Volvo Trucks Brings Electric Power to Freight Transport

With the launch of three new fully electric models in the heavy-duty range this year, Volvo Trucks sees the right moment for a rapid upswing in the electrification of heavy road transport. This positive outlook is based on the fact that Volvo can meet a variety of transport requirements with its electric vehicles. In the EU, nearly half of all truck transports could be electrified in the near future.

(Ismaning) Major national and international transport companies are showing strong interest in electric vehicles. The driving force behind this development is their own ambitious climate goals, as well as consumer demand for reduced carbon dioxide emissions and cleaner transport solutions.

“More and more transport companies are recognizing that the time for the electrification of the road has now come, both in terms of environmental protection and for competitive reasons, to meet customer demands for sustainable freight transport. With our versatile offering, it is feasible for many more transport companies to switch to electric vehicles,” says Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm.

Expansion of the electric vehicle range with three additional truck models

With the launch of the new electric models Volvo FH and Volvo FM, electrified freight transport is now possible not only in urban areas but also for regional transport between cities. Additionally, the new electric Volvo FMX offers opportunities for quieter and cleaner transport in construction.

Series production of the new electric models for Europe will begin in the second half of 2022. They complement the Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric model ranges for urban delivery traffic, which have been in series production since 2019. In North America, sales of the Volvo VNR Electric began in December 2020. With the launch of the new truck models, Volvo Trucks now has a range of six medium and heavy trucks with electric drive, which is the most comprehensive in the industry.

Can cover nearly half of the EU transport needs

With the new products – featuring higher load capacities, more powerful drivetrains, and a range of up to 300 km – Volvo Trucks’ portfolio of electric vehicles could currently cover about 45% of all goods transported in Europe.* This can make a significant contribution to reducing the climate impact of road transport. According to official statistics, road transport currently accounts for about 6% of total CO₂ emissions within the EU.

“In the near future, there is great potential for the electrification of truck transport in Europe and other parts of the world,” says Roger Alm. “To prove this, we have set ourselves the ambitious goal of achieving half of our sales with electric trucks by 2030. These three new heavy commercial vehicles that we are now bringing to market are a huge step towards achieving this goal.”

Wide range of electric solutions

In addition to electric vehicles, Volvo Trucks’ electrification program includes a complete offering with numerous service, maintenance, and financing solutions, as well as other options that enable an easier and faster transition to electrified transport. The holistic setup will help customers remain productive and maintain control over their new electric vehicle fleet.

“These fully electrified transport solutions, which we can offer alongside our global network of dealers and service workshops, will play a crucial role in the success of our customers,” believes Roger Alm.

Coming soon: Electric trucks with hydrogen fuel cell technology

Looking to the future, heavy transport over longer distances will also be possible with electric vehicles. To meet the demanding requirements for both high payloads and much greater ranges, Volvo Trucks plans to use hydrogen fuel cells for power generation.

“This technology is developing rapidly. We are committed to electrifying long distances using both batteries and fuel cells,” explains Roger Alm. “Our goal is to start selling fuel cell electric vehicles in the second half of this decade, and we are confident that we can achieve this.”

Volvo Trucks’ electric vehicle offering for Europe

Models:

• Volvo FH Electric for regional and long-distance transport.
• Volvo FM Electric, a versatile truck for local heavy transport and regional distribution.
• Volvo FMX Electric for cleaner and quieter construction transport.
• Volvo FE Electric for local and urban distribution and waste management.
• Volvo FL Electric for local and urban distribution.

The program also includes the Volvo VNR Electric for the North American market.

* According to the Eurostat statistic “Road Freight Transport by Distance 2018,” 45% of all goods transported on the road in Europe traveled a distance of less than 300 km.

Photo: © Volvo Trucks