in other parts of the firm, significantly reducing development times.

It was this framework that is helping to fast-track the development of UD's first automated truck, which was demonstrated to Trucksales at a special event in Ageo, Tokyo, last week.

"We are proud to announce the Volvo VNR Electric, designed to support cities focused on sustainable urban development and fleets operating in a range of regional-haul and distribution operations,"said Peter Voorhoeve, , the former President of Volvo Group Australia and now President of Volvo Trucks North America.

"The Volvo VNR Electric leverages the versatility of the new Volvo VNR series with a proven fully electric powertrain, and represents a strategic stride toward a comprehensive electrified transport ecosystem.

"Cities prioritizing sustainable urban development can leverage electrified transport solutions to help improve air quality and reduce traffic noise. Cleaner, quieter, fully electric commercial transport also creates opportunities for expanded morning and late-night operations, helping cut traffic congestion during peak hours."

Volvo says it has already sold over 4000 electrified buses since 2010.