Volvo Trucks targets UK as it begins Europe-wide electric rollout

Volvo Trucks has started selling its FL and FE electric trucks in selected markets within Europe, meeting the increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions in city environments, the company said.

Initially the launch markets will be Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands, with further markets - including the UK and Ireland - to follow at a later date.

Volvo believes the reduced noise levels and the absence of exhaust emissions 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.

“Global urbanisation requires urban logistics and truck transport with zero emissions and less noise with increasing urgency," explained Jonas Odermalm, VP Product Line Electromobility. "With the Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric we are able to meet both the strong environmental demands as well as the high commercial requirements of our customers.

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“Volvo Trucks solutions will be based on individual business needs that consider a number of parameters, such as driving cycles, load capacity and route analysis, to use the battery capacity in the most efficient way possible."

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

“While customer feedback has been positive, we do recognise that charging infrastructure is still under development in most cities," continued Odermalm. "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."