Volvo presents FH Electric trucks with 80-tonne GVW capability

Volvo Trucks has launched new variants of the FH Electric and FH Aero Electric rigid trucks which have a total gross combined weight capacity of up to 80 tonnes.

The higher weight capacity represents a trailer added to the standard truck.

The new electric truck is purpose-built for truck and trailer combinations of a total weight up to 80 tonnes. (Photo: Volvo Trucks)

According to Volvo, a gross total weight of up to 74 and 76 tonnes is permitted respectively in Sweden and Finland. With these, the FM Electric can return a range of up to 420 km.

FH Electric Rigid features the same powertrain as the electric FH, FM and FMX models from Volvo Trucks. These have updated ‘longer life’ battery packs with 640 kWh of usable energy storage capacity.

With a megawatt charger, these batteries can be recharged from 20 to 80% in about 36 minutes. CCS2 charging at 360 kW will achieve the same recharge levels in about 70 minutes.

All models use an eight-speed gearbox developed specifically for electric motors.

In addition to the new high-tonnage FH Electric models, Volvo has also released an updated version of its battery monitoring system, plus new insulation for trucks in cold climates that allows them to retain more energy and operate more efficiently.

There is also an electric PTO. This can be used to power a refrigeration unit instead of carrying a diesel engine.

Volvo has also launched new hub-reduction axles that provide a truck and trailer with better ground clearance. These further offer improved starting performance when loaded with heavier gross combination weight.