Swedish carmaker, Volvo, has announced that it has started series production of the battery electric versions of heavy-duty vehicles such as FH, FM, and FMX ranges.
Volvo says these trucks are capable of operating at a total weight of 44 t (gross combination weight) and with such new additions, the Swedish truck manufacturer has six electric truck models in series production globally.
“This is a milestone and proves that we are leading the transformation of the industry,” says Volvo Trucks president Roger Alm.
“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.”
It is also announced that these Volvo trucks are set to be available in South Africa in the second quarter of 2023, and a local customer KDG Logistics has signed a letter of intent to purchase two Volvo FM 4×2 electric truck tractors.
These Volvo trucks will be used by KDG Logistics – an auto carrier ¬– in a port-to-factory operation in Durban according to Engineering News.
“This marks the first steps locally in embracing electric vehicles as part of sustainable transport solutions here in South Africa,” says Volvo Trucks South Africa MD Waldemar Christensen.
“Volvo Trucks and our customers are taking on the challenge to embrace zero tailpipe-emission transport, despite a lack of the necessary infrastructure and legislation to drive more progress in this area locally.”
Series production of Volvo’s heaviest electric trucks will start in the Tuve factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, and next year in the factory in Ghent, Belgium where Volvo produces its electric trucks on the same line as its conventional trucks.
The batteries are supplied by Volvo Trucks’ new battery assembly plant in Belgium and it is mentioned that the demand for electric trucks is rapidly increasing in many markets.
The company says around 45% of all goods transported in Europe today typically travel a distance of less than 300 km, which means its electric portfolio could cover almost half of the continent’s road logistics market.
Alm said they have already sold around 1 000 units of their 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,” he said.
Main Image: Volvo Electric Trucks/VolvoTrucksSA
