Long-range Volvo electric 44-tonner on the way
Volvo Trucks will open the order-book for a new version of its electric tractor unit with a 600 km range and a potential charging time of 40 minutes before the end of the year.
This latest FH Aero 6×2 Electric will use the Volvo electric drive axle, first revealed at the IAA Show in 2022.
The chassis space that this liberates enables the fitment of up to eight batteries with a total installed capacity of 780 kW/h.
The 40-minute charging time (from 20 to 80 per cent of total capacity) will be enabled by Megawatt Charging Systems when they become available.
These will allow the truck to recharge within a standard EU drivers’ hours break-period, minimising the operational impact of electrification. Until then, the truck’s CCS2 charging capability is 350 kW.
The truck has a tag axle with 17.5 in wheels, enabling operation at the UK 3+3 weight limit of 44 tonnes.
The Aero cab will be standardised on the model (Volvo says the majority of long-haul customers now choose it in preference to the predecessor cab on the diesel FH), but the older design will be an option.
Roger Alm, president, Volvo Trucks, said: “This is a real breakthrough in zero-emission transport.
“Now, transport companies can operate really long distances with electric trucks without having to compromise on productivity.
“The superfast charging and high payload capacity make this a very competitive solution.
“Electric trucks in long-haul operation will make an important contribution to reduce CO2 in our industry, since this is where you can save the most per truck. This is positive news for transport companies and for society.”
Volvo Trucks said it would continue with its “three-path technology strategy” towards net zero transport by 2040, using fuel-cell electric and renewable combustion-fuels in addition to battery-electric power.
It said the new FH was an important addition to its wider electric product offer and related services, which include evaluation of suitable routes to electrify, efficient charging of electric trucks on the road and at depots, and detailed follow-ups of the performance of customers’ electric fleets.
“We have the industry’s most complete offer of electric truck transport solutions, and we have more than five years of experience in supporting thousands of customers, big and small, to go electric,” Roger Alm added.
“Volvo Trucks is the go-to company for transport operators that want to start their decarbonisation journey.”
The manufacturer, which offers eight medium and heavy-duty battery electric truck models within its portfolio, highlights the breadth of its product range, which enables the electrification of city and regional distribution, construction and waste management, and now long-distance transport.
The company started serial production in 2019 and says it has so far delivered more than 4,900 electric trucks to customers in 49 countries around the world.
