Volvo unveils heavy duty electric truck with 600km range

Swedish truck company Volvo has unveiled the next generation of its FH Electric heavy-duty electric truck which will now boast an electric range of up to 600 kilometres, double that of its predecessor.

Volvo launched the first FH Electric in late 2020 as part of its first complete range of electric trucks. Sales began the next year, with volume production in 2022. The first FH Electric was sold in Australia in March of this year, after it made its official Australian debut in May of 2023 at the company’s Sustainability Summit in Brisbane.

Boasting a 540kWh battery pack and a range of up to 300 kilometres, the FH Electric subsequently completed Australia’s longest electric truck journey, travelling 1,185 kilometres from Brisbane to Canberra in around 19 hours, including necessary charging.

That necessary charging time is soon to be cut short, however, after Volvo announced this week the launch of its new FH Electric, which doubles the expected range of the truck.

Volvo credits the added range on its new driveline technology, the so-called e-axle, which allowed for increased battery capacity to be installed. More efficient batteries, an improved battery management system, and the overall efficiency of the powertrain also contribute to the extended range.

“Our new electric flagship will be a great complement to our wide range of electric trucks and enable zero-exhaust emission transport also for the longer distances,” said Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks.

“It will be a great solution for transport companies with a high annual mileage on their trucks and with a strong commitment to reduce CO2.”

The new FH Electric joins a range of eight battery electric medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks in Volvo’s portfolio – a range which Volvo hopes allows for the complete electrification of city and regional distribution, construction, waste management, and long-distance transport.

“The transport sector represents seven percent of global carbon emissions,” said Alm.

“Battery-electric trucks are important tools to reduce the climate footprint. Besides the important environmental gains that electric trucks bring, they offer truck drivers a much better working environment, with much lower levels of noise and vibrations.”