First Volvo FL electric truck reaches Australian shores

The first Volvo FL Electric truck has landed on Australian shores from Sweden’s Volvo Trucks, destined for trials and evaluation with Australian logistics and supply chain company Linfox.

The Volvo FL Electric truck, along with the Volvo FE electric truck, was first unveiled back in the first half of 2019 as part of a pre-series developed in collaboration with selected customers and opened sales in select European markets by the end of 2019.

Volvo Trucks revealed a full line-up of electric trucks at the end of 2020, including the FL and FE, with hauliers in Europe offered a complete heavy-duty range of electric trucks, beginning this year. The move comes as part of the company’s long-term goal of selling only fossil fuel-free trucks by 2040, announced at the end of 2020. Pre-sales for the full European line-up of Volvo Trucks electric models will begin in 2021 with production to follow in 2022.

Both the FL Electric and FE Electric were developed by Volvo Trucks for distribution, refuse handling, and other urban transport applications. The two-axle FL Electric truck boasts a gross vehicle weight capacity of 16 tonnes thanks to an electric motor generating power output of 200kW and 425Nm of torque.

The bodywork of the FL Electric is powered by a separate electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump, offered in two model options – a smaller motor delivering peak output of 240Nm and 70kW, and a more powerful motor with 530Nm and 100kW output.

Landing on Australian shores last week, the first model will be fitted with an 8-pallet body and tailgate lift to be used by Linfox subsidiary and Australian alcoholic beverages logistics company BevChain.

The specific model to be trialled by BevChain will be powered by a 600 Volt, 200kWh battery pack powering the 200kW and 425Nm motor, and is expected to begin trials in April.

“It is very clear that both our customers, and our customer’s customers, are demanding a cleaner and quieter urban transport environment,” said Tony O’Connell, Vice President of Volvo Trucks Australia. “Momentum is building globally to create safe and clean cities and the arrival of this truck in Australia marks the first step on that journey for Volvo Trucks Australia.”

“The electrification of our urban supply chain not only affects the local air quality of our cities.

“It also has the potential to make our urban areas more liveable. Imagine a cityscape of clear horizons, devoid of the rumble and hum of the tradition internal combustion engine, and that’s got to be something worth striving for.”

“The introduction of electric vehicles opens an exciting chapter for both Linfox and Volvo,” said Peter Fox, Executive Chairman Linfox Pty Ltd. “Our investment in sustainable vehicles will significantly help reduce our emissions in the foreseeable future.

“Adopting a greener fleet is an ongoing part of our commitment to act sustainably, as we strive for zero net environmental emissions and play our part to mitigate climate change.

“As our nations’ freight demand grows, it is vital we meet that need safely, efficiently and with reduced environmental impact.”

Volvo Trucks North America, the company’s regional subsidiary, unveiled at the end of 2020 a separate electric truck, unveiling the commercial introduction and start of sales for its battery-electric Volvo VNR Electric semi-truck.

With zero tailpipe emissions and a 264-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric truck will manage a range of around 240-kilometres (150-miles) and will begin production in early 2021 for Canada and the United States.

“The Volvo VNR Electric marks a significant step forward for electromobility in an industry that we are committed to leading as it undergoes rapid, significant change,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America,