With the sales start of three new all-electric trucks – the FH, FM and FMX – Volvo Trucks can now offer customers a total range of six electrified truck models. The production of the new trucks will initially start with tractors in the second half of 2022, followed by rigids in the beginning of 2023.
The new heavy-duty trucks for the regional haul and construction segments have a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 44 tons and come in two alternative chassis heights, with wheelbases from 3800 to 6700 mm and a variety of two, three or four axle configurations.
“Built on the same highly-successful platform as their diesel or gas-powered counterparts, our new electric trucks provide great flexibility and the ability to meet a very wide variety of transport needs,” comments Jonas Odermalm, Vice President of Electromobility Product Management at Volvo Trucks.
Up to three motors combine with I-Shift gearbox to give unique drive unit
Customers can choose to have either two or three electric motors. These are coupled with Volvo Trucks' well-proven I-Shift gearbox which has a unique new gear shifting strategy optimized for electric operations. Together, the motors and I-Shift gearbox form a powerful electric drive unit that offers unprecedented, high-efficiency drivability – with a combined electric motor power of up to 490 kW (666 hp) and a gearbox torque of up to 28,000 Nm.
“Because the truck always starts in the highest possible gear, energy efficiency and savings are achieved, thanks to minimized gear shifting. At the same time lower gears are of course available for steep roads or in starting situations that require additional torque and control,” Jonas Odermalm explains.
For power take-off, PTO, capability there are three options to meet the customer’s needs: one electric (40 kW), one electro-mechanical (70 kW) and one gearbox mounted (150 kW).
Next generation batteries with high energy density
The high energy density traction batteries use the latest generation of lithium-ion cell technology and will be assembled in a Volvo production plant. The number and installation of the battery packs in each vehicle can be adapted as customers choose. An electric truck with six battery packs can store up to 540 kWh, allowing a range of up to 300 km*.
Flexible and fast charging
The trucks offer two ways of charging: AC charging up to 43 kW, which is ideal for overnight charging, or a much faster DC charging of up to 250 kW. This is very useful when driving two shifts or if you need to charge the vehicle during a lunch break, to add additional range. With a 250 kW DC-charger it is possible to charge up to 80 percent of the battery capacity in less than 90 minutes**.
Smooth E-mobility transition for hauliers
In addition to the electric trucks, Volvo Trucks also offers a complete ecosystem of service, maintenance and financing solutions that are made specifically for hauliers to support their easier and faster transition to electrified transport.
“For hauliers, it’s important that the transition to electric trucks can be done gradually and in a smooth and easy way. They will have a mixed fleet with different drivelines for many years to come and they can continue to use systems like Dynafleet as well as the same service provider for all their Volvo trucks. The driveline may differ, but the rest is very similar, making the move to electric trucks both seamless and logical,” concludes Jonas Odermalm.
Volvo Trucks’ electric vehicle offering for Europe
- Volvo FH Electric, for regional and intercity transport.
- Volvo FM Electric, a versatile truck for heavy local transports and regional distribution.
- Volvo FMX Electric, for cleaner and quieter construction transport.
- Volvo FE Electric, for local and city distribution, waste transport.
- Volvo FL Electric, for local and city distribution.
The program also includes the Volvo VNR Electric for the North American market.
* Actual range may vary depending on many factors i.e. driving speed, use of cruise control, vehicle specification, vehicle load, actual topography, the driver’s experience, vehicle maintenance, and weather conditions.
** Charging times may vary depending upon outside temperature, the type of charging equipment, truck specifications, current battery temperature, battery condition and battery power levels prior to charging.
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