Volvo Trucks has introduced its first all-electric truck for commercial use with the aim of taking the lead in solutions for electrified goods transport in cities.

Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks, says the Volvo FL Electric is making it possible for cities that aim for sustainable urban development to benefit from the advantages of electrified truck transports. “We’re immensely proud to present the first in a range of fully electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic.”

With better air quality and less noise in the city, it is possible to plan for housing and infrastructure more freely than at present. An electric truck without any exhaust emissions can be used in indoor terminals and environmental zones. Their low noise level creates opportunities for doing more work at night, thus reducing the burden on the roads during the day.

Holistic solutions

There is considerable market interest in electric trucks. Many potential customers have questions about the opportunities generated by the innovative technology and how it can impact their operations.

“In order to make the transition secure and smooth, we will offer holistic solutions based on each customer’s individual needs regarding driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters. Such a solution may encompass everything from route analysis and battery optimisation to servicing and financing,” says Jonas Odermalm, head of product strategy Volvo FL and Volvo FE at Volvo Trucks.

The first trucks in the Volvo FL Electric range are now entering regular operation with customers in Gothenburg, the home of Volvo Trucks.

Specs

• Fully electrically-powered truck for distribution, refuse collection and other applications in urban conditions, GVW 16 tonnes.
• Driveline: 185 kW electric motor, max power/130 kW continuous output, two speed transmission, propeller shaft, rear axle. Max torque electric motor 425 Nm. Max torque rear axle 16 kNm.
• Energy storage: 2-6 lithium-ion batteries, totalling 100–300 kWh.
• Range: Up to 300 km.
• Charging: AC charging via the mains grid (22 kW) or DC fast charge via CCS/Combo2 for up to 150 kW.
• Recharging time: From empty to fully charged batteries: fast charge 1-2 hours (DC charging), night charge up to 10 hours (AC charging) with maximum battery capacity of 300 kWh.
• The first two Volvo FL Electric trucks will be operated by refuse collection and recycling company Renova and haulage firm TGM.
• The Off-Peak City Distribution project studied the effects of goods transport at night in central Stockholm. By avoiding peak hour traffic the trucks were able to do their jobs in one-third of the time compared to daytime operation.