Swedish truck manufacturer Volvo Trucks has made two big announcements this week, revealing that it had begun series production of the FH Aero Electric, which boasts 700 kilometres range, as well as unveiling a new battery electric truck designed for gross combination weights of up to 80 tonnes.
Volvo says it has begun series production of its new generation of heavy-duty electric trucks, starting with the flagship FH Aero Electric with extended range, which boasts new e-axle technology which opens up space for increased battery capacity, and can travel up to 700 kilometres on a single charge.
“We are turning groundbreaking technology into industrial reality,” said Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.
“The response from our customers has been very positive, and there is great interest in the new vehicles. Thanks to greater ranges, high flexibility for a wide variety of applications, and excellent driving characteristics, switching to electric mobility is easier than ever.”
Combining the truck’s new 700 km range with megawatt charging technology and a high payload, Volvo expects the FH Aero Electric to open up new possibilities for electric transport on routes that are currently dominated by diesel trucks.
The new generation of battery electric trucks also includes the Volvo FM Electric and Volvo FMX Electric models, each of which feature a completely redesigned electric powertrain that improves energy efficiency, productivity, and driving performance, and enables driving ranges of up to 470 km.
Volvo Trucks also unveiled an electric truck combination specifically designed for articulated lorries with a gross combination weight of up to 80 tonnes.
The combination includes the rigid FH Electric or FH Aero Electric (mentioned above) as well as a trailer and will be marketed at European countries like Sweden and Finland, where total combination weights of 74- and 76-tonnes are permitted, and will boast a total driving range of up to 420 km.
At a gross combination of 64-tonnes, the range increases to up to 450 km.
“We are proud to introduce yet another fantastic zero tailpipe emission truck, tailormade for really heavy loads and long distances,” said Jan Hjelmgren, senior vice president of product management at Volvo Trucks.
The truck and trailer combination will also feature megawatt charging up to 680 kilowatts (kW) or DC charging using a CCS2 plug up to 360 kW. These allow charging from 20 to 80 per cent in approximately 36 and 70 minutes, respectively.
