On Tuesday, Volvo Trucks delivered its first all-electric vehicles: a refuse truck to waste and recycling company Renova, and a distribution truck to logistics company DB Schenker and partner haulier TGM, operating in Sweden.
The Volvo FL Electric trucks are part of a pre-series developed in collaboration with selected customers. Series production of the Volvo FL Electric and its sibling, the Volvo FE Electric, will commence with a limited number of trucks for the European markets in the second half of this year.
According to the automaker, the absence of motor noise and exhaust emissions contributes to better working conditions for drivers and a quieter, cleaner urban environment.
“Our close collaboration with drivers and customers has enabled us to develop, in a short space of time, electrified transport solutions that meet high requirements in terms of performance, driving distances, cargo handling and vehicle use,” says Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks.
The drivers who will operate the electric trucks have had the opportunity to test-drive them prior to delivery.
“The drivers were particularly impressed with the responsive driveline, delivering fast and seamless acceleration, and the low noise level,” says Alm.
The trucks are developed for distribution, refuse handling and other urban transport applications. The Volvo FL Electric has capacity for a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 16 metric tons, while the Volvo FE Electric has capacity for a GVW of 27 metric tons.
“We will continue to develop our electrified offering,” adds Alm. “At the same time, we are steadily reducing the environmental and climate impact of our diesel- and gas-powered trucks, primarily through energy-efficient drivelines.”