Volvo Target Construction With BEV Truck Concepts
Volvo Trucks is targeting the construction industry in a bid to bring less polluting heavy transport into rapidly expanding city developments.
It says its electrified trucking options are now focused on heavy trucks employed in construction and also regional distribution sectors. So it has developed electric concept trucks which are ready for commercial use starting with selected customers in Europe to pilot a small number of these heavyweight BEVs. More extensive commercialization is expected to follow.
At the same time, the automaker says ongoing improvements of the efficiency of combustion engines, as part of the electrified powertrain, will continue to play a key role for long haul truck transport for many years to come. So far its offerings include the Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric, both all-electric and intended for local distribution and refuse handling in urban environments. Volvo FH LNG for heavy duty long-haul operations and Volvo FM LNG for heavy duty regional transport run on liquefied natural gas or biogas. Lastly, the Volvo FE CNG for compressed natural gas or biogas is intended for local distribution and refuse handling.
Roger Alm, president Volvo Trucks, said: “We see great potential for heavy-duty electric trucks for regional transport and construction in the longer term. With our concept trucks, we aim to explore and demonstrate different solutions for the future while evaluating the level of interest in the market and in society. To increase demand for electrified trucks, the charging infrastructure needs to be rapidly expanded, while stronger financial incentives must be created for hauliers who act as pioneers by choosing new vehicles with a lower environmental and climate footprint.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
