Volvo Starts Selling Electric Trucks

Volvo Trucks said it will start selling its Volvo FL and Volvo FE electric trucks in selected markets within Europe. The start of serial production is planned for March 2020. Sales will start in Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands.

The Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric trucks have been developed for distribution, refuse handling and other urban transport applications. The Volvo FL Electric has capacity of 16 tonne GVW, while the GVW of the Volvo FE Electric is 27 tonnes.

Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric were developed in collaboration with selected customers operating in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo said feedback has been positive, and the drivers involved in the collaboration are particularly impressed by the responsive driveline, seamless acceleration and how quiet the trucks are.

Electric trucks offer a number of advantages in urban areas., Volvo said. First, the low noise levels make it possible to carry out deliveries and refuse collection in early mornings, late evenings or even at night, helping to improve transport logistics and reduce congestion during peak hours. Second, with better air quality and less noise, electric trucks create new opportunities for city planning and road infrastructure. An electric truck can, for example be used in indoor loading areas and environmental zones.

“While customer feedback has been positive,” said Jonas Odermalm, vice president, Product Line Electromobility, “we do recognize that charging infrastructure is still under development in most cities and we are working alongside both public and private partners to agree on a long-term strategy for the expansion of charging infrastructure. But it’s clear that the pace of development of charging infrastructure needs to increase.”

“Electric vehicles, charged with electricity from renewable sources, are indeed a powerful step towards more sustainable city distribution. However, there will not be one singular energy source that addresses climate change and all other environmental issues. Different types of transport require different types of driveline solutions,” Odermalm said.