- Volvo Trucks is set to expand its electric offerings, with the manufacturer primed to release a longer-range variant of its current FH Electric.
- With the upcoming longer range variant capable of hauling for 600 km (373 miles) between charges, it eclipses the range of the standard FH Electric, which has around half the range capability – 300 km (186 miles).
- Volvo Trucks already saw record electric truck sales of 1,977 last year, and this dramatically improved range should make the FH Electric suitable for an ever wider range of haulage operations.
Longer range Volvo FH Electric coming next year
The massively increased range capability of this longer range variant is partly thanks to Volvo’s new e-axle, which integrates both the electric motors and transmission onto the rear axle, freeing up other space on the truck body to install more batteries. The batteries themselves are also more efficient than their predecessors, on top of a revised battery management system, with both also helping to hit that 600 km range figure, which was achieved in 4×2 tractor unit form.
Volvo Trucks has already had success gaining customers for its shorter-range electric trucks, but this range figure is a turning point for the European electric truck industry, as it will allow electric trucks to become a viable option for a much wider selection of haulage companies and drivers. This could allow many to drive an entire work day without needing to recharge, or increasing that range capability even further for those that can charge up on their legally mandated breaks.
The 600 km range on offer also eclipses that of other battery-powered cabover trucks on the market, from manufacturers such as Renault Trucks, Scania, and Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, commented on the future release:
“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. 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,”
