Volvo Trucks says it has received an order for 16 Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks, the largest commercial order of the only battery-electric Class 8 model available in North America.
The Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 truck was unveiled back in December, and boasts zero tailpipe emissions and a 264-kWh lithium-ion battery, along with a range of around 240-kilometres (150-miles).
Volvo Trucks announced on Wednesday that it had received an order from Performance Team, a US-based warehousing and distribution company, for 16 Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks – the largest such order to date.
The 16 trucks will begin delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will be carrying regional loads daily to customers across Southern California.
“The shift toward electrification is an exciting time in the commercial truck space and Performance Team is leading the way with its largest order of the only battery-electric Class 8 model in scalable serial production today,” said Peter Voorhoeve, from Volvo Trucks.
Performance Team, which was acquired by Danish integrated shipping company Maersk back in early 2020, operates a North America warehousing and distribution network of 45 locations and a fleet of 215 trucks.
The company has also opted in to participating in a State of California South Coast Air Quality Management District grant to reduce emissions in the transportation sector by replacing diesel trucks with electric trucks. The grant is also focused on creating new charging infrastructure.
“Customers are looking for more truck power to meet high volume delivery demands,” said Jason Walker, executive vice president of operations of Performance Team.
“This new order of Volvo VNR Electric trucks will give us firsthand experience on their performance carrying regional loads and environmental benefits. Our findings will help determine next steps in our fleet modernization and the electric infrastructure necessary for future operations.”
The 16 Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 truck can charge up to 80% in only 70 minutes and offers both drivers and passing communities a quieter ride – one that Volvo also hopes will help to improve the working environment of long-haul truckers and help to reduce stress and fatigue.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.