Volvo Trucks has started series production of electric versions of Volvo FH, Volvo FM, and Volvo FMX trucks.
The company states these trucks can operate at a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 44 metric tonnes and the three models represent around two thirds of the company’s sales.
The move has made Volvo the first global truck manufacturer to begin series production of the broadest heavy-duty electric truck line-up, with six electric truck models in series production globally.
“This is a milestone and proves that we are leading the transformation of the industry,” says 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 will start in the Tuve factory in Gothenburg, Sweden and next year the factory in Ghent, Belgium will follow.
Volvo produces the electric trucks on the same line as its conventional trucks, which gives high production flexibility and efficiency gains.
The batteries are supplied by Volvo Trucks’ new battery assembly plant in Ghent.
The demand for electric trucks is rapidly increasing in many markets, with one driving force being the need for transport buyers to shift to fossil-free transports in order to meet their sustainability goals.
Volvo Trucks’ electric portfolio can cover around 45 per cent of all goods transported in Europe today, the company states.
“We have sold around 1,000 units of our heavy electric trucks and more than 2,600 of our electric trucks in total,” Alm adds.
“We expect volumes to increase significantly in the next few years. By 2030, at least 50 per cent of the trucks we sell globally should be electric.”
Volvo Trucks’ electric line-up of six truck models covers a range of applications such as city distribution and refuse handling, regional transport, and construction work.
