A small number of heavy-duty electric trucks will be tested with selected customers soon. Commercialization expected afterward.
Volvo Trucks unveiled a new, bigger all-electric truck concept for construction operations and regional transport. This truck might become its next production EV model, right after the Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric models.
Besides a few photos and video, there are no details revealed at this point. However, because Volvo Trucks mention trucks used for regional goods transport (with an average annual mileage of 80,000 km), we assume that range must be at least 200-300 km (124-186 miles) real-world with cargo.
Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks said:
“We see great potential for heavy-duty electric trucks for regional transport and construction in the longer term. With our concept trucks, we aim to explore and demonstrate different solutions for the future while evaluating the level of interest in the market and in society. To increase demand for electrified trucks, the charging infrastructure needs to be rapidly expanded, while stronger financial incentives must be created for hauliers who act as pioneers by choosing new vehicles with a lower environmental and climate footprint,”.
The near-term plan envisions trials of a small pilot fleet with selected customers in Europe, while “More extensive commercialization will follow at a later point”.
“Heavy duty electric trucks can help improve the work environment for drivers and construction workers thanks to low noise level and zero exhaust emissions during operation. The latter will have a significant and positive effect on air quality in cities with many ongoing construction projects. Due to the lack of noise disturbance, these trucks also make it possible to perform transport operations for more hours per day which opens up new possibilities for streamlining operations, for instance in large construction projects and for transports in and around cities.
A reduction of the overall climate impact of the transport sector is possible by using heavy electric vehicles in regional distribution. The majority of goods distribution by truck within the EU is regional.”
Gallery: Volvo Trucks – heavy-duty electric concept trucks for construction operations and regional transport
Lars Mårtensson, Director Environment and Innovation, Volvo Trucks said:
“In Europe there is an enormous number of trucks used for regional goods transport that have an average annual mileage of 80,000 km. This means that increased use of electric vehicles for regional distribution would result in significant climate gains, provided the electricity is fossil-free.”
“The speed of electrification will depend on a number of factors. On the one hand, an extensive expansion of the charging infrastructure is needed, and on the other hand it’s necessary to ensure that regional power networks can deliver sufficient transfer capacity in the long term. Financial incentives are necessary to induce more hauliers to invest in electric vehicles. Transport buyers can also contribute by offering longer contracts and being more willing to pay for sustainable transports. Many haulage operators have very small margins, so every new investment must be profitable,”