Volvo Promises Full Electric HGV Range for 2021

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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5th November 2020

Heavy-duty truck fleet managers will be able to choose all-electric versions of Volvo’s complete range next year.

That’s the pledge made by the automaker as it holds true to its strategy to achieve to a fossil-free transportation future. It says tests are now being run of the electric heavy-duty Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX trucks, which will be used for regional transport and urban construction operations in Europe. These trucks will have a gross combination weight of up to 44-metric tons. Depending on the battery configuration the range could be up to 185 miles. Volume production will start in 2022 meaning, that from 2021 onward,s Volvo Trucks will sell a full range of battery-electric trucks in Europe for distribution, refuse, regional transport and urban construction operations. In North America, sales of the Volvo VNR Electric, a truck for regional transport, will start this December.

However, fuel cell options are also in the pipeline offering the longer range vehicles for distance haulage journeys. Roger Alm, president Volvo Trucks, said: “By rapidly increasing the number of heavy-duty electric trucks, we want to help our customers and transport buyers to achieve their ambitious sustainability goals. We’re determined to continue driving our industry towards a sustainable future.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_