Electric breakthrough for Volvo Trucks
Company first in the world to start series production of 44-tonne heavy-duty electric trucks
VOLVO Trucks have become the first truck manufacturer in the world to start series production of the electric versions of the company’s most important product range, its heavy-duty trucks – the Volvo FH, FM, and FMX. These trucks can operate at a total weight of 44 tonnes* and the three models represent around two-thirds of the company’s sales.
With the new additions, Volvo Trucks now have six electric truck models in series production globally – the broadest electric truck line up in the industry.
‘This is a milestone and proves that we are leading the transformation of the industry,’ said Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks. ‘It’s less than two years ago since we showcased our heavy electric trucks for the very first time. Now we are ramping up volumes and will deliver these great trucks to customers all over Europe, and later on also to customers in Asia, Australia, and Latin America,’
Series production of Volvo’s heaviest electric trucks has started in the Tuve factory, in Gothenburg, Sweden, and next year the company’s factory in Ghent, Belgium, will follow suit. Volvo produce the electric trucks on the same line as their conventional trucks, which gives high production flexibility and efficiency gains. The batteries are supplied by Volvo Trucks’ new battery assembly plant in Ghent.
With the demand for electric trucks rapidly increasing in many markets, a key driving force being the need for transport buyers to shift to fossil-free transport in order to meet their sustainability goals, Volvo Trucks say their electric portfolio could cover around 45% of all goods transported in Europe today.**
‘We have sold around 1,000 units of our heavy electric trucks and more than 2,600 of our electric trucks in total. We expect volumes to increase significantly in the next few years. By 2030, at least 50% of the trucks we sell globally should be electric,’ said Mr Alm.
Volvo Trucks’ electric line-up of six truck models covers a wide range of applications including construction work.
*Gross Combination Weight (GCW)
**According to Eurostat statistics ‘Road Freight Transport by distance’ (2018), 45% of all goods transported on road in Europe travel a distance of less than 300km
